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    You can now visit La Prairie’s first longevity hub in Dubai

    Life by Sarah Joseph 9 mins ago As embark on more wellness activities this year, One&Only One Za’abeel is now home to Clinique La Prairie’s (CLP) first Longevity Hub in the UAE. Born to address the daily stresses of urban living, the brand’s signature offerings include preventive medicine, nutrition, wellness and health. Visitors can opt for minimally invasive cosmetic procedures – including mesotherapy, hyaluronic acid, botox, laser and platelet-rich plasma – as well as Neuro Wave Stimulation, cryotherapy, far-infrared, IV drips, and immersive experiences that promote balance and a detox from the inside-out. This state-of-the-art facility features a dynamic surrounding which is spread over three floors within the complex, embodies a holistic approach through three interconnected pillars: longevity, well-being and aesthetics. The Hub comprises 29 rooms dedicated to treatments and therapies, along with a Movement Studio, gym facilities, a Longevity Bar and a Longevity Index lounge. “This partnership exemplifies the convergence of cutting-edge wellbeing practices and unparalleled luxury. In a world where the pursuit of longevity is often driven by trends and fads, we distinguish ourselves by offering exclusive, science-backed destinations,” said Simone Gibertoni, CEO of Clinique La Prairie. The Longevity Hub in the United Arab Emirates, the fifth of its kind, is a precious addition to a constellation of existing hubs in Madrid, Bangkok, Doha and Taipei. So, if you’re looking to get booked in visit oneandonlyresorts.com/one-zaabeel – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @ooonezaabeel More

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    Could Bed Rotting Be The Answer To Your Self-Care Struggles?

    New Age, TikTok wellness trends will have you believe that everything your parents taught you about waking up early daily and making your bed is as irrelevant and outdated as a feature phone. Take for instance the latest fad: bed rotting (the tag has garnered more than 2 billion views on TikTok)!

    Ever had those weekend episodes where your eyes are wide awake (yay, new day!), but your body tells you that it doesn’t feel like leaving the bed. So, you end up eating, reading, catching on the latest season of Love Is Blind, taking calls, mindlessly browsing the rabbit hole that is the ‘net – all from comfort of your bed! Yep, you may have done this a couple of times already but thanks to GenZers redefining life as we’ve always known it via TikTok, the trend now has a phrase. What you call being consciously unproductive your grandmother may call pure laziness – but however you see it, let’s delve deeper into what ‘bed rotting’ a.k.a. ‘much-deserved rest’ entails – and how to do it right!

    READ MORE: 5 Reasons This Mauritius Holiday Is A Wellness Dream

    What You Do In Bed Matters

    Granting yourself a lazy day every once in a while is purely warranted and is no new concept. However, equally important is knowing when bed rotting is totally healthy and when it’s feeding into your existing mental health issues. “If, for instance, you’re already struggling with basic day-to-day functions and you’d rather sleep than face certain emotions head-on, sleeping or spending more time in bed could signal depression and other mood disorders,” explains counselling psychologist Selloane Molalogi-Makau, adding that if you’re constantly feeling lethargic and feel safer spending time in bed than anywhere else, perhaps it’s time to seek professional help.

    If, however, there is nothing alarming about your behaviour and you function just as well when you’re not cooped up in bed, Molalogi-Makau, suggests setting time limits to how much time you’re going to spend ‘bed rotting’ could be a good idea. For instance, are you going to use that time catching up on to-do list items that you didn’t get to in the week or are you immersed in a book whose storyline literally transports you to another world?

    “Just be careful not to indulge in anything that could upset you, stress you out or make you feel like your bed is safer than being out there in the world,” warns Molalogi-Makau.

    A February 2023 study by the University of Bath found that “long-term inactivity significantly increases blood sugar levels even if you reduce your food intake to avoid gaining weight.” While another pilot study published in the National Library of Medicine found that there was a correlation between “sleeping or lying in bed all day and an increased risk of stress and depression, systemic inflammation and other psychological and cardiovascular ailments.”

