Simply Abu Dhabi XXVIII

W hether you’re a gym bunny or take a more relaxed approach to exercise, we all try to stay fit and healthy in our own way. Even if you love to get your heart racing in your chosen sport, it’s important to stretch the muscles, both before and after your sessions. Some might even say that if you’re not warming up and warming down around your workouts, there’s not much point to do them at all. That being said, I’m sure we’re all aware of the benefits of practices like yoga and pilates. They can totally transform your body, core strength, posture and general mindset. Stress levels will undoubtedly be reduced when you’re on the mat, and shutting out the noise of the world in your head is essential in today’s society. The power of movement, however fast or slow you like to take it, is something we should all be doing. The Studio believes in this, and especially so when it comes to women. This is a space where women of all ages and experience can come to feel comfortable. A welcome and supporting environment is what the Studio is all about, and once you take your first steps you’ll be part of a very special community. Bonding with other like-minded women is healthy for your spirit, as is practicing within classes that will strengthen your physical being. To find out more about this innovative concept, I asked the founder of the Studio, Mariam, all about herself, how this idea came about and how it’s been going since the Studio’s birth in April this year… What’s your background and link to yoga? I started practicing yoga six years ago while I was studying in the US. It was something that I would do on a weekly basis to help deal with stress at first, but over time I saw that it also had great physical and emotional benefits, so I made it an integral part of my lifestyle, not just a series of classes that I would attend. I graduated in 2015 andmoved back to Abu Dhabi, and got certified to become a yoga teacher the following year. The Studio is a space exclusively for women. What inspired this idea? The idea came from my need to find a space where I was comfortable practicing. I tried a few places in Abu Dhabi that had ladies-only classes, but none of them were at ladies-only facilities, which I found uncomfortable. I saw that many of my friends were complaining of the same thing, and that’s when I decided to open a ladies-only studio. How did the opportunity for the Studio come about? Many influences affected my decision to open a yoga and pilates studio, the most pivotal being my course of study at college (industrial engineering with a focus on healthcare) which took me to work at Cleveland Clinic after graduation. Working at a hospital inspired me to look at the health benefits of yoga and pilates and the wellness industry as a whole. From my research and experience, the integration of both has a profound impact on one’s approach to a more holistic and healthy lifestyle, and I wanted to be able to share this with other women. Women supporting each other in work and personal lives is a growing trend. How do you feel about women sticking together? I think that is essential in today’s society. I do believe it’s a trend nowadays, although admittedly it sometimes feels a bit surface deep as there definitely exists a rather competitive, and often judgemental, component to the industry. Our mantra at the Studio is “We rise by lifting others” and that is what I want the Studio’s purpose to be: to create a supportive environment for women to feel empowered and supported, either by the people they meet there or by myself and the staff. Your clients practice yoga in a supporting and encouraging environment – could you elaborate on what you mean by this? We built the Studio to create an environment where women can come and practice comfortably, away from competitive gym environments. Some people who are not in the best of shape generally feel intimidated to work out in gyms because they are scared that they will be judged. They are therefore demotivated before they even attempt to improve their lives and health. We cater to all women of all experiences and abilities, and try to build a community of empowerment and solidarity through our classes, and even through the many quotes we have painted on the walls. Who has been your greatest source of inspiration? My inspiration for almost everything I have done is my late grandfather. He always made me believe from a young age that I could do anything I set my mind to, and he was always there for me whenever I needed support or guidance. I still think of his words before I make any major decisions in my life.