The idea behind #theADmovement was to set up events that bring women together in an active environment and empower and inspire them in their journey towards a fully healthy life. We have lots of events in the UAE that centre around fashion and food, but there were few ladies-only events catering to those, like us, interested in health and wellness. And so #theADmovement was created. We removed the mixed-gender barrier to create a more comfortable and unintimidating setting for ladies to come together, be active and learn more about health and wellness in the capital.
While we do target Emirati women, we want the whole of the UAE’s female population to support one another in getting healthier and happier.
Our launch event, called Introduction to the Journey of Wellness, was held at the private garden of Anahata Spa in Khalifa City in March. It featured a wellness talk, a fitness boot camp, yoga, a discussion about nutrition and ended with meditation under the stars. Women were able to pick and choose what they wanted to do. They were also able to enjoy healthy food options and shop for trendy fitness apparel. We thought it was going to be a very small gathering, but we were blown away by the response – more than 100 women attended. It really made us realise that there is a demand for such events.
The second event, called Ramadan Nights at Yas Marina Circuit, sponsored by GoYas and the Fatima Bint Mubarak Sports Academy, featured fitness activities performed on the F1 track. The event also offered a cooking demonstration and an inspiring talk by a young Emirati who shared her weight-loss experience.
Our third event, Unleash and Unwind, was at Zayed Sports City in October, and featured a fun-fair-themed day targeted at mothers and children. Children were able to unleash with a series of fitness activities as well as arts and crafts, and pumpkin carving. They were also able to judge their mums in a cooking competition. A separate section was created for mothers to unwind with Pilates and yoga, and one-on-one health screenings and consultations.
Our fourth and final event of the year, which was held late last month, took a completely different format. We held a 5-kilometre and 10km sunset fun run and barbecue in the desert at Al Asayl equestrian centre, the private property of Her Highness Sheikha Alyazia bint Sultan bin Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who also participated in the 10km multi-terrain run. The event ended with all the participants enjoying a healthy barbecue. Many admitted it was their first such event and they enjoyed the liberating feeling of running in a beautiful setting without having to worry about covering up.
#theADmovement offers tasters of different activities, so people can find out what suits them best. Being active doesn’t necessarily mean enduring extreme training sessions. It’s really about making health more accessible, as well as creating a support system of empowered ladies that encourage one another in their journey of wellness.
When it comes to getting fit, the hardest step is always the first, and to make matters worse, we tend to overthink everything: “Maybe I should just start on Sunday”; “Where can I go?”; “Let me get fit first before joining this class” – there are always excuses. I make them as do many people around me. My advice is to just do it. Don’t think. Get out and walk, take advantage of the beautiful weather. You’ll instantly feel more energised and capable of doing much, much more.
* As told to Jessica Hill
In January, health blogger and Integrative Nutrition Health coach Sarah Al Nowais co-founded #theADmovement, aimed at encouraging women to embrace a more active lifestyle. As well as organising fitness events, Al Nowais blogs at www.fitnut-uae.com, and is a full-time mum of a 1 year-old.
If you have a good story to tell or an interesting issue to debate, contact Amanda Tomlinson on atomlinson@thenational.ae.
