Maryam ‘Yama’ Gidado is a proud native of Nigeria who moved to New York City during her adolescence and currently resides in San Antonio, Texas. In 2008, she answered the call to serve by enlisting in the U.S. Army Reserve, where she now holds the esteemed position of Chief Warrant Officer.
In 2016, Yama embarked on her journey in dance fitness, becoming a certified Zumba and BollyX instructor. Since that time, she has expanded her qualifications to include a variety of fitness licenses, such as Zumba (Toning, Kids, Kids Jr, Gold, Sentao), Strong Nation, AMPD Power Flow, MixxedFit, Yoga, HIIT, and CIRCL. Her passion for dance was ignited at an early age through African dance, and she now leads workshops focused on Afrobeats dance, beautifully merging her cultural heritage with her expertise in fitness and dance.
In addition to her dance and fitness credentials, Yama is certified as a Group Fitness Instructor with AFAA & ISSA, Personal Trainer with NASM & ISSA, Strength and Conditioning Coach with ISSA, Nutrition Coach with ISSA, Mental Freedom Coach with Olver International, and a 6-Phase Meditation/Mindfulness Coach with MindValley. She is also recognized as a Master Fitness Trainer in the U.S. Army. These extensive qualifications reflect her unwavering commitment to holistic well-being, encompassing not only physical fitness but also mental health and emotional wellness.
Yama transcends the role of a fitness professional; she is a dedicated individual who leverages her military discipline and a profound passion for wellness to inspire and empower others towards leading fulfilling, holistic lives. As the owner of MDK Holistic Wellness LLC, she actively engages in her community, mentoring and guiding individuals on their journeys toward optimal health and well-being.