Ai Lee Syarief is the Lead Instructor and one of the developers of the new program STRONG by Zumba™, a high-intensity bootcamp-style class that is changing the fitness landscape by applying sync music motivation to the workout. Syarief helped to launch the program with Zumba Fitness in June 2016 and acts as the face of the brand, starring in the anthem video and all other promotional and educational materials. She currently travels all around the world training new instructors and educating people about the class. Born in Switzerland, Syarief developed a love for sports as a young child, first through gymnastics and ballet. At the age of 12, she discovered a passion for karate and placed as runner up in a Shorin-Ryu Karate World Championship Kumite Tournament in Okinawa, Japan. For several years, she fought for and represented the Switzerland and Malaysian National Karate teams and achieved the awards of Multiple Swiss Champion, Multiple European Cup Champion, 2nd at South East Asian Games and 2nd at Ladies World Cup. After retiring from karate, Syarief sought new challenges in the form of fitness and sports courses. Having a love for dance and an appreciation for hip-hop, street dance, and jazz, Syarief developed an interest in Zumba Fitness and obtained her license to teach in 2010. Since then, she has had a passion for inspiring others to pursue a healthy, fun lifestyle through the Zumba program and has opened up her own Fitness Studio. In February 2012, Syarief was selected to be a Zumba Jammer, a lead choreographer who develops the routines that other instructors use in their Zumba classes. Later that year, in December, Syarief was honored to receive the title of Zumba Education Specialist™ to represent Switzerland and Austria and train others to become a Zumba Instructor. Syarief currently resides in Oberbüren, Switzerland with her husband and two children. The very active family spends as much time together as possible, enjoying outdoor activities like surfing in Bali, snowboarding in the Swiss Alps, diving, and snorkeling. When she has the chance, Syarief loves to practice her first passion – Martial Arts.
