NAME: Vaneezeh Hassan
COMPANY: Vaneezeh’s Pilates
AGE: 26
INSTAGRAM HANDLE: https://www.instagram.com/vs_pilates/
JOB TITLE: Founder
MOVED TO THE UAE IN: 2021
Vaneezeh Hassan is the founder of Vaneezeh’s Pilates, a sanctuary where women come to rediscover their inner strength. Her journey began humbly in her garage in 2023, offering personalized classes that quickly built a loyal community, especially amongst the Emirati women. It wasn’t long before Vaneezeh expanded into a pilates studio in Nad Al Sheba.
Vaneezeh's journey into learning pilates began with a deep commitment to mastering the practice. In July 2022, she embarked on a comprehensive mat pilates course with BodyHack, following the completion of a foundational Anatomy course in August of the same year. The Mat pilates training was intensive, requiring written exams, a portfolio assignment, and a rigorous 100 hours each of both practice and teaching, along with a final teaching exam. To further expand my expertise, she completed a reformer pilates course in November 2022, which was equally demanding. Her solid educational background has allowed Vaneezeh to offer a thorough and well-rounded approach to pilates, blending theory and practice.
Let's follow a day in her life:
5:30 AM - Private pilates class: At the crack of dawn, I’m up and ready for my first private session of the day. It’s my favorite way to start the morning, there’s something magical about working with clients in this quiet, peaceful hour. These sessions are where I witness the most personal growth in my clients. We focus on precise movements, aligning the mind and body. It’s more than just a workout; it’s like a mini reset to kickstart the day. I find these early morning sessions therapeutic for me and my clients.
7:00 AM – Breakfast with a side of matcha- Right after my private session, it’s time to refuel. My go-to breakfast is typically yogurt with chia seeds, granola, pomegranate, banana, and a drizzle of honey. Sometimes, I add a matcha latte because, honestly, who doesn’t love a little matcha for a good vibe boost? It’s not just about keeping my energy up; it’s about enjoying the process of creating a nourishing meal. Eating well is a form of self-care that keeps me grounded.
8:00 AM – Group reformer class - I jump straight into a group reformer class, one of the studio’s signature offerings. Teaching a group class is a different kind of thrill. The energy is high, and I love seeing a room full of women, all pushing themselves and supporting each other. It’s more than fitness, it's a tribe of women who are looking for a much-deserved outlet from everything else in their day. We laugh, we groan (especially during planks), and we encourage each other through every stretch and shake.
9:00-11:00 AM –Admin and accounting- With my laptop open and a clear mind, I dive into admin mode. This is the not-so-glamorous but essential part of running a business. Emails, accounting, scheduling, you name it. I live by my Google Calendar; it is like my second brain, keeping every task aligned and helping me balance business growth with client needs. It might sound routine, but I see it as laying the groundwork for all the good things we create here at Vaneezeh’s Pilates. Plus, there’s always the satisfaction of clearing that to-do list one email at a time.
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Client feedback- I attend one of the group sessions at the studio during this hour, not as an instructor but as a student. This is my time to connect with clients, hear what they enjoy, and what they’d like to see more of, and even get a little feedback on new athleisure designs, like socks or leggings. It’s a mix of catching up with the community and keeping things fresh and exciting.
12:00 PM – Lunch & recharge - Lunch is my big meal of the day which is usually spaghetti with vegetables and a protein. After lunch, I take a much-needed nap from around 2 PM to 4 PM. I’m a big believer in the power of taking the rest your body requires. Why force productivity with more caffeine when you can rest and reset? The split-shift culture I have created for myself is all about maximizing my energy, and this nap is a core part of that. It’s my secret recipe for staying productive without burning out.
4:00-6:00 PM – Business operations & engagements -Afternoons are all about staying connected with the heart of the business. I follow up with clients, finalize collaborations, and manage ongoing projects to ensure everything is running smoothly. I also use this time to plan exciting community events and workshops, always keeping the focus on helping women rediscover themselves through Pilates.
6:00 PM – Evening routine - After wrapping up at the studio, I usually head straight to the grocery store. I love cooking with fresh ingredients, so I pick up what I need daily. No stockpiling! Dinner is usually something light, like a warm bowl of homemade soup, which is my go-to comfort meal. It keeps things easy on my system after a busy day. Evenings are generally low-key; I either catch up with friends, or I unwind with a good series at home. Three out of five evenings, you’ll find me out exploring the city. I find that stepping out and meeting people recharges and inspires me. It’s my soul food.
12:00 AM – Bedtime I finally wind down for bed around midnight, ready to recharge for the next day. It’s not a lot of sleep, but the mix of a solid routine, a good diet, and my nifty nap keeps me feeling strong and ready for whatever the next day brings.
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