More stories

  • in

    James Miller of Embody Fitness on getting your body ready for summer

    Life

    by Amy Sessions
    3 hours ago

    For the Summer Escape Issue, we discuss getting summer ready with James Miller, Founder of Embody Fitness. And no, you haven’t left it too late.
    What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine and how does this differ on vacation?
    My alarm normally goes off around 4.45am so I can jump in the car and start my morning Ironman training by 5.30am which consists of either 2-3 hours of cycling or 3 hours of swimming and running and then a gym session. This is my morning ritual, and it ensures I start the day positively. I feel great when I do this as I train with amazing people, and I am then ready and energised to take on the dayahead. When I am on vacation I do enjoy not needing to roll out of bed before 5ambut I will always start the day with physical or mental exercise but in a more relaxed and probably less demanding manner thanwhen I am training for performance.
    We have eight weeks until we hit summer vacation – how can we shape up in terms of exercise now?
    Eight weeks is a good amount of time to make a very positive impact on your physique if you follow a high qualitytraining and nutritional programme, but it will require a focused approach with littleroom for error. I personally prefer havingthese periods of really dialling in my training and nutrition, especially if I know I’m goingon holiday at the end of the phase. In terms of how training would look – I think many make the mistake of panicking, doing far too much cardio or HIIT classes and eating 500 cals a day in an attempt to radically drop weight. You may drop fat but you are also likely to drop muscle mass and you may feel worse as a result of such a dramatic short term approach. You are going to want to prioritise strength training, specifically compound strength exercises that recruit a lot of muscle mass. Exercises like bench press, cable rows and different forms of squats work all the major muscles in the body and yield a higher stimulus than smaller exercises like bicep curls etc. This will help to preserve lean muscle mass while in a calorie deficit and then by dropping body fat your overall body composition will improve much more and you will see a better physique in eight weeks time. In terms of results that are achievable that will vary depending on individual start points, however if you following basic principles of a calorie defi-cit along with at least three, well structured, strength training sessions you will see your body change on a weekly basis. At Embody Fitness many of our clients achieve very dramatic changes in as little as eight weeks byfollowing our expert coaches and nutritionists with a high level of consistency.

    How important is diet and what should we be eating?
    At Embody we don’t just look at calories, although a healthy calorie deficit is paramount if we are looking to lean down. A healthy calorie deficit would be roughly a 10-20% deficit. So if your maintenance calories were 2000 kcal per day dropping down to 1600-1800 would be safe for the relatively short period of eight weeks. Depending on your start point, any fat loss of between 0.5-1kg per week is considered safe and sustainable. Also making sure you have at least 1.8g of protein per kilo of bodyweight is essential as this helps with muscle building and recovery. We would also go one step further at Embody – we are ascertaining what could be highly inflammatory foodsfor our clients from the start of their journey. We make sure you are eating not only for physique but a healthy gut as well, which is essential to optimal health. One thing I have learned from our coaches at Embody Fitness, who are all qualified sports nutritionists, is the importance of the microbiome. The microbiome is responsible for our immune system, our ability to recover from training and just about every human function. Eating foods that promote good gut health is essential to good metabolic health. Foods like garlic, asparagus and artichokes for example are all prebiotics which will help feed good bacteria in the gut leading to less inflammation (think achy joints) which one could argue would lead to better training performance. At Embody Fitness we are very focused on delivering long term sustainable outcomes, so it’s important to put foods on your plate that not only make you look good but also help you feel great and allow you to perform at your best. Consistency is so important – how does your six-week summer ready programme support staying consistent across all key factors to have you summer ready? Commitment and consistency are two of the most important factors when it comes to achieving lifechanging results at Embody Fitness. Embody’stransformation programmes are all completely holistic and customised to every person to maximise their outcomes. We undertake a very detailed analysis on our clients at the start of any programme so thatwe can build the most effective and advanced programme for every individual. Personalised meal programmes and three personalised training sessions a week with regularnutrition and body composition retests are all performed throughout your two or three month programme. We also want to establish and monitor healthy lifestyle habits to ensure you are on track to reaching your target which we can do through our Embody App. With the launch of our new personalised Embody Meal Plans consistency has never been easier.
    Should we be prioritising sleep as part of this process? Sleep should be prioritised regardless.
    Sleep is our time to recharge, reset and regenerate. There is no such thing as over training, only under recovery. Without sleep, the foundations for everything become disturbedand our metabolism can be negatively affected, the ability to recover between training sessions will be compromised and our hormonal levels will fluctuate greatly. To positively set our circadian rhythm – which is our natural internal body clock – we need to aim to get around 7-8 hours good quality sleep each night and try to get to sleep as close to 10pm as possible. Our bedtime routine is crucial when optimising sleep. Switch off blue light (phone, tv etc) 20-30 minutes before bed and do not consume caffeine any later than 8 hours before scheduled sleep time. Supplements including magnesium, zinc and ashwagandha can be great additional tools to help suppress the nervous system in the eveningand prepare the body for optimal rest.

