Maryam ‘Yama’ Gidado is a native of Nigeria who relocated to New York City during her teenage years and currently resides in San Antonio, TX. In 2008, she answered the call of duty by enlisting in the US Army Reserve, where she now serves as a Chief Warrant Officer.
Yama is a Master Fitness Trainer in the US Army and, in 2016, began her journey in dance fitness by becoming a certified Zumba and BollyX instructor. Since then, she has acquired multiple fitness licenses, including Zumba (Toning, Kids, Kids Jr, Gold, Sentao), Strong Nation, AMPD Power Flow, MixxedFit, Yoga, HIIT, and CIRCL. Her passion for dance started at a young age with African dance. She now leads workshops where she teaches African dance, particularly to the Afrobeats genre, combining her cultural heritage with her expertise in fitness and dance.
In addition to her fitness expertise, Yama holds certifications as a Mental Freedom Coach with Olver International, a 6-Phase Meditation/Mindfulness Coach with MindValley, and a Health, Fitness & Nutrition Coach with Transformation Academy. These credentials underscore her dedication to holistic well-being, encompassing physical fitness, mental health, and emotional wellness.
Yama is more than a fitness professional; she is a committed individual who integrates her military discipline with a passion for wellness to empower others towards a holistic and fulfilling life. She is an active member of her community, dedicated to mentoring and guiding individuals towards optimal health and well-being.