The Transformative Journey of Zaina Sesay: From Reality TV to Fitness Influencer
Zaina Sesay, previously known for her role in Netflix’s reality series, The Ultimatum, has transcended her initial fame to cultivate a burgeoning career centered on fitness, fashion, and wellness. Drawing from her experiences, she imparts valuable insights on self-care and personal growth, revealing how she navigates her fitness journey amidst life’s challenges.
Background and Rise to Fame
Born in Maryland to Sierra Leonean parents, Zaina Sesay pursued a degree in Film and Media Arts at Temple University. Her career began behind the scenes, contributing to notable projects for MTV and VH1. In 2021, she and her partner, J.R., participated in Season 3 of The Ultimatum, a show that challenges couples to decide whether to marry or part ways within eight weeks.
The Ultimatum Experience
Sesay joined the show believing it would enhance their relationship, expecting J.R. to propose. However, during the show’s finale, he surprised audiences—and her—by opting to separate. Reflecting on her motivations for joining the show, Zaina shares, “I just thought it would be fun… And I thought his enthusiasm for wanting to do the show was really him prioritizing our relationship.”
Challenges and Resilience
Following the breakup, Sesay faced significant emotional and physical challenges. “I wasn’t prioritizing my health,” she admits, describing a period marked by a lack of motivation and appetite, which severely impacted her fitness routine. It took roughly a month for her to reignite her motivation to workout again, leading her to prioritize her well-being. “I need to prioritize what I know would make me feel good internally,” she reflects on her turning point.
Building a New Fitness Routine
As Zaina re-established her fitness regimen, she found that physical strength played a crucial role in her mental recovery. “That was really pivotal,” she explains, emphasizing her approach to fitness through gradual progression rather than pressure. “Just create your own closure,” she advises, encouraging others to focus on the future rather than lingering on past relationships. She eased back into her routine with simple, achievable goals, such as starting with cardio.
Workout Strategies
Sesay adapts her workouts based on her schedule, often splitting her sessions to target different muscle groups like back, legs, and arms. When time is limited, she opts for comprehensive full-body workouts. Her workout routines typically begin with a skipping warm-up, followed by dynamic movements such as medicine ball slams, kettlebell swings, and combined exercises like a dumbbell squat with a shoulder press. “I want to do movements like compound movements that work everything,” she explains.
Nutrition and Progress Tracking
To maintain her fitness goals, Zaina actively tracks her nutrition, helping her meet calorie and macronutrient targets. She emphasizes the importance of accountability through meal tracking, especially for those new to fitness. “Over time… I have been able to become more intuitive,” she shares about her evolving relationship with food.
Additionally, she finds value in taking regular progress photos to monitor her journey. “Even if it’s just for your private folder,” she says, illustrating her commitment to transparency with her audience. During a recent trip to Cabo San Lucas, she reflected on her progress, sharing that while she aimed for more defined abs, she found satisfaction in her achievements thus far, stating, “I’m okay with the progress that I did make.”
The Road Ahead
As Zaina Sesay moves forward, she is focused on continuing her education in the fitness realm while growing her social media presence. Her combination of fitness, fashion, and beauty advice resonates with followers seeking inspiration and relatability in their wellness journeys.
To explore more of Zaina’s fitness journey and insights, follow her on TikTok and Instagram.
Images: Taveria Pedroso & Tyler Aryani