Fitness diaries: My week of pain and gain in Jeddah

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Trainer Mai Kholief put on a show for the class. (Photo courtesy: Rawan Radwan)
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1) Najia Al-Fadl performing a pull-up exercise at Flagboxing gym. (Photo courtesy: Rawan Radwan)
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Mai Kholief performs a box squat jump. (Photo courtesy: Rawan Radwan)
Updated 21 July 2017
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Fitness diaries: My week of pain and gain in Jeddah

JEDDAH: Women around the world are making a name for themselves in the health and fitness arena as sporting greats and pioneers. Despite this, the notion that women are not as strong as men is still pervasive in some areas.

As a hard-working mother of a 4-year-old, I am here to tell you that this is simply not true so I decided to push my limits and carried out a personal experiment to see just how far I could go in the world of fitness.

I volunteered to try four different types of intense workouts in seven days at specialized women-run studios across Jeddah to prove to myself, and others, that we women are stronger than we may think.

Day 1: BodyPump

To kick things off, I joined trainer Nouf Hamadallah in her private fitness studio, Nouf Fitness, early in the morning for a BodyPump class. It is an intense class for such an early hour and I came prepared.

It is a low-weight, high-repetition class and my trainer pushed hard, knowing full well that many off us fall off the wagon during the Eid and holiday period.

I watched my heart rate rise during the class and kept moving, buoyed by my excitement. That was my first mistake.

My excitement was an invitation for my coach to push harder, however, her positive feedback gave me the encouragement I needed to keep going. After an hour of following the routine, I burned 450-500 calories, got the recommended meal plan after my session and wore a wide smile on my face despite my sore muscles. I fueled up on the necessary proteins, carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables and got on with my day, happy in the knowledge I had cleared my workout session in the morning.

Book a session by contacting [email protected]

Day 2: High-end endurance indoor cycling

Lana Al-Subahi’s Cyclana cycling studio made me fall in love with indoor cycling. For first-timers, the seats can be uncomfortable but with all the music pumping and sweat dripping, I soon forgot about the discomfort and found myself focused on the task at hand. My heart rate started to shoot up fast after the warm up.

It's not about a class, it's not about a bike, it's about you! What is your passion, what is your purpose, what is your goal. What do you need, what is your motivation and inspiration, what are you riding for! Everybody comes for a different reason, some they come for a challenge and some they come for fun, find your reason and unlock your potential. You're more powerful than what you think. Come and find yourself and find your happy place, WE GOT YOU. #CYCLANA Photo Credit: @basma.photography Makeup by: @najlazainy_mua ------------------------------------------------- #FindYourself #IndoorCycling #Ride #Cycle #Spin #InstaCycle #BookYourRide #Health #Fitness #Cycling #StrongSaudiWomen #Jeddah #SaudiArabia #جدة #السعودية #سايكلانا

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After each routine, I increased the resistance on the cycle and pushed myself harder until I felt like I was cycling up a hill. The workout is made up of periods of high-intensity activity followed by a recovery period, a pattern that kept my heart rate up as per the class’s goals. My muscles were screaming but the instructor’s encouragement kept me going so my body could build endurance and strength. As per the trainer’s recommendation, I had a good protein and complex carbohydrate meal about two hours prior to the workout so my body could break down the food into glucose which was used for energy. I ended the session with a protein smoothie and was on my way.

Book a session by visiting www.cyclana.com or download the Cyclana app.

Day 3: CrossFit

CrossFit is a great high-intensity class geared toward pushing people’s limits with a rotation of activities.

I entered Mai Kholief’s MFit studio with a nagging concern that my legs would not be able to take the class as they were sore from my two days of intense cardio. I needed to push and push hard, lift heavier, go faster, try a new move and ace it. I was given a thorough rundown of the workouts that I would complete and Kholief pushed and encouraged each member of the class, not allowing anyone to move on without completing a set. With each kettlebell swing, I felt a pull on my hamstrings, with each burpee, my lungs were burning and with each pull-up, I felt stronger. I was focused and discovered I could perform movements I never thought I could complete. The class is for every shape and size, it is mind over matter. It was a tough class but with the right mindset, I burned more than 650 calories and it felt good!

Book a session by contacting [email protected]

Day 4: Calisthenics

Knowing that Flagboxing gym’s founder is Saudi kickboxing and boxing trainer Halah Al-Hamrani, I was very intimidated. She is a role model who turned the phrase “fight like a girl” into a form of praise.

Going into the session, I was nervous as I would be training with women who were focused and hardened. However, when I told Najia, a young trainer at the gym, of my fitness project, she welcomed it whole-heartedly and outlined the tasks I would be performing.