    READ MORE: Banesa Tseki On How Yoga Gave Her A New Lease On Life

    Bed Rotting Done Right?

    Durban-based psychologist Lindani Mnyaka believes that there’s nothing sinister with bed rotting – provided it’s done once in a blue moon, as opposed to regularly. He does, however, add that nothing adds meaning to our lives such as kicking that duvet cover and being up and about creating a life of meaning. He also highlights the importance of constantly checking in one’s mental health state, so as to avoid sinking into a mood disorder without being aware of it.

    Changing your sleep schedule drastically ultimately does more harm than good for your mental and physical health, says Mnyaka. Per a 2019 Harvard Health report, “too much sleep can lead to too little energy.” Why is that? “Because it appears that any significant deviation from normal sleep patterns can upset the body’s rhythms and increase daytime fatigue,” according to the report. That said, Mnyaka agrees with Molalogi-Makau re: setting a limit to how much time time you’re going to spend in bed, as well as mapping out exactly what you’ll be doing.

    Among some of the activities he suggests are reading, watching a series, colouring in, sewing in buttons (time to own a sewing kit!) or a catch-up video call with a loved one. “It’s also very important to mention that just because a health trend has attracted billions of views doesn’t necessarily make it a healthy solution. People really need to start scrutinising

    READ MORE: 20 Fitness Apps To Kickstart Your Wellness Journey

    A Problematic Title, Maybe?

    Perhaps worth asking is – why is resting referred to as rotting, when the former is actually a good thing (and especially when self-care/resting comes in many forms? What’s self-care to one person may not work for another individual and such is the case with many subjective practises. TikTokers are probably rolling their eyes this very minute and thinking – what’s in a name, anyway? If there’s anything that we should take away from the bed rotting trend, it’s that aimless and unplanned rest – especially in a culture that praises busyness over relaxation – is completely healthy and okay. We’re allowed to take care of ourselves, the best way we know how. More

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    9 products to add to your wellness routine for a complete detox

    Beauty

    by Sarah Joseph
    3 hours ago

    Has your body lately been in overdrive with non-stop phone calls, longer hours at the office and unfathomable deadlines?
    If you are looking for a way to transform your body with a healthy boost, then certain products can help enhance the process.
    From hair to skin, each product aims to help individuals to feel better both inside and out. Overall, It’s a tradition we revisit every January not only because it helps us reset, but because it sets the intention for the rest of the year.
    So swipe through the guide to see all the editor-approved picks that has so many of us are turning to detox products to recharge.

    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @haileybieber More

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    TV/Radio Presenter Rorisang Thandekiso On The Moments That Defined Her Path Forever

    TV/Radio broadcaster and speaker Rorisang Thandekiso’s biggest turning point came in Grade 8. Vocal from a very young age, Rorisang often got into trouble for being too opinionated or mediating a fight between classmates, for instance. “So much so that the principal called me Winnie Mandela. My mother would get called in because I talked a lot,” she recalls.

    The ‘talking’ started affecting her marks via the school’s demerit system, where for every wrongdoing, points would be deducted from the learner’s final year mark. “At the end of Grade 4, I received two report cards – one with my actual marks, where I’d passed, and one where the demerit points had been deducted and I’d failed. The school went with the latter report card, meaning I had to repeat the Grade 4.”

    READ MORE: How One Woman Overcame Diet Pill Addiction And Reclaimed Her Life

    Nothing But A Minor Hurdle

    Livid, Rorisang’s mother wanted to take her daughter out of the school, to which her grandfather advised: “Don’t, it will shrivel her up forever!” That year, Rorisang repeated Grade 4 and vowed to keep silent, which killed her confidence and made her feel as though there was something innately wrong with her. 

    Fast-forward to Grade 8…Rorisang’s English teacher would always sing her praises on just how well she narrated stories and carried out her class presentations. “That year, he encouraged me to enter the English Olympiad competition that was actually meant for Grade 11 and 12 learners. I won and we only declared afterwards that I was, in fact, in Grade 8,” she shares, adding that in that moment a light bulb went on in her head. 