    What is your take on doubling up on workouts in a day – does it work?
    Personally, I train 2-3 hours a day from 5.30am every morning and then I also do three strength sessions a week at Embody Fitness with one of our sports performance coaches and I take ice baths at Embody around three times a week for recovery. This is a relatively high volume of training a week but it is required to be able to compete at Ironman events which are long and races requiring a high level of endurance fitness. On the other hand, training twice a day for someone that is a complete beginner or hasn’t been training consistently for months isn’t the best of strategies. Let’s take an average client of Embody for example who lives a fairly sedentary lifestyle and doesn’t do any exercise but wants to get in better shape, lose body fat, and have more energy. If that sounds like you, you’re going to see incredible results just from strength training three days a week and being more active throughout the day. Over time you could start introducing more cardio on your non-training days but you’d never have to do more than one workout in a day to achieve those goals. I say this from experience and seeing thousands of clients who have been able to transform their bodies with our Embody Fitness transformation programmes.
    How important is hydration?
    Adequate hydration is crucial and often overlooked because of how simple the advice of “drink more water” might seem. But if you remember that our bodies are made up of 60% water then you’ll appreciate just how vital it is to be hydrated. From regulating our body temperature, lubricating our joints, and improving physical performance, mood, and cognitive function the benefits are countless. What’s the biggest roadblock in getting summer ready in a short timeframe? A lack of commitment and not having the right plan which will lead to results are often two of the biggest roadblocks to achieving results. This is why our clients at Embody Fitness do achieve amazing results… they are definitely committed when they sign up to us and we ensure they are achieving the best personalised programme for them that ensures they see the actual changes in their body on a weekly basis. We have recently launched our Embody Online training programmes which now means for clients who can not physically visit us they can follow our expert guidance in all areas themselves so now all they need is the commitment on their end and watch the amazing results take shape.
    Do you work out on vacation and what would you suggest if you a) have a gym and b) you can only use your own body weight?
    Holidays are important to unwind and relax and recharge so I tend to take a lot off my training schedule during this time. However daily exercise is important to me for both physical and mental wellbeing so even if I take a walk, go for a slow jog or do some deep stretching then this is still important to me. If I am on holiday somewhere quite remote or in the Swiss mountains where I spend a lot of my time in the summer I will do a lot of hiking, cycling and swimming and a few bodyweight “full body” workouts. You can always incorporate the use of bands or suspensioncables like a trx if you needed more variety in your exercise selection. However, I will always look to maintain my three strength sessions a week as this is a ritual for me and helps me maintain my strength and muscle mass on top of all the cardio training I do.
    This is The Summer Escape Issue – where will you be escaping to this summer?
    I spend two months in the summer in one of my favourite places in the world, Crans Montana in the Swiss Alps. I feel like I am in heaven when I am there with my family and I enjoy the outdoor lifestyle and freshclean air in some of the most beautiful nature the world has to offer.
    July/August’s – The Summer Escape Issue with Tania Santos Silva – Download Now 
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

  • in

    11 wellness-fuelled activities to do in the UAE this weekend

    Your ultimate weekend guide in the UAE, June 9 to 11, 2023.
    Take the ice bath plunge

    Dubai’s new wellness destination, Contrast has opened its doors this year with the first-of-its-kind consciously curated sauna and ice studio. This stunning wellness destination offers both infrared and traditional saunas, ice baths and IV drips. As the perfect escape, guests can visit for a healthy escape designed to air muscle recover, reduce inflammation and improve general well-being. The full spectrum infrared sauna suites are state-of-the-art, equipped with 32-inch Smart TV’s so you can watch Netflix or opt for an audio experience and connect Spotify during your 45-minute. Contrast also offers immersive ice baths, which are proven to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, aid muscle recovery, and strengthen mental resilience, making them the perfect modality to complement the sauna experience. It’s a stunning space for guests to receive the benefit from the extremes of hot and cold. The sessions are priced at Dhs155 per 45 min session for the Infrared sauna and Dhs185 for the contrast therapy per 45 min session and Dhs95 per 30 min session for the ice bath. Located on Golden Mile 6, Palm Jumeirah, this place offers a rejuvenating experience.
    For more information visit contrast-wellness.com
    Book a zen yoga class

