Nike hosted the first-ever Dubai edition of the brand’s world-famous ‘Well Festival’ on 27th and 28th April 2024 from 4pm to 11pm at a special venue in the Nara Desert Resort.
The event offered a new two-day wellbeing experience that combined mindfulness, movement and connection in a natural setting. With an array of health-boosting activities for guests including yoga, meditation and mindfulness, the event was packed with unforgettable experiences where guests could grow and learn from experts.
Prior to the program Emirates Women We spoke to fitness and wellness coach Siham Zaki and fitness avid Rola Faraha about the festival’s overall theme and how both brands plan to grow in the wellness sector in the Middle East.
Siham Zaki
What is the Nike Wellness Collective?
Let’s move together, move in style and with grace! This is what the Nike Well Festival is all about. Surrounded by vast expanses of sand and under Dubai’s clear, starry skies, we felt truly connected to nature on a deep level. From yoga and sound healing sessions to high intensity interval training sessions and highly engaging panel discussions, all under the desert canopy, every moment was invigorating for the mind, body and soul. Plus, the opportunity to step away from the everyday ‘hustle and bustle’ and immerse ourselves in this serene environment was so healthy!
What was your favorite part about the program?
There was something for everyone. The lineup was diverse and dynamic, ranging from high intensity interval training to mindful breathing sessions to clay modelling in a wadi, the list goes on. Each session was carefully curated to cater for different fitness levels and interests. What added a truly unique aspect to the program was that there were four different zones surrounding the sessions: energy circles, sanctuaries, conversation pits and wadis. Each zone offered its own vibe and purpose, creating a diverse and immersive environment for all participants.
What is your best recommendation in terms of exercise in a stressful everyday life?
Choose an exercise that you enjoy. When it comes to exercise, be yourself and be yourself. Don’t limit yourself to traditional exercise methods, but find a form of exercise that you truly enjoy and have fun with, whether that be dancing, cycling, swimming, lifting, etc. If you enjoy it, it will be easier to stay motivated to have fun and move regularly.
How do you tailor your approach to movement and mood to suit different skill levels and class participants?
Back to basics: Communicate openly with participants. It’s very important for me to engage and communicate with my participants to understand their preferences, physical limitations, and what they want to get out of their experience with me. This communication allows me to customize and modify my class programs to fit different skill levels. I also encourage participants to listen to their bodies and challenge themselves at their own pace. It’s okay to take breaks, reduce the intensity, or skip exercises that don’t suit you.
What simple habits can you adopt to become more mindful?
It is important to emphasize that mindfulness is a skill that takes time and practice to master. Especially if you have a busy schedule, it can be more difficult to practice mindfulness. We recommend starting with a small, manageable practice and gradually building up over time. Choose a mindfulness practice that fits into your schedule and suits your lifestyle.
Here are some simple mindfulness practices that I personally incorporate into my daily life and can be practiced anywhere: Mindful breathing involves taking a few minutes out of your day to focus on your breathing. Mindful eating involves chewing slowly and paying attention to the sensations of eating. Mindful eating helps you notice your body’s hunger and fullness cues and avoid overeating. Gratitude practice involves taking a few minutes each day to think about what you are grateful for.
How is Nike changing the health landscape in the region?
Nike Well Collective’s approach to wellness is to promote a holistic and comprehensive approach to health and fitness. It goes beyond traditional fitness programs; Nike Well Collective incorporates elements of mindfulness, nutrition, rest and connection. By addressing the interconnectedness of physical and mental health, Nike Well Collective inspires a new generation to prioritize self-care and embrace a healthy lifestyle. This not only transforms individual lives, but also shapes the broader health landscape of communities.
Laura Farah
What was your favorite part of the Nike Wellness Festival?