    READ MORE: 10 Wellness Quotes By Miss SA Natasha Joubert (That We Absolutely Loved!)

    Feeling Seen

    “Winning the English Olympiad competition made me feel seen and reaffirmed that there had been nothing wrong with me throughout primary school. The competition celebrated me for having an opinion. All of a sudden everything that I loved – engaging, debating and trying to change the world through my opinions – suddenly had a place to live,” she enthuses. 

    As a result of wanting to be an agent of change, Rorisang studied International Relations after matric. And even though she didn’t get to change the world through championing policies – being cooped up in an office was just not for her – she did find another platform when the yesteryear children’s TV show YOTV headhunted her. This, after seeing her making waves locally and internationally through her debating engagements.

    “At 18, my first presenting gig was a show called Blue Couch, which dealt with the more serious stuff – and I later started producing it. This was the beginning of a broadcast career that has spanned nearly 20 years.” 

    READ MORE: DJ And Fitness Trainer Miss Bee On Crafting A New Life After Surviving Cancer

    Staying Power

    The secret to her longevity is from another lesson she learnt while waitressing as a teen. “I worked at a restaurant where Tata, one of the chefs, would always encourage me to arrive at work early so he could show me how the kitchen operates. He wanted me to get the complete picture of how a restaurant functions,” she says. Tata taught her a valuable lesson: “In any place, the most knowledgeable and impactful people are usually behind the scenes – and are often the most disregarded,” he said. This lesson guides Rorisang to this day. 

    “I’ve learnt that no one is beneath me. There can never be anything that makes me feel too important. Many of my work opportunities come through ordinary people. Therefore, there can never be anything that makes me feel too important. Fame, for me, is a weird concept,” she concludes.  

    Parting Shot

    I could never live without…God. I’m fully dependent on Him and it’s the one relationship I cannot compromise on. The things people enjoy about me – be it TV, radio or an MCing gig – I pull them from God. Family has also been my biggest source of support.

    One thing most people don’t know about me is that…I only watch Nollywood films and K-Drama series. So much so that I usually get into trouble when I meet local personalities that I’m supposed to know [chuckles].

    What I hope to build more of in 2024 is…I’d like to zone in more on my ‘speaking’ era. I really want to travel the world with my speaking engagements.

    This article originally appeared in the Jan/Feb 2024 edition of Women’s Health SA. More

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    How One Woman Overcame Diet Pill Addiction And Reclaimed Her Life

    Monique Eloff has regained control of her body and eating habits and is now South Africa’s own Supreme Queen Global Earth Africa. But when she was 18, a bad breakup saw her struggling with diet pill addiction. Here, she tells her story to inspire and educate other women about the dangers of weight loss pills and how she regained control of her body – and eating habits.

    The impetus

    For four years, Monique had been battling with her weight and was trying to shed unwanted kilos. In 2005, when Monique was 18, a heartbreaking break-up sent her into depression and she tried to regain control by becoming fixated on losing weight. “My addiction started after going through a major relationship breakup and my inability to deal with the pain, the loss, the rejection and feelings of ‘not being wanted’,” Monique reflects. “I became obsessed with losing weight.” Monique visited a dietician but it didn’t work, mostly, Monique thought, because of a hormone imbalance caused by prolonged chronic stress that threw things out of whack in her body.

    The beginning of a diet pill addiction

    Thereafter, Monique tried an endocrinologist, but her treatment was expensive and she opted out.

    It was around this time that Monique discovered weight loss pills. “I was introduced to a substance called ephedrine. In year one, I mixed ephedrine with cayenne pepper to make my own weight-loss tablets,” she says. “That worked really well. I started to lose weight and I experienced increased energy levels and I also experienced higher performance at varsity and even better grades in my studies.” Unfortunately, Monique started building up a tolerance to the drugs and needed more to keep losing weight. To get there, she turned to ephedrine in its purest form. “At certain points, I even refined it for snorting,” she confesses.