    After opening last year, FitnGlam has revolutionised the fitness space as the UAE’s leading women-only SuperClub. In celebration of International Yoga Day throughout this month. This month, participants will get the opportunity to immerse themselves in an array of invigorating experiences that include the contemplative Yin Yoga, the synchronising Vinyasa Flow Yoga, the tranquilising Gentle Yoga, and the restorative Face Yoga, along with deeply transformative sound meditation and Theta Healing sessions. To check the full schedule of FitnGlam’s yoga fest across the location visit the website.
    For more information visit fitnglam.ae
    Play a game of Padel

    For a more community-oriented experience, Dubai’s Matcha Club offers a space to unwind, reset and recharge. With six courts, visitors can engage in some friendly-competition and later on refuel with some food at the venue’s French-Japanese restaurant, Nette. The standard 90-minute games are priced at Dhs400 for four people in one court. Perfect after a game of padel or a yoga session in the nearby studio, NETTE’s tasty new sandwiches are the ideal way to refuel. Players can choose from The Crumbed Chicken Wanpaku, The Egg Wanpaku Sanwhich and The Turkey Ham Wanpaku Sandwhich with its innovative à la carte menu. The all-new Grab & Go menu is perfect for those who are hungry but pushed for time and it’s served with the boutique padel club Matcha in Al Quoz.
    For more information visit matcha-club.ae
    Put mindfulness first

    In celebration of Global Wellness Day, Raise Fitness and Wellness will host an immersive and engaging workshop on Saturday, June 10, 2023. Starting from 9am, guests will be greeted with refreshing detox juices and a relaxing yoga, sound healing and mediation session. A breakfast will then follow at Isola Restaurant featuring expert speakers, where attendees will be educated and inspired on what it takes to balance their health through the three pillars of wellness: the mind, the body, and the spirit. For a transformative experience, guests can book this all-inclusive workshop, priced at Dhs290 per person from 9am to 12:30pm at the Jumeirah Islands Clubhouse. As part of this event, there will also be a giveaway for two to the METT Marbella resort opening this summer, inclusive of a 2-night stay and breakfast.
    For more information visit raisefitnesswellness.com
    Enjoy an immersive audio experience

    For a renewed audio experience, Dyson announces the arrival of the Dyson Zone™ air-purifying headphones to the UAE. The air-purifying headphones deliver an immersive audio experience, featuring ultra-low distortion, a broad frequency range and up to 50 hours of audio-only run-time. By addressing the challenges of city air pollution a special filtration system and air delivery mechanism minuses distortion and tackles the dual challenges of city noise and air pollution. With a three-hour charge time to reach 100 percent, users can enjoy uninterrupted listening for hours. With a choice of two colours to choose from, the Dyson Zone price starts at Dhs3,399.
    For more information visit dyson.ae
    Enjoy a wellness escape

    This Global Wellness Day, immerse yourself in a world of tranquility at The Oberoi Beach Resort where every experience is designed to uplift your mind, body, and soul. From invigorating fitness challenges to restorative wellness practices, the eventful weekend offers a sanctuary of well-being. Guests can delight in a menu that balances health at Vinesse, with healthy dishes such Sea Bass in Salt, Mediterranean vegetables and salsa and more. The holistic wellness programmes are available from June 9 to 11, 2023 and can be seen online.
    For more information visit oberoihotels.com
    Fuel your well-being

    ICD Brookfield Place is offering a diverse selection of activities and classes tailored to various interests and fitness levels through the day. Participants can immerse themselves in soothing soundbaths, energizing microform classes, and dynamic spinning sessions hosted by Reform Athletica and 1Rebel. Whether one seeks tranquility or a high-intensity workout, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. Taking place on June 11, 2023, this open for all event includes a schedule with a sound bath between 8 to 8:45 am, a Microform class from 9 to 10am, a 1Rebel Rise Class from 9:30am to 10:30am, a microform class from 11am to 12am and free open gym at 1Rebel all day complemented by an ice bath recovery and other pop-ups by Skin Laundry, Elixir Clinic & Y12.As part of the venue’s mission to nourishing both the body and mind, Wellness Day will provide a complimentary selection of nutritious food, juices and matcha by Embody, Encounter, and Lulu & the Beanstalk.
    For more information on the schedule visit icdbrookfieldplace.com
    Pamper yourself

