A Chic Fitness Studio Owner Shares Her AM/PM Routine

My morning routine is my favourite part of the day. I always try to wake up before everyone else so I can enjoy a little quiet time and start the day at my own pace. The first thing I do is hydrate with electrolytes. I rotate between Thorne and OneShot and always choose sugar-free options. Then I'll have my morning coffee with Vital Proteins collagen creamer, which has become part of my daily ritual. For me, this time is all about small moments for myself before the day begins.

Skincare is a big passion of mine, so I never rush it. My current routine includes SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF, A.G.E. Advanced Eye and Triple Lipid Restore, as my skin tends to be on the drier side. SPF is completely non-negotiable. I love tinted sunscreens, especially from ISDIN and SkinCeuticals, and I always reapply throughout the day with the Shiseido sunscreen compact powder. I also take liposomal vitamin C, plus Cymbiotika's liquid colostrum and liposomal glutathione every day for their wellness and antioxidant benefits.

I'm very careful about the products and tools I use for my hair, as it is highlighted and tends to be dry and sensitive. One of the biggest game changers has been the Hello Klean shower filter – I even have one I travel with. Once a week, I love to use an overnight treatment with Leonor Greyl Huile de Magnolia oil and wash it out the next morning. I also never skip a leave-in treatment or heat protectant and if I wear my hair naturally curly, I love K18 products. And of course, I can't live without my Dyson Airwrap.

I don't eat as soon as I wake up and occasionally practice intermittent fasting. I don't think it's something everyone should do long term, especially if hormonal balance is a concern, but I find it can be a great reset from time to time. These days, my go-to breakfast is boiled eggs with olive oil, salt, pepper and chilli flakes. For years, I craved something sweet in the morning, but now I prioritise protein because it keeps me full and prevents blood sugar spikes.

There are three skincare products I always come back to: Avène Cicalfate for whenever my skin feels dry or irritated. Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré, which creates the perfect base under my make-up. Lastly, the Clarins powder exfoliator. I use it once a week and mix it with my cleansing lotion for a gentle cleanse and exfoliation in one. Also, you’ll always find three beauty staples with me: Dior Lip Glow in 001 (I have one in every handbag), Shiseido SPF compact powder, and my current obsession – Hermès pink blush for the perfect natural glow.

My everyday uniform is activewear. Fitness is such a big part of my lifestyle, so I'm always drawn to pieces that balance performance and style. For workouts, I love ALO's technical fabrics, while off-duty, I'm usually in Varley and Split59 from The Sweatshop at Villa Boost.

Movement has always been part of my life. I work out three to four times a week and love mixing reformer, megaformer and strength training. Currently, my favourite class is the Micro Infrared class at Boost. It combines an effective full-body workout with infrared heat, which helps promote circulation, recovery and a great sweat session. The key is consistency and finding movement you genuinely enjoy.

My ideal evening in Dubai is simple. During the week, I much prefer a quiet night and an early bedtime – sometimes I'll unwind with a reflexology session at Mary's Foot Spa, then head home and order a healthy meal from Krave or Feels. I'm an early-to-bed, early-to-rise person, so the perfect evening is all about slowing down and recharging. You'll always find magnesium glycinate on my bedside table, which I take about an hour before bed, as well as putting on some hand cream (a ritual I never skip because our hands are often one of the first places to show signs of ageing). Plus, my mobile phone is going in night mode, without fail.

My three wellness essentials are facials, lymphatic drainage and movement. Regular facials and treatments like microneedling and PDRN are non-negotiable, while lymphatic drainage massages at Lymph & Flow at Villa Boost keep me feeling energised and less puffy. And whether it's reformer or strength training, I always feel my best when I'm moving.

Now my summer wish list is all about Chanel under Matthieu Blazy – I recently got a dream bag so I’m trying to be sensible. I’m also loving Marli’s Cleo collection, especially the earrings, which are on my wish list. And always art –  I’m currently dreaming of a piece by Werner Bronkhorst.

I've become a real matcha convert, although I'll never give up coffee and often have both in a day. In Dubai, I love Saddle and Tease at Villa Boost, but Base Coffee is my forever favourite – whether I'm in Beirut or Paris, I always come back to it. As for food, Kokoro for the hand rolls, Itadaku for low-key Japanese and Shanghai Me when I'm in the mood for something special. 

For downtime in Dubai, I usually head to J1 Beach, as it’s close to home, and go to Sirene by Gaia on quieter weekdays. For a spa day, I love the Dior Spa at The Lana, it’s very calming. 

When I travel, I focus on balance rather than rules – enjoying my holiday without overthinking it, while still staying active through walking and the hotel gym. For me, wellness is about consistency over trends; building simple habits you can maintain over the long term has far more impact than chasing every new routine.

Follow @KIKAFOURZALI and visit @BOOST.DXB