    “One thing led to another. I could not sleep because of the adrenaline rush effect one gets using ephedrine. Then, I started taking sleeping tablets at night. I could not eat, because ephedrine is a potent appetite suppressant and I battled with fatigue and in turn, balancing my studies and my part-time work became extremely difficult. I was already on my way to complete burnout. My ability to cope, concentrate and perform was diminished,” she says.

    READ MORE: 10 Wellness Quotes By Miss SA Natasha Joubert (That We Absolutely Loved!)

    The turning point

    There were signs of the diet pill addiction that others could see – but she couldn’t. For one, she had limited self-control, talked a lot and experienced severe reactions to stress.

    On the inside, Monique was privy to extreme thirst, heart palpitations and shakiness. She felt depressed, anxious and sensitive. “Ephedrine certainly kept the weight off but the weight of the addiction literally crushed the life out of me and it left me feeling a great deal of shame, guilt and regret,” she says.

    Added to that, she was experiencing gastrointestinal disorders, mood swings and shortness of breath. Her central nervous system was beginning to shut down and Monique was forced to get help. “I had no choice; my body made the decision for me,” she says. In 2007, Monique was hospitalised and underwent treatment.

    READ MORE: Author Janine Jellars Shares Her Simple Wellness Routine

    The change

    “I received treatment that was aimed at opening up the receptors in my brain in order for the normal flight or fight response mechanisms to start functioning again,” Monique explains. “My body experienced inefficiencies in secreting adrenalin, serotonin and other key hormones. I had a complete imbalance in my body.”

    With treatment, Monique slowly started to improve, but the road to healing was long. “Diet and sleep played a crucial part in my recovery. I had to teach my body what a normal healthy intake of food consisted of and looked like, at frequent and consistent intervals,” she says. “Over time my mood and concentration levels improved. I could literally feel balance coming back to my body, and it felt amazing. The toughest part was the realization of how far I’ve taken my addiction and the damage it has done. The impact it had on my loved ones. What I’ve lost in the process and the fact that I had to drop out of varsity in my third year. I felt like a complete failure. I think my mental scars outweigh the physical scars, and for me, the biggest battlefield was my mind.”

    READ MORE: Weight Loss Pills: We Delved Deep Into The Science To See If Any Actually Work

    The glow up

    Through all this, Monique feels that she’s grown a lot as a person. “My mess has become my message and today I get to tell my story unapologetically. I still have feelings of shame, guilt and regret; however, it shows that I am human and that it matters to me,” she says.

    Now, 16 years later, Monique is at a happy weight and is taking things further in her life, earning her spot as the reigning Supreme Queen Global Earth Africa for 2023. “My wounds have given me great wisdom,” she notes. “This journey on earth is all about unbecoming to become, letting go of the things that are no longer serving you well.” More

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    6 Energy-Boosting Hacks That Are Simple To Integrate

    Tiredness is that feeling that we all seem to know a little too well. Perhaps it’s waking in the morning and desperately wanting to hit the beckoning snooze button. Or maybe it’s the feeling of that ominous 3pm slump, where our brain fog creeps in as our sugars dip post-lunch. Or perhaps it’s a more figurative feeling of tiredness; that you’re struggling to keep family, friends and yourself topped up, and that the demands of life and communication can feel at times exhausting. 

    Well, you’re not alone, with one of the most common complaints brought to clinicians cited as being tiredness. After all, if we aren’t functioning at our best, we often feel like we’re not committing fully to our work, enjoying life to the most and sleeping well. 

    So with that in mind, the happy news is that a few simple tweaks will pay great dividends. Get ready to be electrocuted into life. Here are 6 easy hacks. 

    Exercise 

    When you’re tired, exercise is usually one of the first things to be given the boot in favour of a lie-down. But people have caught on to the benefits of exercising to boost your energy – something which at first glance could be seen as an oxymoron. In fact, the folks at Harvard cited a study where sleep-deprived volunteers compared against three different interventions: caffeine, stair-climbing and placebo. Ultimately they found that just 10 minutes of exercise boosted participants’ energy levels far more than caffeine (50mg) did.

