Imagine yourself stretching in the most picturesque locations across Lebanon, every time a different mood, a different vibe, equally gorgeous, by the sea. We had a peppy chat with Chris and Michelle, the duo behind The Coastal Club, a pop-up fitness concept that takes us to coveted spots along the coast.
Staring into the deep blue from a corner of the shore in Jbeil, or laying on the grass, the mythical Saint George Hotel behind you, yachts parked in the sea in front of you; with pop-up pilates or yoga scheduled every week, or every other week, indulge in a scenic session that will bring peace to both body and mind. The Coastal Club takes us somewhere new every time, whether near a beach, by a pool or on the coast, ‘there will be an element related to the sea.’ From a WhatsApp group of twenty people when they launched in April, to hundreds of people now, the community is growing, and the team behind The Coastal Club wants to keep this feel of cohesiveness, keeping us on our toes, introducing new stuff every time. Each event opens up to the first 35 participants who sign up via WhatsApp, and every time expect a curated experience; from a matcha stand or acai bowls, to a new local fashion brand, make-up to try on, fun activities like make your own charm jewelry workshops, painting, and goodies like cacti plants or grip socks. Chris and Michelle want us to get moving with the pilates session, but also take time to unwind, enjoying each location. The vibe differs for each pop up, from coastal calm, to upbeat energy, and the instructor for each session is chosen accordingly.
Behind those sunset rendez-vous is a super dynamic duo, Chris and Michele, two people who self identify as ‘haysin’ (restless). Spontaneous, dynamic and full of resources they were just brainstorming one day, wondering what to do with their summer off university classes. She is pursuing her masters in neurobiology and he is a med student, we caught them between classes and residency at the hospital, on a rushed Saturday morning. They told us they met fifteen years ago, and, are both fond of exercise, tennis, gym, and anything active. When they meet up they spend a lot of time playing sports. So, it was natural that their venture together would be to get us moving. The duo goes around Lebanon to spot the perfect place for each pop-up session; rooftops with pools, beaches, or the new hot spot. They tell us about a session at Nalu Beach Resort, where mats were set right on top of the waves on the decks, or another session on the rooftop of The Park in Zaitunay Bay overlooking Beirut, among greenery, with the sea stretching underneath. They have ideas lined up until end of summer and they even plan to take us to the coast in winter, for some pop ups when the weather is nice, or ‘indoors with a beach view.’ ‘We don’t want to stop,’ they laugh as they reminisce their first event, when things were still DIY pushing around furniture, setting up the space themselves, ‘now things are getting more and more pro.’ Expect a gorgeous aesthetic, inventive activities, mindful movement; a blissful experience.
* This article is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should consult your physician or other health care professional for specific medical advice.
