(Photo Credit: Dina Cassir)

Q: Describe your personality in 5 words.
A: Active, energetic, smiley, crazy, positive.

Q: Where are you from and what kind of yoga or fitness classes do you offer?
A: I’m originally Lebanese, living in Dubai since 2006 and teaching Vinyasa flow, Yoga/ Pilates fusion classes, and Aerial hammock across various studios in the city.

Q: How long have you been practicing yoga/ exercising and why did you decide to teach yoga/ fitness classes?
A: I’ve been practicing yoga for 18 years now, Aerial hammock for 10 years and Pilates for 3 years. I decided to teach yoga because somehow I was never happy being in the corporate world, it never suited my personality and I wanted to pursue something that feels authentic to me, so made the shift in 2011. Gradually I started adding certifications to my CV and today I’m teaching yoga, Pilates and Aerial simultaneously - never been happier :)

Q: What was the first type of sport/ physical exercise that you truly enjoyed growing up as a child?
A: I used to dance ballet as a child, up until my early teenage years, then started trying various types of sports until I found Yoga.

(Photo Credit: Dina Cassir)

Q: What’s your teaching style? What style of yoga/ fitness classes do you enjoy and teach? What makes a good yoga or fitness trainer?
A: I teach flow classes. I just love moving meditation practices and I think what makes a good fitness or yoga teacher is when teaching comes from the heart, you will attract people who share the same kind of personal preference. As they say “your vibes attract your tribe”.

Q: How often do you practice yoga/ exercise and how often do you recommend your students to practice yoga or exercise?
A: I practice yoga/ Pilates 6 days a week and I also run 4-5 times a week. I recommend people to have at least 3 times a week of regular exercise routine, it doesn’t matter what they choose to do as long as they are moving.

Q: What is your favorite mantra or your Yama and Niyama from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras? 
A: My Favorite mantra is: I’m grateful. As for Yamas - Ahimsa (non-violence) is very important to me and I've been doing my best to instill the practice of Ahimsa in my kids specially when we live in a world where violence seems to have become a normal daily life thing! Santosha is my favorite of the Niyamas, practicing being content and grateful for all what life has given me so far and what’s yet to be given in the future.

(Photo Credit: Dina Cassir)

Q: Who are your favorite yoga teachers/ athletes that inspired you early on in your yoga/ fitness journey and why?
A: My favorite teachers are the ones I've studied with so far, but the ones who deeply impacted my journey are: My first ever teacher - Angela who passed away a couple of years ago. Her beautiful peaceful face and soul where the reason I wanted to take up yoga classes. My second teacher and mentor - Nima - who helped me deepen my asana and philosophy practice, and Julie Martin - who was the motivation behind me teaching a very liberated and free flowing style of Vinyasa Flow.

(Photo Credit: Dina Cassir)

Q: What is the most challenging part about being a yoga/ fitness teacher during this COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic season? How do you think the global yoga or fitness industry should evolve with technology? Do you see self-promotion on social media as an effective way of gaining students/ private clients?
A: The COVID-19 hit every single person hard and we are all losing here. The majority of Yoga and fitness teachers are freelancers. We only get paid when we show up and teach classes. Now that we’re all in isolation, every one is losing BUT, I feel I have a duty towards the community, and I’ve started offering Free live classes on IG, and those who’d like to offer donations, they can do so online but it’s completely up to them. Self promotion on social media is a good way to gain more clients as we need to keep the source of income alive!

Q: What is your favorite yoga pose/ fitness workout?
A: My favorite pose is Kamatkarasana or wild thing pose. Those who practice with me know it’s there in every single class :)

Q: What’s your favorite morning and night-time self-care/ beauty or wellness routine?
A: I have a morning self care routine of waking up before everyone in the house, have my coffee in peace and quiet before going in the outdoors for a run or even a walk sometimes, followed by a few minutes of meditation. On days where I have early morning work, I take the outdoor time to midday or evening sometimes.

Q: Do you have any upcoming workshops such as retreats/ corporate training, online classes, or current projects you would like to share with us?
A: I have a new set of online classes that have been recorded and still in production phase, so stay tuned!

(Photo Credit: Dina Cassir)

Q: Feel free to share and list your professional credentials here.
A:
Yoga Alliance E-RYT 200 Certified Hatha Yoga Teacher
Vinyasa Flow Teacher
Aerial Yoga Certified Teacher
Mat & Reformer Teacher

Q: So, where and how can we find you or enroll in your classes?

A: I’m based in Dubai - UAE and you can practice with me at @urbanyogadubai / @yogalavie / @karmayogadubai / Studiorepublik-ae / @shimis.dubai