    Soak up some sunshine (safely) 

    Feel more energetic on a sunny day than you do on a cloudy one? There’s some science to it. One of the best-known benefits of sunlight is vitamin D, which contributes to immune health, bone health and hormone production. Some studies have also suggested an association between sunshine and serotonin production, which helps regulate mood, hunger, sleep, learning, memory and your libido—so it’s possible to for sunshine to provide a natural energy high. Just be sure to soak it up at times when the UV index is low and wear SPF 50+ on any exposed skin. 

    Refuel with fermentation 

    We’re all aware to the fact that gut health is incredibly important to our overall health, influencing our immune system, heart, brain, mood, skin, sleep and overall digestion. We call it our second brain for a reason – it impacts our body overall in significant ways. So to keep our gut healthy it’s important to eat prebiotics and probiotics, limit processed foods and alcohol, drink plenty of water and minimise stress. A great place to start? Ferments. The likes of kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, tempeh, natural non-flavoured yoghurt, miso and kombucha are your first ports of call. 2,4,6,8. 

    Prep your snacks 

    Drink, sorted. But what about snacks?! When hunger strikes, reach for ones that will keep you fuller for longer. We’re talking protein, good fats and fibre. If you’re in the mood for an apple, why not slather some peanut butter over it to ensure a slower release of energy? Or if you’re feeling like you need a top-up, protein goes a long way, after all, it’s the most satiating macronutrient. We’re talking yoghurt, tuna, trail mix, hard boiled eggs, a slice of cheese – the list goes on.

    Also, there are studies to suggest that starting the day with a savoury breakfast will help you manage your blood sugars and stay fuller for longer – and more energetic – throughout the day. 

    Image by Freepik

    Stick to a wake-up time 

    If you’re sleeping in one or two days of the week to try to ‘catch up’ on some energy, it may actually be having the opposite effect. A growing body of research shows that waking up at the same time every morning can not only help you sleep better at night but make it easier to get out of bed in the morning. This is because the circadian rhythm is reinforced, and the body knows what to expect, knowing when to release melatonin (the hormone that induces sleepiness). 

    READ MORE: Struggle Sleeping? Here’s How To Create A Bedtime Routine, Per Experts

    Turn up your favourite tunes 

    Listening to music has been linked to a reduction in stress levels, as well as a rise in serotonin and dopamine. Of course, it helps if it’s music that you love, so try creating a playlist for your morning commute rather than relying on the radio. The combination of lower cortisol levels and mood-regulating neurotransmitters can provide an energy boost while promoting focus and motivation. 

    Consider a supplement 

    We know that vitamins and minerals are essential for our bodies to function at their best. They influence our metabolic pathways and support fundamental cellular functions. And studies have shown that supplementing with vital vitamins and minerals is highly likely to result in health benefits in the areas of physical and mental fatigue. 

    Carla Oates of The Beauty Chef had some interesting insights into supplements, too, stating that, “Certain herbs, such as astragalus, have been traditionally used in Chinese Medicine for years to promote energy levels and increase vitality.” 

    More Energy-Boosting Articles:

    The post article by Scarlett Keddie appeared first on Women’s Health Australia. More

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    Transformation Journey: Exercise Renewed My Self-Esteem And I’m Stronger Than Ever!

    If you’re on a transformation journey, take heart from the stories of others who’ve been there. Here, Louné Maree details how she went from skinny – and unhealthy – to strong and happier than ever.

    The Starting Point

    On the 28th of March 2023, I underwent my fourth and final surgery with the skilled Dr Nerina Wilkinson, marking a pivotal moment in my transformation journey. The decision to undergo a double mastectomy in 2019, following a positive BRCA2 gene test and the heartbreaking loss of my mother to cancer in 2008, laid the foundation for my path to self-discovery.

