Abdel joined Ocean Breeze many years ago and is a mainstay. He is affectionately dubbed "Fitness Santa" among his workout squad. He is always smiling and eager to educate the younger generation about weight training no matter where he is! However, nothing brings him greater joy than entering the facility with his grandsons and working out together, sharing stories while lifting heavy weights. He looks forward to engaging with the friendly staff, too, and fits the part of a walking billboard for bodybuilding. His favorite spaces are both weight rooms, especially for bench pressing and free weights. Abdel states, "I have always been enthusiastic about the gym. I've been working out since the age of 14, and now my grandson is following in my footsteps. I am not inspired by any specific person; rather, I strive to maintain good health and stay in shape for my grandchildren." Born and raised in Palestine, he has been married to his better half for over 55 years. Together, they have 5 children and 15 grandchildren, and he aspires to have them all work out with him in due time, he said with a chuckle.

Abdel is retired from a career in sanitation, and we can envision him lifting all those garbage pails effortlessly. He enjoys eating meat, chicken, protein, rice, and lots of vegetables. On a typical workout day, he focuses mostly on his back and shoulder muscles. "My hobbies are all based around fitness," he said proudly. There is nothing more gratifying to him than mentoring youth and seniors in staying fit and healthy. For as long as he can remember, his expertise in the fitness world has enabled him to connect with so many people and show them the ropes (literally and figuratively)! Injury prevention and proper form are top priorities for him, as he has seen lifters injure themselves by failing to maintain proper technique. He knows his limits and when not to overtrain; his incentive is to live as long as possible to watch his grandkids grow up!

Congratulations, Abdel!