The worldwide web seems to be saturated with wellness specialists, and all of them seem to have different opinions about the best ways to stay happy and healthy.
This can cause a lot of confusion, and it can sometimes be hard to know who the genuine wellness experts are, and who is spouting ideas that are based on trends and fads, rather than facts and research.
At Livehealthymag, we spend a lot of time talking to these people. Here’s our carefully curated list of some of the most genuine, knowledgeable and inspiring figures in the wellness sphere.
Ranging from global online fitness trainers to UAE-based sports therapists and renowned life counsellors, these are some of the best people to turn to when you are looking to improve your overall wellness.
Dr Hasan Baydoun – Orthopedist and sports medicine
If you are an athlete struggling with an injury, or you simply want to reach peak fitness, Dr Hasan Baydoun should be your sports medicine expert of choice. Based at Healthpoint hospital in Abu Dhabi, he is passionate about helping people of all fitness levels stay healthy and strong.
Throughout his successful career, which has taken him across two continents, he has been lucky enough to work with some of the world’s most famous sports stars. This includes taking up the role of assistant team physician for US major league sports teams such as the six-time Super Bowl winning New England Patriots, iconic baseball team the Boston Red Sox and the hockey franchise the Boston Bruins.
As an active researcher, sports medicine expert, experienced shoulder surgeon and a keen amateur athlete in his free time, Dr Hasan has been published in many peer-reviewed journals and he is certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery. Committed to promoting the importance of rest days and dispelling myths surrounding supplements, he brings a no-nonsense approach to sports therapy that has been tried and tested by the worlds top sporting professionals.
Srinivas Bhat – Life mentor
Srinivas Bhat is a life enhancement mentor at Kamalaya, the idyllic wellness retreat located on the island of Koh Samui in Thailand. Hailing from India, Bhat was a monk for 14 years and he is trained in esoteric meditations, spiritual philosophy and helping people manage their emotions.
Drawing on his profound understanding of life and the human mind, he helps people realize their full potential. Bringing almost 30 years of experience, he offers both online and in-person therapy sessions, and he specializes in coaching people through issues as varied as managing stress and burnout, and coping with change.
Bringing a simplistic, yet effective approach to healing, he believes that the secret to happiness is looking inside and being aware of your emotions.
Kayla Itsines – Online trainer
Anyone who is looking for quick, effective and fun home workouts should look no further than Kayla Itsines.
One of the legends of the fitness realm and renowned for being one of the world’s most influential fitness trainers, she initially became famous for her ultra gruelling and high-intensity Bikini Body Guide (BBG) home boot camp programs. However, since having two children, her approach to fitness has changed somewhat, and she now offers accessible pregnancy, post-pregnancy, low-impact and multiple programs that are designed to suit those of all fitness levels and requirements.
She is also the co-founder and head trainer of Sweat, the women’s fitness app with around one million active users. With 16 million instagram followers, this ambitious Australian continues to be one of the fitness industry’s most prominent figures.
Chervin Jafarieh – Co-founder of Cymbiotika
Chervin Jafarieh has dedicated his career to helping people improve their physical and mental health. As the co-founder and chief scientific officer of the clean, science-backed and forward-facing supplements brand Cymbiotika, he is an icon for many in the health and wellness realm.
A life-long seeker of truth and knowledge, his wide-ranging areas of expertise include Eastern and Western medicine, orthomolecular medicine, detoxification and biodynamic agriculture. Along with being the founder and face of Cymbiotika, he also hosts the Wake the Fake Up podcast, which features compelling conversations with some of the world’s leading experts in biochemistry, epigenetics, philosophy, nutrition and sustainable living.
Founded in the US, Cymbiotika provides supplements to enhance fitness, energy, immunity, heart health, gut health, brain health and more. Having recently expanded to the Middle East, its organic matcha powder, sleep supplements, Vitamin C sachets and other best-selling products are now available in the UAE for the very first time, and we promise you will absolutely love them.
Azeem Rafiq – Men’s mental health advocate
Azeem Rafiq is a former professional cricket player who played for England’s Yorkshire County Cricket Club for many years. He made global headlines in September 2020, when he accused the cricket club of racism and bullying, and he is hailed for blowing the whistle on some of the many prejudices that still exist in society today. His speaking out led to several resignations at the club, and it initiated investigations into racism in sport by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the British parliament.
Now based in Dubai, he continues to campaign for racial equality in all areas of life. His first book ‘It’s Not Banter, It’s Racism’ is set to be published in April 2024, and a documentary about his experience with racism is also being created. Along with being a cricket broadcaster for Dubai Eye 103.8, he is open about his own mental health struggles. He leads workshops and talks for businesses and corporations about how to support those who are struggling, and how to recognise when you need to seek help yourself.
Kelsey Wells – Fitness influencer
Fitness influencer and online trainer Kelsey Wells is on a mission to change how women view fitness.
Born and bred in Utah, US, she has three million followers on Instagram, and her highly effective PWR fitness programs cater to women of all abilities and at every different stage of life. Along with being part of the world-class trainer line up for Sweat, the health and fitness app designed for women by women, she also hosts her own free podcast, Redefine Fitness.
Loved for her intentional, mindful and unique approach to exercise, the 33-year-old is on a mission to help all women love themselves and their bodies, and think of fitness as a positive thing that is nurtures the body, rather than punishes it.