Calisthenics focuses on strengthening body fitness, endurance and flexibility by utilizing your own body weight for resistance. Do not be fooled, however, the movements may look easy but they can be excruciating. Calisthenics is a form of fitness which utilizes gravity and biomechanics. Each movement required a level of concentration to achieve its purpose and focused on a targeted set of muscles by isolating them.

Book a session by contacting [email protected]

Day 5: Walking and jogging

It was a sweltering 40 degrees Celsius outside but I completed a 58-minute routine made up of multiple sets of a four-minute fast walk followed by a two-and-a-half-minute jogging interval, followed by a 10-minute stretching and breathing session.

Day 6: Rest day

I took a well-deserved day of rest, with not a kettlebell or treadmill in sight.

Day 7: Walking and jogging

I probably should have taken a rest day since I was due to catch a flight that very evening but a walk was just what I needed to clear my head.

Pushing your body to perform longer and tougher workouts is just what some need to feel more confident in themselves. This intense week taught me that it is simply a case of mind over matter and there is nothing that women cannot perform, nothing they cannot try and nothing they cannot achieve with the right guidance.


Where We Are Going Today: Crosto bakery in Dammam

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Updated 23 November 2024
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Where We Are Going Today: Crosto bakery in Dammam

  • The Crosto Om Ali provided a warm, creamy, comforting conclusion to the meal

If you’re in Dammam and looking for a flavorful brunch or a light meal, the recently opened bakery Crosto offers a cozy atmosphere and a versatile menu catering to different tastes.

The maple shrimp for SR46 ($12) was the highlight of our visit — perfectly cooked shrimp complemented by a sweet maple glaze. The chicken sliders (SR33) were another favorite — juicy, tasty, and served on fresh buns. The Turkish shakshuka and Crosto avocado are worth trying too.

The Crosto Om Ali provided a warm, creamy, comforting conclusion to the meal.

Crosto’s Turkish Coffee is a must-have for coffee enthusiasts. Its authentic preparation and rich taste paired perfectly with the desserts, enhancing the overall dining experience.

The atmosphere at Crosto is welcoming and casual. However, the service during our visit was a little slow, which might be a concern if you’re in a rush.

With its mix of regional and international flavors, Crosto could be a good choice for your next outing in Dammam.

For more information, check their Instagram @crosto.sa.

 


Italian and Saudi flavors blend in embassy dinner and cooking competition

Risotto competition at the "Italy meets KSA" dinner at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. (AN photo)
Updated 22 November 2024
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Italian and Saudi flavors blend in embassy dinner and cooking competition

  • Highlighting similarities between Italian and Saudi cultures that can be sensed in their cuisines, Chiari said: “Both Italy and Saudi Arabia place great importance on hospitality, family, and the tradition of sharing meals

RIYADH: A group of 15 Saudi and Italian chefs created a seven-course dinner titled “Italy meets KSA,” combining both cuisines at Ritz Carlton’s Azzuro Restaurant.

Daniele Chiari, Italian chef and head of Dinner Incredible, the hosts of the event, told Arab News: “Tonight’s event in Riyadh is inspired by the shared love for storytelling and culture through cuisine. As a chef, I see food as a universal language that connects people, and Saudi Arabia’s culinary traditions are incredibly rich and diverse, just like Italy’s.”

Mozzarella demonstration at the "Italy meets KSA" dinner at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. (AN photo)

The event featured a culinary risotto competition between top Saudi chefs, which was won by Omar AlKhaldi, who received a scholarship fund from ALMA, the School of Italian Culinary Arts.

The event also had a display of fresh mozzarella cheese for tasting, made in the Kingdom by Sana cheese company, which specializes in Italian cheeses.

Risotto competition at the "Italy meets KSA" dinner at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. (AN photo)

“This evening, we aim to create a bridge between these two cultures, highlighting how local Saudi ingredients and techniques can harmonize beautifully with Italian culinary artistry,” Chiari said.

The evening concluded with a seven-course tasting dinner highlighting Italian and Saudi flavors. The menu included a pumpkin tart, cream of beans soup with shredded camel meat, a Red Sea grouper served with truffle, and a Saudi-coffee twist on the famous tiramisu.

Red Sea grouper at the "Italy meets KSA" dinner at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. (AN photo)

Highlighting similarities between Italian and Saudi cultures that can be sensed in their cuisines, Chiari said: “Both Italy and Saudi Arabia place great importance on hospitality, family, and the tradition of sharing meals. In terms of food, there’s a deep respect for natural, high-quality ingredients in both cuisines. Just as Italians value simplicity and the authentic taste of their produce, Saudis take pride in the purity and flavor of their spices, grains, and meats.”

Chiari spoke about the ability of food to cross international borders and connect communities.

Rosewater-glazed lamb at the "Italy meets KSA" dinner at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. (AN photo)

“Food is one of the most powerful ways to build connections and foster understanding between cultures. It transcends language, politics, and borders, allowing people to experience something deeply personal yet universally relatable. By crossing international borders through food, we’re not just sharing recipes — we’re sharing history, values, and creativity.”

