In the bustling heart of Cape Town, Redaa Dollie is making waves in the fitness world.
The dynamic personal trainer and fitness enthusiast who’s redefining health and wellness for Gen Z, has been in the industry for a decade. In that time he has helped many content creators, like Rushana Isaacs, Jade Robertson and Quanita Orrie, reshape their bodies and minds to lead healthier lives – not to mention boosting their confidence and self-esteem.
What sets Redaa apart is his holistic approach to training, combining tailored workout regimens with nutritional guidance and a focus on mental well-being. Where did this passion come from? It’s personal.
Pursuing his passion
For the fitness fundi, it all started at Virgin Active in Athlone, where he worked with clients of all ages, ranging from as young as 12 to over 50. With a client list as diverse as his training methods, it wasn’t long before he moved to one of Virgin Active’s premium clubs, Wembley Square, where he worked with a few of Cape Town’s favourite celebrities. He now finds himself in the “very fortunate position” to be working at the only Virgin Active Collection club in Cape Town, in the Silo District at the Waterfront.
His fiery passion is deep-rooted in his personal health journey. As a young teen, Redaa was bullied because of his weight. “To be honest, I led a very unhealthy lifestyle, eating takeaways and junk food every day and gaining so much weight. I remember my school pants couldn’t fit. It became very overwhelming because I couldn’t take all the fat jokes any more. So I decided to do something about my lifestyle and my eating habits.”
Determined to turn his life around and share his experience with others, Redaa went on to study Sport, Recreation & Fitness at ETA College, as well as personal training at Trifocus Academy.
“The whole reason behind getting into the fitness industry was because I’d gone through the transformation journey myself, and I wanted to show others that it can be done,” he says. “I’m passionate about weight loss and helping others.
“Because of this, I’ve never felt like I’ve had to work a day in my life. Staying in shape and motivating others has become my way of life. My passion for the industry and my desire to help others has been the only reason for my success.”
The grind
As Redaa says, “The body achieves what the mind believes” – and this is the philosophy he lives by. This is why when it comes to helping others strengthen their bodies and reinvent themselves, he thrives on being a catalyst in the art of shifting mindsets, creating custom workouts that can incorporate strength training, HIIT, functional training, sport-specific and weight-loss regimens, toning, shaping and bodybuilding.
“I’ve been through many phases of training, like bulking up, cutting down and so on. Now, the older I get, the more I realise the importance of just remaining as healthy as possible – physically and mentally – and keeping fit consistently throughout the year. My goal now is to become as fit as possible and just maintain the current shape I’m in.”
View this post on Instagram
Aside from personal training, Redaa has been focusing on being a lifestyle content creator. With a strong online presence, he engages with Gen Z and Millennials, making fitness relatable and accessible. His social media platforms are a hub for everything from workout tips and motivational content to fashion inspo and dope collaborations with men’s grooming and health-food brands.
But Redaa admits that, even with all his success, he still has days where he lacks motivation. “I constantly remind myself of my ‘why’,” he admits. “‘Why are you doing this?’ and ‘Why are you here?’ are questions you have to ask in order to remind yourself of your purpose, vision and goals.
“It’s bigger than how you feel – it’s about what you want out of life and what you want to achieve. Once you’re reminded of this, you’ll get it done.” What sets Redaa apart is his emphasis on mental health. He firmly believes that true fitness goes beyond physical appearance. He’s an advocate for self-confidence, body positivity and mental resilience, inspiring his followers to embrace their unique journeys.
His stripes
With the new year in full swing, Redaa is mindful that many of us are making health and wellness one of our resolutions. However, he recommends that people have realistic expectations of what it takes to achieve goals like this.
“In anything you do, health comes first… A healthy body is a healthy mind, and with a healthy mind you can achieve anything. I always push my clients to aim for their best possible physique, because a good physique has numerous mental and physical benefits, it cannot be bought or given. It has to be earned.”
When it comes to leaving a legacy that he can be proud of, Redaa’s message to his community is to always work harder than you did yesterday. “Be the first one in and the last one out. Irrespective of what you do and what you become, be the best at it,” he says. “People laughed at Picasso when he said he wanted to be a painter, and now he’s the freaking world-renowned Picasso – even after death.”
For Redaa, it’s all about uplifting others. And yes, there will be many obstacles in 2024 and beyond, but it’s important to put yourself first and invest in yourself. “Never give up on your dreams! If I had given up at any point along the way, I wouldn’t be here today… There’s always going to be competition, setbacks, struggles, but you have to overcome, adapt and back yourself. Believe in yourself and your authenticity. Do better every single day, work on yourself internally as much as you work on your craft. Giving up should never be an option.”
Redaa Dollie’s story is one of transformation through perseverance. His influence extends beyond just physical fitness, as he shapes the minds and bodies of the next generation. With a growing community of inspired followers, he is not just a personal trainer but a life coach, motivator and advocate for a brighter, healthier future. In a world that often focuses on aesthetics, Redaa Dollie stands out by helping others redefine what it truly means to be healthy and happy.
Quick Q&A
Your pet peeve:
Being told what to do!
Style staple:
Sweats.
Signature scent:
Paco Rabanne Invictus.
Describe yourself in one word:
Ambitious.
A quote you live by:
“One day or day one? You decide.” – Leo Brigido
5 items in your gym bag:
AirPods, water bottle, hoody, a brush and a cap.
On your workout playlist:
‘City of Dreams’ by Tyla Yaweh and Chris Brown, and ‘I Won’ by Future.
Dream career milestone:
To take my business to the Middle East.
Birthday:
3 May 1995
Age:
28
Current location:
Cape Town
Star sign:
Taurus
Words by: Charndré Emma Kippie
Photography: Zhann Solomons
Stylist: Mia-Tess Smith