    Before the surgery, my passion for fitness and self-care defined my active lifestyle. However, post-surgery, I faced the challenge of re-entering the gym amid a toxic relationship that left me feeling unworthy. Throughout this period, lacking the necessary support at home and facing delayed re-entry into exercise, I made the crucial decision to remove toxic individuals from my life and relocate. By the end of June, I made a bold decision to relocate to Hout Bay in Cape Town, embarking on a journey to rediscover myself.

    By then, my muscles had atrophied, leaving me merely skin and bone. My once-perky butt and solid physique were replaced by a reflection in the mirror that revealed protruding hip bones and a stark change in the texture of my thighs. I weighed just 55kg.

    READ MORE: How To *Actually* Lose Belly Fat With Diet And Exercise

    Trying something new

    Before embarking on this transformation journey, I practised intermittent fasting, restricting my eating window to after 9 at night for a year. However, a pitfall was overindulging during those moments, leading to unhealthy habits of going to bed and feeling bloated. My objective shifted towards a healthier approach, aiming to eat more frequently with smaller portions. It wasn’t until the end of November that I realized being skinny isn’t synonymous with being healthy. With the goal of achieving my best shape before turning 33, this journey is still ongoing. Every week brings progress, and I can feel myself growing stronger.

    By the end of November, I transitioned to heavier weight training, eliminating cardio to focus on muscle building rather than further weight loss. I incorporated whey protein and creatine into my diet, prioritizing protein, vegetables, and fruits.

    READ MORE: How One Personal Trainer Lost 30kg – And Kept It Off

    Success!

    Embarking on this transformation journey has been a solo endeavour, with the unwavering support of my sister, work colleagues, and friends. While I’ve always had a passion for exercise and fitness, this time around, it became a mental challenge. Some mornings, training before work meant conquering the temptation to hit the snooze button. Initially, even donning my gym clothes posed a challenge, but I recognized that once I started my workout, I was on a mission with unstoppable momentum. Surprisingly, cutting out sugar, alcohol and fast foods turned out to be the easiest part of this journey.

    I now maintain a robust and healthy weight of 60kg. Achieving this transformation spanned a dedicated five-month period.

    I experience increased energy, find daily tasks more manageable, and feel a new-found confidence in my physique. Building muscle has instilled in me a sense of strong willpower and improved mental well-being.

    READ MORE: How To Lose 1kg A Week: Safe & Healthy Exercise & Nutrition Tips

    Louné’s tips

    Get support

    “Begin by surrounding yourself with a supportive circle—I have a group of female friends I fondly call my cheerleaders. They uplift me during lows and celebrate my achievements.”

    Get an eating plan

    “Establish a well-balanced eating plan. As this gains momentum, consider joining a gym where like-minded individuals share your goals and energy. While setting personal fitness goals, always keep in mind that fitness is more than a goal; it’s a lifestyle.”

    Uplift yourself

    “I appreciate the concept of women empowerment. Recognizing our emotions, let’s uplift one another through genuine compliments on success and appearance, fostering self-confidence.” More

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    How I got my job as… Director of this hot yoga studio in the UAE