We have arrived! We have been transported to an exotic and windswept location; far away yet close to like-minded family with similar values and aspirations. As we entered the festival area, we were greeted by a delightful blend of natural beauty, serene charm and soothing music. This immediately transported us on a transformative journey of wellness and connection. The community vibe was amazing, with people sharing experiences and networking. The experience, blending the natural beauty of the desert with the collective energy of the group, left an unforgettable impression and embodied the spirit of Nike Well Festival. It was a timeless experience.
What does holistic fitness and exercise mean to you?
Exercise has been a fascinating journey shaped by numerous experiences and changes in my life. As I moved countries, changed jobs, and adapted to a new lifestyle, exercise became a turning point in my overall health, both physical and mental. The beauty of my fitness and exercise journey was its agility and adaptability. Knowing the impact exercise had on maintaining my overall health, it became a key component of my life. To me, holistic fitness and exercise means integrating various aspects of physical, mental, and emotional health into one lifestyle. It goes beyond traditional exercise to include practices that replenish and nourish the body, mind, and spirit. From diversifying your workouts to practicing mindfulness and meditation, prioritizing quality sleep and a balanced diet, connecting with people, and setting goals to stay motivated. Holistic fitness is about creating a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle that supports overall health, happiness, and longevity.
What is one thing you do every day to stay healthy?
Structure! One thing I do every day to maintain my health is to structure my day. Sitting quietly for a few minutes each day and focusing on my work goals, fitness goals, nutrition plan, social events, etc. helps me stay efficient, productive, and motivated throughout the day. Adjusting my routine as needed and staying mindful of each moment is key to overall wellness. This simple yet powerful approach has become an essential part of my daily routine, helping me manage my time and prioritize all the elements of a fulfilling lifestyle.
How is Nike changing the health landscape in the region?
As part of the Nike Well Collective, coaching the running community on Tuesdays (mixed group interval training at the Nike Well Collective Marina store) and Wednesdays (women only at the Dubai Canal) gives me different ways to engage and inform runners, providing inclusive support and cultivating a motivated running community. The different approach on both days makes the adaptability more inspiring and focused on each runner’s goals. My goal is to always ensure that I create a dynamic and inclusive environment where people can connect, support each other and grow together. Working towards goals in community motivates people to move, grow, learn from each other and build together. I am focused on educating runners to prioritize cross-training, meditation and yoga with the resources of the Nike Well Collective. Digital engagement with Nike Experiences is a powerful element in helping runners expand and diversify their knowledge and training to manage injury prevention, strength and recovery.
How do you unwind and balance your corporate life with your running/exercise routine?
It’s not always easy, especially when you have to manage timings, career goals, fitness goals, and wardrobe. Balancing my corporate life and running routine requires the right mental clarity to do it efficiently while maintaining my overall health. For me, having a structured schedule is key to a busy schedule. I plan ahead and follow a consistent routine to create a sense of balance. Sure, it can get overwhelming at times, but that leads me to my next point. I incorporate mindfulness and self-care through meditation and yoga, and occasionally get a massage to relax, reduce stress, and increase mental clarity. The key to work-life balance is knowing how to set boundaries and when to take a break. Through trial and error, you can learn what makes you feel good. It could be a short walk, breathing exercises, or a jog to disconnect. Depending on the type of relaxation you need, focus on what makes you feel good to reset and balance. Implementing these key elements to work-life balance has helped me manage my corporate responsibilities with my running routine and maintain the energy and mental clarity to succeed in both areas.
What does a typical week’s running routine look like?
My running routine is usually a 70:30 mix of easy social runs and threshold/interval runs. My running program focuses on combining speed/cardio training, long-term endurance/stamina building, and recovery/mobility exercises. Additionally, I place emphasis on strength training, stretching, hydration, nutrition, and adequate sleep. This routine provides a balanced mix of different types of running and cross-training activities to promote overall fitness and reduce the risk of injury. Of course, adjustments are made based on my training goals, race schedule, and how I feel each week. I can’t expect to perform 100% every time. It took me a while to understand that and learn to listen to my body.
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Image: Provided
