A day in the life of Sliman

The first thing you notice when setting foot in Sliman’s flat is the yoga mat in the middle of the living room. No doubt about it, the man is all about exercising. Speaking of which, he’d just finished his mobility stretches when we knocked on his door. With old school R’n’B as a soundtrack, Sliman tells us about his background – from graduating in marketing to taking up cycling – his love for music, and the Five Tibetan Rites.

Hi Sliman, could you introduce yourself to our readers?

I’m 29 years old, and I’ve been Master coach at dynamo cycling (Editor's note: dynamo is the most popular Parisian spinning studio) for the past three years. I also do some coaching on the side. I’d say I have a pretty busy life. My girlfriend travels a lot, I have a dog called OG and a cat called Minette!

Walk us through your background, before you became a coach.

I’ve always been into sports, but I quickly understood that my parents didn’t really consider it a realistic career choice. So, I did what everybody else does, and started studying digital marketing. After I graduated, I worked as a project manager, but it clearly wasn’t for me.

How do you transition from digital marketing to cycling?

I’ve always been into dancing. When I was 3 or 4 years old, I’d watch Michael Jackson videos on repeat and mimic the steps. I kept on dancing as a teenager, without ever taking lessons. As I was starting to question my line of work, one of dynamo’s founders offered to let me try a few lessons because he thought I’d like it. And like it I did. I immediately knew I would be able to bring my own style to the lessons, and since I’ve given more than 1,500 classes!

Did you cycle at all before starting at dynamo?

Not at all! I like to consider my classes as performance art, shows. Some people even believe there’s a certain spirituality to them. Once my students are on their bikes, I want them to physically wear themselves out, but mostly let go of their mental baggage.

At dynamo, the entire room is dark except for a ring of light on the trainers. How do you handle 40 people looking at you throughout the lesson?

I’d be lying if I told you I wasn’t nervous at the beginning of each class. As I’ve grown more experienced, I’ve learned to handle my nerves, and I’m getting better every day. Also, I keep telling myself I’m unbelievably lucky to get to do something I love for a living!

Each coach has a signature soundtrack for the lessons. What’s your musical style?

I’m a huge music fan. I mostly listen to rap, hip-hop, R’n’B, soul, and deep house. Most of all, I listen to Michael Jackson. I change my playlist before every lesson. I really enjoy choosing the tunes, and trying to imagine how they’re going to complement the session.

You give approximately 15 classes each week. How do you prepare yourself physically?

I’m very careful to never over-train. Less is more, as they say. I don’t spend the entirety of the class on the bike, either. I dance and do my best to motivate those who are pedalling.

What over forms of exercise do you do, on top of cycling?

I’m a big ‘Five Tibetan Rites’ practitioner. It’s an ancient yoga and stretching method, which was born in the Himalayan monasteries. It’s basically a series of five positions that help gently build muscle while stretching your joints at the same time. It’s a real energy booster. I work on my mobility on a daily basis, and also do 5-to-10-minute breathing exercises. Twice a week, I also do some strength training.

Any fitness advice for our readers?

Daily mobility exercises, a couple of strength training sessions, along with some cycling every week is the ideal programme! Remember to do some breathing too, it’s very important. It plays a huge role in stress management, digestion, posture, and sleeping.

Walk us through one of your typical days.

I go to bed at approximately 11:30pm, and naturally wake up at 7:30am. I start my day with a short set of exercises blending Ayurvedic massages and Qi Gong to stimulate my energy points. Then I dry brush myself with a Nordic brush. It helps activate the skin and move the lymph, which is central to our immune system. I follow that up with a cold shower, in all seasons. Then I go through my Five Tibetan Rites routine. Two or three hours after waking up, I go to Café Charlot for my breakfast. It generally consists of fried eggs and some toast. I get to dynamo about an hour before my class, finalise my playlist, and prepare mentally. I’m really a homebody, so most evenings are spent with my girlfriend. We’ll either stay at home and watch a film or go out for a meal.

What grooming products do you use?

I try not to shower too much, to avoid messing up my skin. I wash my body and face with Dr. Bronner tea tree liquid soap. I use the Horace deodorant. After struggling to find a really natural and effective deodorant, I can’t tell you how happy I am to have found this one! In the dynamo showers, I tried the Horace Virginia cedar shower gel, and the Horace shampoo. I really like the fact that your products never lie about providing miracle results. They’re simple, basic, and they do what it says on the bottle. At home, I use my girlfriend’s shampoo! I also use a daily home-made mouthwash. For oil pulling, I use one teaspoon of coconut oil with a drop of tea tree essential oil, and a drop of peppermint oil. Swishing this mouthwash for 10 to 20 minutes helps reduce bacteria and strengthens your immune system. I’ve been doing it for a year, and I haven’t had a cold or a sore throat since.

Do you follow a specific diet?

No! I just try to buy healthy products, and make sure to separate food types. One meal will consist of carbs and vegetables only, another of protein and vegetables, and one last one of fruit and nothing else. I don’t really restrain myself from anything, but I pay attention to what my body needs. If I’m out with friends having a good time, I’ll have a pizza without hesitating. If I’m alone at home, I really don’t see the point.