    AWAY Spa has transformed the traditional spa experience with relaxing massages, and rejuvenating treatments, all within a distinctive social space. For those looking for a traditional treatment, AWAY Spa is now offering three new Hammam Rituals, each designed to cleanse, purify, and exfoliate the body and face with prices starting at Dhs600. One of the most exciting additions to the spa’s menu is the Bellabaci Cupping Therapy, which offer guests the ultimate body treatment. With two treatments available – the ‘Bellabaci Stress No More’ and ‘Bellabaci Muscle Recovery’ – guests can enjoy a combination of cupping and hands-on massage with essential oils to relieve tension for Dhs680 for 60 minutes and the MAROC Candle Massage incorporates a warmed candle that melts to release amber, vanilla, and musk oils, inducing relaxation, nourishment, and complete invigoration. Inspired by ancient Moroccan healing secrets, it promises an overall feeling of wellbeing with every massage stroke for only Dhs680. Situated at W Dubai the Palm, the relaxing haven is a must-visit this weekend.
    For more information visit marriott.com
    Indulge in a fine-dining meal

    Dubai’s favourite Thai restaurant, Thiptara, has reopened its doors with an exciting new look and menu, which will transport guests to the floating markets of the Far East. The state-of-the-art refurbishment features beautiful tones and natural materials. The restaurant has also rejuvenated its menu with a selection of offerings including prawn dim sum, stir fried lobster, duck sprint roll and more. For those eating from the vegetarian menu have a treat for the tastebuds in store. Again, drawing from authentic Thai flavours, the Thiptara chefs have created a selection of dishes to take you on a culinary journey. Family sharing stands out one more with a feast made for catching up with the ones you loves with dishes such as Tom Yam Hed, a Thai Hot and Sour soup and more. The restaurant is situated in the heart of Palace Downtown and is open daily from 6pm to 11:30pm for dining in the restaurant an from 5pm to 2am at the lounge.
    For more information visit addresshotels.com
    Watch an Italian Film

    Dubai’s Independent film house, Cinema Akil has an exclusive selection of Italian films airing until June 15, 2023 in collaboration with the Italian Cultural Institute Abu Dhabi. Cinema Akil will present a total of 7 features including four awarded contemporary Italian productions and a celebratory homage through “The Enigmatic World of Federico Fellini”. With the first-time celebration of Italy’s directorial master, Cinema Akil will give a peek into the globally acclaimed director’s noteworthy contribution to cinema with La Strada (1954), Nights of Cabiria (1957), and 8½ (1963). Tickets are priced at Dhs50 without VAT and can also be purchased directly from the website along with an option of a Season Pass at Dhs175 for those wanting the complete Film Week experience.
    For more information visit cinemaakil.com
    Watch the full Emirates Man interview with Jay Shetty
    [embedded content]
    For the cover we are honoured to have former monk and author, Jay Shetty who we discuss manifestation, meditation, and the power of gratitude with. Jay was also kind enough to share his time with us on his recent trip to Dubai, you can watch the full interview on YouTube where he shares his thoughts on habits, discipline, and happiness – a conversation that is as inspiring as it is insightful. Watch the full interview on YouTube.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @zozoewitherspoon More

  • in

    8 of the best fitness studios to feel the burn in Dubai

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    3 hours ago

    With Dubai taking its wellness routines to a new level, there are a plethora of studios to elevate your fitness experience.
    You can find venues for yoga, Pilates, martial arts, CrossFit, dance, and more, to ensure you stay fit from head to toe.
    So, whether you’re looking for state-of-the-art gyms, outdoor activities, or specialised fitness studios, Dubai has something for everyone and we’re here to help.
    Reform Athletica

    A boutique fitness studio offering signature classes which include The Reform Method, TRX Athletica, RA Yoga and Kettle Form in an environment that is plastic-free. With a holistic approach to life, the instructors modify the classes to ensure every class member receives the best experience, every time.
    Focus: Yoga & Pilates
    For more information visit reformathletica.com 
    Crank

    For those who require a high-energy workout, spinning at Crank is nothing short of that with its adrenaline-fueled music. Each class is conducted by highly trained professional, who brings their expertise to the table. This fitness boutique also offers an exclusive smoothie section for visitors to have the entire experience from start to finish. With a strong community of individuals who share similar interests, Crank is the perfect place to be for that midweek workout or to fuel in more energy on the weekend with the first trial session being priced at Dhs60. Located in Unit 43, Alserkal Avenue, it’s open from Sunday to Thursday 6:30am to 10pm, Friday 8am to 3pm and Saturday 8am to 10pm
    Focus: Spinning
    For more information visit crank-fit.com
    Studio Republik

