NAWA PILATES: A JOURNEY TO THE CORE

Written and photographed by Marie-Josée Bédard

Edited by Kaitlyn Talbot and Anca-Stefania Iorgulescu

One mindful movement at a time

There's something about turning 55 that makes you reconsider your relationship with your body. The knees that once bounded up the stairs now begin a quiet lament with each step. The back, once a steadfast ally, now grumbles its protest after a strenuous workout. And yet, with this new chapter, there comes a deeper gratitude for our body's enduring strength – perhaps even more profound than in our younger days. It was with this mixture of humility and curiosity that I found myself driving north along Qatar's coastline one Friday morning, headed toward a weekend that would prove to be exactly the kind of experience I was hoping for - grounding and uplifting.

The Invitation

"Getting To The Core," read the elegant invitation from Nawa Pilates – a perfect double entendre for a studio whose very name means "core" or "nucleus" in Arabic. Envisioned by Dr. Amal Al-Maki and Habiba Benchaib, Nawa is more than just another Pilates studio; as I would come to experience, their vision is anchored in something much deeper than trendy workouts.

Habiba's story resonated with me immediately: a former flight attendant who intimately understood the toll that her life – with its long flights, irregular schedules, and perpetual jetlag – was taking on her body. Rather than accepting these patterns as inevitable, Habiba pursued solutions. So she completed 750 rigorous hours of training at Sydney's Pilates International Training Center while still flying around the world, demonstrating a level of commitment increasingly rare in our quick-fix culture.

The Setting: A Sanctuary by the Sea

Zulal by Chiva-Som isn't just a resort; it's a statement. As I passed through its stone-framed entrance overlooking the Arabian Sea, there was an immediate sense of crossing a threshold – leaving behind the frenetic energy of daily life and entering a space designed for presence.

The resort's traditional Arabic architecture fosters a dialogue between past and present. Within these walls, there's a sense of inherent wisdom – the same wisdom that guides the Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine (TAIM) practices integrated into Zulal's wellness offerings.

I've always believed that our environment shapes our experience, and Zulal proved this theory beautifully. How different this would feel in a sterile gym with fluorescent lighting and pounding music.

First Impressions: The Art of Gathering

In a library filled with carefully curated books on wellness, I met the women with whom I would be sharing this journey before we were guided to our rooms. There's a unique power in gathering with strangers united by a common interest, especially a group of women of diverse ages and backgrounds.

As Aung, a traditional medicine practitioner specializing in teas, expertly prepared and explained the welcome ceremonial tea, I observed the subtle dynamics forming among us. Some were seasoned Pilates practitioners, while others, like myself, had a more casual approach. The group included Qataris and expats alike. This very diversity felt nourishing, echoing Nawa’s commitment to welcoming EVERY body.

Joseph Pilates once said, "Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness," and I have always believed that community is a close second. This gathering held the promise of both.

The Practice: Beyond Exercise

Our first session commenced with "The Hundred," an exercise aptly named for its hundred count of breath and movement within the Pilates lexicon. As Habiba guided us through the sequence, I noted her emphasis not only on the mechanics but also on the underlying intention of each movement, encouraging a mindful synchronization of breath and action.

Habiba Benchaib

This philosophy distinguishes Pilates from many fitness modalities I've explored over the decades. Now in midlife, my interest has shifted from punishing workouts aimed at exhaustion or conforming to a culturally prescribed ideal. My pursuit is something sustainable, a practice that honors my current body while optimizing its function for the years to come.

The reformer sessions later that day introduced an unexpected element of play. The sliding carriages and adjustable springs fostered a kind of dance between resistance and release. I found myself laughing spontaneously at moments – a welcome contrast to the grim determination I've often observed in exercise environments.

As evening approached, a pleasant fatigue settled in, accompanied by a surprising hunger. I joined the group for a meal where Zulal's chef created dishes that were both a delicious indulgence and deeply nourishing – proving that healthy fare can be rich with flavor.

The day gently drew to a close with a soundbath session, an experience intended to calm the nervous system and usher in a quiet mind.

Day Two: Deepening Understanding

Dawn found me wandering the grounds with my camera, the soft morning light revealing details I'd missed: architectural elements echoing desert formations, indigenous plants chosen not only for their beauty but also for their medicinal properties, and seating areas thoughtfully placed to encourage both conversation and contemplation.

Following a quick swim and much-needed coffee, I joined the group for breakfast. Afterward, we made our way to the studio for what proved to be the most impactful session of the weekend: a workshop centered on the pelvic floor.

As women, our relationship with this fundamental aspect of our anatomy is often complex and rarely discussed openly. Yet, the pelvic floor influences everything from posture and digestion to intimate health and emotional well-being. Habiba approached the topic with both scientific precision and profound respect.

The exercises we practiced were subtle – a world away from the "no pain, no gain" approach. Yet, I could feel a profound connection to my inner musculature.

Having lived through childbirth and hormonal fluctuations, this connection to my core felt like a profound reclaiming of something essential.

Beyond Movement: The Holistic Experience

The afternoon offered the opportunity to explore the resort's wellness facilities at our own pace. During the tea tasting with Aung, what began as a sampling became an impromptu lesson on the medicinal properties of different varieties, a body of knowledge passed down through generations.

The apothecary proved most fascinating, where TAIM principles inform modern wellness practices. The practitioner explained their doctors' process of assessing each individual's unique constitution before recommending specific herbs, treatments, or lifestyle adjustments.

This blending of ancient wisdom with contemporary science at Zulal Wellness Resort mirrors Nawa's approach to their Pilates practice: honoring tradition while integrating modern knowledge and individual needs.

The Takeaway: Carrying the Core Forward

As I packed my bag on Saturday afternoon, I realized I was taking home more than just sore abdominals. This weekend had offered a template for how movement practice can be woven into a philosophy of living – intentional, community-oriented, and deeply respectful of the body's inherent wisdom.

The women I'd met – initially strangers – had shared stories, laughter, and kindness. We exchanged contacts, valuing the connection we'd forged and wanting to maintain it. In our increasingly isolated modern lives, these authentic connections feel more precious than ever.

This summer, Nawa Pilates will officially open their West Bay studio, offering mat, reformer, and tower classes, alongside their ongoing retreats and workshops in Qatar's scenic locales. Having observed fitness trends for decades, I sense an enduring quality in their philosophy – rooted in principles rather than fleeting promises of rapid change.

Joseph Pilates lived to an impressive 83, teaching with vitality until his death in an era where such longevity was notable. His method, born from the crisis of internment during World War I, remains remarkably relevant to our modern struggles: bodily disconnection, chronic stress, and movement dictated by technology, not natural function.

Driving back to Doha, I feel a subtle shift in my posture, a deeper awareness of my breath. These aren't dramatic changes, but perhaps the most meaningful transformations rarely are. They are the quiet shifts that, practiced consistently, reshape our experience from the inside out. Or, as they might say at Nawa – from the core.

NAWA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nawapilates/

ZULAL Wellness Resort Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/zulalwellnessresort/