The competition was organized by the Italian Embassy in Riyadh, the Italian Trade Agency, and ALMA, the School of Italian Culinary Arts, in collaboration with Sitaf and the Royal Protocol.

 

 


Where We Are Going Today: Soul Bowl restaurant in Riyadh

Updated 21 November 2024
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Where We Are Going Today: Soul Bowl restaurant in Riyadh

Soul Bowl, an on-the-go healthy meal station is catching the eye of Riyadh’s foodie and wellness fiends with their nutritious bowls and sandwiches.

While most tend to order for delivery, you can enjoy a comfortable and quaint indoor dining experience in their store in As Sahafah; where the neutral colors, soft warm lighting, and pop of green offer a welcoming atmosphere for both solo and social dining.

Soul Bowl’s menu offers a wide selection of salads, bowls, flatbread sandwiches, wraps, soups, and rice meals, as well as fresh juices, desserts and acai bowls. 

Their wraps and bowls are a hit, with the chicken chipotle wrap and the Mexican bowl as big standouts. 

The chicken used is clearly of high quality and cooked very well, and the rest of the ingredients, such as the greens, rice, sauces, feel very fresh. The flatbread sandwiches, however, are a bit of a hit or miss.

The main courses they offer range from tandoori chicken to beef stroganoff.


Where We Are Going Today: ‘Gosha’ bakery in Riyadh

Updated 20 November 2024
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Gosha’ bakery in Riyadh

Gosha, with several branches in Riyadh, has gained a loyal following for its fresh-baked flatbreads and creative flavor combinations.

This modern bakery is the go-to spot for fans of stone-baked delights, offering a unique twist on traditional recipes. 

The thyme with pomegranate flatbread is the star of the menu. Its tangy, earthy flavors are perfectly balanced and complemented by the crispness of the bread. Another top pick is the honey labneh flatbread, offering a delightful sweet-and-savory profile. The falafel wrap also deserves praise for its crispy, flavorful filling that feels hearty and fresh.

Gosha’s menu caters to those seeking variety, offering several options suitable for breakfast or light snacks. 

However, one thing missing from the experience is the addition of fresh beverages. It would be great to pair these delicious flatbreads with fresh juice, tea, or coffee, creating a more complete dining experience.

Overall, Gosha impresses with its innovative take on traditional flavors, vibrant presentation, and consistently high quality.

This is a great option for anyone looking for a quick, delicious bite in Riyadh.

For more information, check the bakery’s Instagram @qooshah.


Where We Are Going Today: ‘Balcona 99’ Egyptian cuisine in Jeddah

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Updated 19 November 2024
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Balcona 99’ Egyptian cuisine in Jeddah

  • The menu is a tribute to the diverse and flavorful dishes of Egypt

Balcona 99, in As-Salamah in Jeddah, has been delighting diners with its authentic Egyptian cuisine, offering an experience rooted in tradition.

The ambiance captivates from the moment one enters, with intricately carved hieroglyphics and symbolic artwork evoking Egyptian heritage.

Traditional melodies, warm decor and striking geometric tiles come together to create a space that feels both vibrant and welcoming.

Guests can choose between the elegant dining area, the cozy lounge ideal for shisha or the outdoor terrace, which becomes especially appealing during the cooler months.

The menu is a tribute to the diverse and flavorful dishes of Egypt. To start, the appetizers set the tone for an unforgettable meal.

The fattoush and hummus are light and refreshing, while the roqaq meat, a crispy, flaky pastry filled with spiced meat, stands out as a favorite, especially when paired with the zesty chili sauce.

Mombar, stuffed eggplants, zucchini and peppers, also offer a delicious glimpse into Egyptian culinary artistry.

Moving on to the mains, the tawajen section features oven-baked rice paired with duck, pigeon, quail, chicken or other meat, alongside stews such as daoud basha and potato with chicken or meat.

The okra with meat stew is particularly delightful, its tender beef simmered in a fragrant tomato broth. The Egyptian fatta, served with trotters, lamb chops or chicken, is a hearty and satisfying choice that reflects the comfort food aspect of the cuisine.

For those who enjoy grilled dishes, the selection includes succulent quails, pigeon stuffed with rice, veal brochettes, kofta, lamb chops and beef liver.

Each is prepared to perfection, offering smoky, juicy flavors that leave a lasting impression. Classic dishes such as Balcona koshari and veal escallop pane add even more variety to the feast.

Desserts at Balcona 99 are the perfect conclusion to a rich meal. Whether it’s the soft, syrup-drenched balah el-sham, the creamy rice pudding, or the indulgent cheese kunafa, each dessert showcases the sweet simplicity of Egyptian flavors.

Check @balcona.sa on Instagram for more details.