    With a space designed to nurture inner growth whilst bringing discipline to every part of your life, StudioRepublik is an immersive, state-of-the-art environment where you can lose yourself in the best way possible. Reformer equipment develops strength, movement and fluidity, fast.
    Focus: Pilates
    For more information visit studio-republik.com
    Sol Pilates Studio

    This equipped Pilates studio offers everything from Reformer and pre-natal expertise to providing its guests with a vibrant haven to learn and grow.
    Focus: Pilates
    For more information visit solpilates.ae 
    Shimis

    Introducing a completely new yoga concept to get the maximum benefit, the team also deliver peace of mind with calming meditation sessions that challenge both your flexibility and mental well-being.
    Focus: Yoga
    For more information visit shimis.com 
    Paus; Wellness + Community

    By normalising wellness in your day-to-day life, this wellness studio located in the heart of Jumeirah promises an unforgettable experience unlike any other. For a new take on your workout routines, guests can try a hip-hop yoga class. Participants will typically start with some gentle stretching and breathing exercises to warm up their bodies. The instructor will then guide students through a series of yoga poses, often set to a soundtrack of hip-hop music. Who said feeling zen needs to be boring? Everyone can be a part of the class with a few creative twists to match the rhythm and beat of the music.
    Focus: Yoga & Meditation
    For more information visit pausdxb.com
    The Hundred Wellness Centre

    From Ashtanga and Vinyasa to Hatha yoga, numerous disciplines are offered at this wellness retreat that is a real haven in the city. A strong focus on balance, power, fluidity, flexibility and alignment make for improved posture, flexibility and overall wellbeing.
    Focus: Yoga & Pilates
    For more information visit thehundred.ae 
    Barre Effect

    With a focus on full-body movements to sculpt, tone and keep your mind alert, the Barre Effect method is a contemporary version on traditional barre, designed to sculpt your body, boost your metabolism and challenge your mind as it empowers a community of strong women.
    Focus: Barre
    For more information visit barreeffectdxb.com 
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @melissawoodhealth More

  • in

    Inside the coolest new wellness centre in Dubai

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    1 minute ago

    If you’re looking for a 360-degree wellness hub, this new spot in Dubai is where you need to book in ASAP.
    The new integrated multi-wellness destination, Blended, combines fitness with a host of pampering options, making it a one-stop for all your self-care needs.
    Founded by Dominique Laird, the concept began with her vision to redefine the meaning of beauty standards in the region. After addressing her own mental health issues, Laird wanted to create a space where individuals can feel at home and focus on improving their own self-care needs.
    For women to look and feel their best, Blended Salon has dedicated an area for an all-encompassing beauty experience. Be it an eyelash lift or a bespoke blowout, there’s an unending list of treatments that can help visitors feel camera ready at any given point of the day.
    With a more medical approach to aesthetics, this venue offers an extensive array of cutting-edge treatments such as botox, fillers, threads, or even an IV Drip to boost energy levels. With a team of highly experienced experts, Blended Aesthetics has joined hands with Beverly Hills Wellness and Aesthetics for a holistic approach to cosmetics.

    To uplift your mood, the Blended Spa offers a host of rejuvenating treatments in a serene environment. With four treatment rooms, guests can enjoy an organic facial, massage, salt therapy, scrub or wrap in the hands of well-equipped experts. For after-care services, luxe facilities such as the salt cave, sauna and plunge pool are open for use to feel at ease during any visit.
    To recover from within, meditation is given a new meaning by internationally trained life coaches, therapists and spiritual guides who explore the options of both couples and one-on-one sessions, to feel clear from the inside out.

    If you want to focus on your fitness goals, this professional environment offers personal training sessions and group classes for workouts such as yoga, Pilates, or spinning. By changing the norm from a one-size-fits-all approach, guests can choose a routine that best fits their health needs.

    For a post-workout recovery mode, customers can replenish their fuel with a juice, coffee or protein shake from the Blended juice bar, to ensure every aspect of all the fitness routines is taken care of.
    With a complete approach to any wellness needs, visitors can feel at home from the second they enter this haven. Without having to book appointments in different locations, this all-inclusive experience saves both time and planning.
    Situated in the luxe surroundings of The Dukes, The Palm Jumeirah, Blended Fit is open daily from 6am to 10pm and the salon, barbers and spa is open from 10 am to 10pm.
    For more information or to make a booking visit blendedwellness.com
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More