Nihat Ahmed

Nihat Ahmed has an Army dad so moving from place to place was part of life. In fact, although Nihat was born in Kansas, he lived in 20 different cities and five countries – happy homes all but never living in one place for more than two years. Through it all Nihat adapted, including learning to speak five languages!

He said once he came to FIU, this place finally became his home.

Nihat is all about fitness, a passion he shares in many ways. After shedding 60 pounds and getting certified as a fitness trainer, three years ago he began working at FIU’s Wellness and Recreation Center, where Lia Jiannine, assistant director for fitness programs, became his mentor. Nihat created his own format of group fitness classes for FIU students. His weight training class is so popular there’s almost always 100 percent attendance.

Nihat is the trainer for the FIU Cheerleaders, the FIU Golden Dazzlers and for the newly crowned Miss FIU 2016.

For the Beacon, FIU’s student newspaper, Nihat writes – under his nickname “Nihat Strider” – a fitness column called “Motivation Monday” with pictures and videos to inspire FIU students to a healthier life.

Recently Nihat launched his own company named Strider Training. He’s developing his brand and an instructional app of workouts and other methods of good health. Nihat plans to make his company a success by hiring FIU grads. He will also pursue a master’s degree in marketing at FIU starting in the fall.