From Pilates to rolfing: Six wellbeing events in the UAE this February and March

As parties and brunches are off the table, UAE residents are looking to enhance their well-being. Here are six surefire ways to do just that over the next couple of months. Indian spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar will conduct an online masterclass for Middle East residents titled Way Forward 2021. Organised by Art of Living institute, which Shankar founded in 1981, the workshop will take place on Friday, February 12, from 5pm to 7pm, through Zoom, and will delve into meditation while providing insight and knowledge to help participants deal with the changes and tackle the challenges that the year may yet bring. Priced at $50. For more information, email 800aol@artoflivingme.org Struggling to stay true to those 2021 fitness resolutions? Bare Dubai has a transformation challenge that aims to help participants become the “strongest, fittest, most fabulous versions” of themselves. The final date to sign up for the month-long competition is Friday, February 12, and it costs Dh1,200. Participants will be guided through intense workouts and given a customised nutrition plan. They will be expected to attend three workout sessions a week, attend a weigh-in meeting every Friday morning, follow the meal plan, commit to the maintenance plan and join The Challenge group chat. Once the main challenge has finished, there will be two more months of “maintenance”. At the end, four winners will be announced in the men's and women's categories, for most weight lost and most improved body composition, with prizes up for grabs. More information is at bare.fitness The Ajman Tourism Development Department will host a bodybuilding and physique competition, in partnership with the Emirates Bodybuilding Federation. The competition is now accepting registrations via the Eventor app, with the men’s competition taking place at Ajman Cultural Centre on Friday and Saturday, March 19 and 20, and the women’s competition at Bianky Beach Camp on Saturday, March 20. Open for Emiratis, residents and visitors, the competition includes categories such as Physique, Classic Physique, Muscular Physique and Body Style, for different age groups, with total prizes worth more than Dh100,000 ($27,229). Those dealing with postural issues or chronic pain can find relief at the hands of certified rolfer Andrew Rosenstock, who will host sessions at Seva Experience in February and March. Based on the philosophy of Ida Rolf, rolfing is a deep massage delivered through “10 hands-on physical manipulation sessions called The Recipe”, with each session focusing on a specific area of the body. The holistic practice focuses on the connective tissue or fascia, to restore postural balance and ease movement, and it is used to help with chronic stiffness and compression from injury or surgery. A single session is priced at Dh900, while 10 sessions go for Dh8,100. Bookings can be made by contacting 055 342 899 or info@sevaexperience Holistic healing practitioner Neha Bali is bringing her expertise to the UAE. Residents looking for alternative ways to manage their mental and physical health can take advantage of a series of therapy sessions and courses that delve into meditation, theta healing, family constellation and EFT (emotional freedom technique). Corporate classes are also available. The sessions are all available online, with prices starting at Dh300. “I want to spread the message of wellness,” says Bali. “Adopting and learning holistic healing methods equips you with skills that help you navigate life with ease and a vision.” Bali offers an initial free 20-minute consultation to understand a client's requirements and tailor-make their therapy sessions. More information is at nehabali.com Real Pilates has opened its third location in Dubai at the newly launched Meydan Heights Retail Centre in Nad Al Sheba. The new studio offers up to four classes daily – two in the morning and two in the afternoon. Guests can choose between two versions of mat workouts, including Pilates core, which strengthens and stabilises the core; and Pilates SQ, which adds exercises that strengthen the back, arms and legs, and incorporates equipment such as resistance rings and toning balls. Other equipment-based Pilates comes by way of Reformer Core, where you utilise the pulley system of a Reformer machine to tone muscles and strengthen the core. The studio will also offer hatha and vinyasa flow yoga sessions. More information is at real-pilates.com

From Pilates to rolfing: Six wellbeing events in the UAE this February and March

Meet Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on Zoom, sign up for a transformation challenge or try out in a bodybuilding contest