    Welcome to the Emirates Woman weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.This week, we speak to Jessica Casalegno who recently took on the role as Dryp’s Wellness Director. She is a distinguished hot Reformer, Barre, Pilates, Yoga instructor and wellness professional hailing from the United States. Overall, she is setting a new standard for wellness in the region.This homegrown pioneering wellness destination has now reopened in Dubai Marina with two newly expanded and renovated men’s and women’s toilets, shower and changing rooms, there is an overall collective lifestyle feel to the brand’s new look and offering and state-of-the-art equipment including the infra-red sauna, below-zero cryotherapy chamber and more.To delve into her journey, Emirates Woman spoke to Casalegno, to see how her journey in the wellness industry began.What was your favourite subject at school?My favorite subject was always art – creating and making was always at the core of what I loved most.What was your first job?My first job was when I was age 17 and in retail, at Hollister in the US. My first graduate position was for a boutique architecture firm as a drafter while I was still in design school.What brought you to Dubai?Like so many other women, I came to Dubai with my husband, due to my husband’s job. I’ve found it to be extremely hard to find Americans who live outside of US (my husband isn’t American). So while I am a “rare” case living in the UAE, I really love living abroad, specifically here, and I don’t anticipate moving back to the US. Dubai has really become home for us over the past 6 years of residence.What inspired you to enter the wellness space and be part of the hot yoga studio, Dryp?I’ve always been involved in the active community in Dubai since relocating here in 2018. I joined boutique fitness studios and found likeminded friends outside of my office job as an architect within the fitness scene. After the pandemic of 2020, I became a freelance designer, which pushed me into working in fitness as a “part time” gig. I began by teaching Barre, then I moved into leading yoga classes which then led to Pilates and reformer training and teaching. I’ve been practicing yoga since age 12, and I danced throughout my childhood. I did American cheerleading and tumbling during high school and was captain of my squad. Core strength disciplines have always been at the heart of my wellness journey in life. I’ve been practicing Pilates on the reformer now for well over 6 years; the transition into working within the realm of bodyweight training felt like second nature. I was a Dryp member upon moving to Dubai, then I started teaching there as soon as I completed my further professional training – and everything just grew from there.Talk us through the concept of Dryp?At inception, the Dryp concept was a unique one: a space for the “modern” yogi and fitness enthusiast. Dryp remains one of the few homegrown workout studio(s) that leads with a hot wellness offering. Dryp isn’t about warm wellness, it is HOT; my classes hover around 40+ degrees Celsius! It is still the hottest studio that I’ve ever experienced to date. The way you feel after any of the workouts we offer is euphoric, and members get a full body experience like no other, that leaves them feeling incredible. The endorphins and dopamine that flood the body after a Dryp session are so powerful and satisfying. At Dryp we pushed hard to bring in the additional reformer Pilates studio that is now open, as no other studio in Dubai enjoys both. Having both hot classes and reformer Pilates is truly the best of both worlds. The studio now has everything members could ever want: reformer, hot classes and even my favorite matcha cafe too! Now with the added Cryo and infra-red sauna sessions, Dryp is a “one stop shop” for wellness, hosting all of the best of what Dubai has to offer. DRYP hosts just one price for memberships for our classes: regardless of if they are reformer or hot room. For example, when you buy 10 classes at Dryp you are free to mix them for the most preferable combination to you. No confusion and no hassle and the freedom to switch up your classes however you choose throughout your wellness journey.What are the key elements of your role?I lead our team – from instructors and admins to housekeeping. I draft up the schedules, I try out the teachers, I plan the packages and organize the prices accordingly with the owner. I collaborate with partners, I conduct the in-house marketing strategies. I organize photoshoots and private events. I also led the entire design renovation, utilising my background as an architect and interior designer. I directed all of the new design at Dryp, from the interior selections to the new equipment – mats, artwork, signage Working with BluMatcha, I even helped conceptualize menu prototypes for the Dryp café. I manage daily operations from sales to handling any sort of customer service experience. I’m at the forefront of it all. It’s a 24/7 role that is done on top of my wellness teaching and management of some architectural design projects too.Talk us through your daily routine.I’m an early riser and no day is the same. Typically, i’ll review the accounting and sales of Dryp’s previous day, then I’ll begin teaching classes, either in the studio or with my private clients. I always have to be available online to manage Dryp, whether I am physically in the studio or not. I usually have a little break in the afternoons where I will take meetings or handle the day’s