Barre, Pilates, Aerial, Stretching; Romy Drouby does it all, and shares her motivating energy with us, all the way from Doha. From a hardcore exercise discipline to the beautiful places the capital has to offer, she gives us a glimpse into her life.

Romy has been passionate ever since she was three years old when she was first dragged to a Ballet class, then fell in love with it so much that she would spend her weekends in the classroom, taking whatever class was being given; classical ballet, contemporary, pointe or Jazz. She started Aerial silks when she was fifteen years old, as an escape after her father passed away. She realized that to become better at it she needed to strengthen her core. So, she discovered Barre, which merges a Ballet foundation with fitness; weight lifting, toning and cardio. Romy got her certification from the American Barre Technique and started teaching as a teenager! After that, she began Pilates to gain further strength for Aerial silks, and also decided to become a certified teacher. She completed her training in Vienna, where she received her certification from Aerial Physique, then started giving classes in Beirut. When the economic situation in Lebanon started to drastically deteriorate, she realized she wanted a bit of a change.

She moved to Doha, took her silk fabrics with her and started to practice Aerial in a new studio. Romy decided to spend a year in Qatar’s bustling capital, teaching Barre, Pilates and Aerial. ‘Barre’, she tells us ‘is fun and rhythmed’. It reinforces flexibility and endurance, while sculpting muscles. The young athlete recommends Pilates for hard core sports aficionados but also for pregnant women, mature ladies and anyone really; the small, slow movements strengthen deep muscles, including the transverse abdominis, below our six packs which gives a stable core and helps prevent injury while practicing any other form of exercise. Romy also became a reference for assisted Stretching. During sessions, she gives that extra push which gets you to feel the stretch, lengthening your muscles in the process. She is now even certified in Reformer Pilates, ‘a similar base as mat’ she says, in which ‘you reinforce your core stability pushing back against the resistance of the machine’. It’s about persistence and trusting the journey.

 Romy will be back in Beirut soon, where we eagerly await her classes here. In the meantime, during her rare downtime from work, she’s enjoying tanning at the beach, reading books, recharging at home, spending time with friends and going to some pretty cool spots in Doha, which she generously shared with us!

What is your favorite coffee shop?

• My favorite coffee shop is Mylk, an alternative healthy destination. It is right around the corner from the studio where I work. Everything they serve is vegan and they offer gluten-free and keto options. I always go for the matcha latte and the banana cake, they have the best in town. @m_y_l_k

What is your healthy food spot?

• At the studio where I give my classes, Soul Bowl is my go-to place for delicious breakfast and wholesome bowls during my short breaks. I usually cook at home but when I am in a rush, I always pass by for a quick meal, it’s healthy and super convenient. I usually have the Soho Bowl with poached eggs, greens, guacamole & zaatar crackers or the Oslo Bowl with salmon, sweet potatoes & veggies. @soulbowl.qa

Do you have a gateway place where you go to refuel?

• I love to go to Heenat Salma farm, it is a forty minutes road trip from where I live. It’s a very serene place, they have farm-to-table dinners, animals roaming around; chicken, horses, goats. My hobby is making ceramic pottery and I just completely let go during the pottery workshops they offer. It’s a place where you can slow down, unwind, disconnect and escape from the city. You can spend the night there, and have a homemade breakfast with eggs and freshly harvested veggies, then enjoy a swim in the pool. @heenatsalma

Did you discover any local fashion brand?

• I am a fan of the eco-friendly, sustainable sporty brand RSPR. They use recycled plastic bottles for their sets, hoodies, shorts and sports bras and on each piece, they mention the number of bottles recycled to produce it. Their pieces are very comfy, long lasting and designed in Qatar. @RSPR

 @romydrouby

Credits photo 1, 5 & 7: @biko_camz
Credits photo 2: @m_y_l_k
Credits photo 3: @jamil_dally