demands, then I’ll teach in the evenings too. If I’m not busy training other people or managing admin, I make time to do my own personal training. I’ll either take a class, go to the gym or head outside for a walk. I might even be found rollerblading in the fresh air. I spend most weekends with my husband and friends – often at the beach or somewhere outside. Otherwise, I can be found cuddling up on the sofa at home with my two sweet kittens.What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?My best advice: don’t limit yourself or put yourself in a box. Allow life’s twists and turns, and grow with the seasons. Honestly, I would have never guessed I’d be doing what I’m doing now and I’m loving it. This path hasn’t been direct for me – but the best professional decision ever made was to leave the corporate world. I fully resigned from my full-time work as a senior architect less than one year ago. I went from working in fitness very “part time” to bringing together multiple aspects of my background into one leadership role. My work now is very intersectional as I’m still holding onto the design aspect, just in a different way than I did before – and I’m still learning every day.Tell us more about the classes offered?On the mat, we have “Original 60” & “Original 90,” which many people also know under the names of Bikram Express (60 minutes) and Bikram (90 minutes). These are the original sequences of the first style of hot yoga. We also have “Hot Vinyasa,” which is a dynamic vinyasa flow style class in the heat. “Hot Core Flow” is a vinyasa flow style class that specifically focuses on core asanas – consider it a “more intense” vinyasa flow. “Hot Yoga Sculpt” is a fusion class that all instructors teach differently. At its core, is a hybrid of weightlifting and Pilates style training with yogic flows intertwined within the sequence. “Hot Booty Core” is my signature class, which is a full on ‘sculpt’ style Pilates class, often with many squats and lunges – all low impact moves used in a non-stop, high intensity sequence. “Dryp Fit” is a strength and conditioning class that focuses on bringing out the athlete within. “Strength & Mobility” is a heated yoga workshop style class that teaches members how to enhance their yoga practice – think handstand drills and lots of chatarungas. “Hot Mat Pilates” has low impact moves for a high intensity workout. The softer classes on the mat include “Hot Yin” and “Hot Candlelight Flow + Stretch”, both of which promote flexibility and overall mobility. Yin focuses on holding asanas, or postures, that open the body and increase flexibility via static holds. Hot Candlelight Flow is a very soft, stretch focused vinyasa flow ~ slow but dynamic, soft but moving. On the reformer, we currently offer “Beginners Reformer,” “All Levels Reformer,” “Advanced Reformer,” “Cardio Reformer” (using the reformer trampoline as an extension), and “Stretch Reformer” (a dynamic stretching class). Very soon I’m so excited to begin offering the most unique of it all: HOT REFORMER – an advanced class for those who are in for a super challenge.What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?To simply live in the moment, to be grateful for what you have and to be your most authentic self. Life is ultimately so short: if you’re not spending it doing what you love, what is the point?And what is the worst?The worst was from anyone who tried to sway me from moving to the opposite side of the world, or those who tried to discourage me from my relationship with my husband. We were in an international long-distance relationship for 3.5 years before we got married – we then lived together, for the first time, in Dubai. Moving here with my husband has been the biggest, scariest life adventure – but also the most rewarding one. My life would have been completely different had I not taken the plunge with him, and I’m so forever grateful for the opportunities I’ve had here and the lifestyle I now enjoy. I believe that the best is yet to come and that I am destined for great things, outcomes that would have materialized had I stayed static in my corporate job in the USA.What’s the biggest challenge you have had to overcome?I’ve had a few challenges in life, during my childhood, in school and university years. However, perhaps the biggest personal challenge I’ve had to go through in my adult life so far is a more recent pain, which was the loss of my first pregnancy. I experienced my first (and hopefully my only) miscarriage about one month ago, at around 10 weeks pregnant. It was a terrible loss and something that I am still healing through, both mentally, emotionally and physically. What I’ve gone through is a struggle that so many women face, but yet so many suffer through the pain in silence. The biggest thing that has been helping me to heal is coming to terms with how it wasn’t my fault, and that it’s just a very sad part of life. I am so thankful for the amount of support I’ve had from my family and the many female friends and clients around me too.What’s your future for the brand?The future of the brand is to grow! I’m looking forward to bringing in more reformers and to introducing hot reformer classes as the first studio in MENA region to do so. I’m also looking forward to hosting collaborations and pop ups throughout Dubai and I’m hoping to increase awareness with our partnerships like Amadawear Boutique and Bala – all of our equipment at Dryp is by Bala. The sky is the limit.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied More