HEALTH&FITNESS

The more women get into health and fitness, the more creative and resourceful it becomes. FZM Boutique Fitness is one of the many names popular in Karachi, known for their creatively unorthodox training regimens, cultish following and a disruptive yet premium brand of wellness. So no surprise that FZM’s pilot retreat picked up considerable following as it unfolded across social media.

#fzmbali2019 was a curated wellness retreat brought to life by physique transformation specialist, Fatima Zara Mallick and Raaheen Ali Khan of Elysium International (Pakistan’s most sought-after destination and luxury event planner). The fortnight long bootcamp retreat promised the loss of a dress-size, against the spectacular backdrop of Bali. The journey commenced in Karachi with seven days of FZM’s distinctively eccentric fusion-based training, followed by seven nights at the opulent 42-acre Grand Hyatt Resort in Bali.

Upon arrival, the ‘Amazons’, as the troupe was called, were ushered into private villas, each opening out into the peaceful oasis of well-maintained tropical gardens and koi ponds. But this, being an FZM Retreat, promised to be as gruelling as it was glamourous! The days began with 6am sunrise runs at the Grand Hyatt’s private beach front, followed by personal training sessions at the sprawling Fitness center. Afternoons were filled with FZM signature classes: Dance-Cardio, Classical Pilates, Olympic Lifting, FZM Fusion Barre, Fat Attack, Kettlebell Training, Strength plus Conditioning and Calisthenics. Post sunset and early dinner, things mellowed down with free time to explore Bali’s eclectic night life, world-renowned beach clubs and charming art markets.

"For me the most exquisite experience was bathing in the hot springs looking over into the serene blue ocean with white clouds floating atop two gorgeous valleys," says Sana Askari.

And then there was the food. Very much in line with FZM’s sensible ‘no diet/ no-nonsense’ nutritional standpoint, every meal was crafted by Fatima and the Head Chef of the Grand Hyatt. The Breakfast buffet was a lavish affair featuring tropical fruits, an array of eggs and Indonesian delicacies, all prepared with organic and locally sourced ingredients. Lunch and dinner offered a gourmet take on island living with succulent seafood alongside artisanal salads and raw soups.

There was no conventional yoga or mediation on this retreat. Instead, FZM threw in therapeutic massages and lymphatic drainage rubs at the Hyatt’s award-winning Spa. The pampering treatments ensured that the Amazons were well-rested for the challenging weight-loss excursions that were ambitiously worked into the retreat itinerary. The first was an exhilarating yet exhausting 2am hike up Mount Batur, culminating in a magnificent sunrise at the summit. "When I was on the top of the mountain after the trek, the experience was unreal," says Mahreen Mansha. The trek was followed by a much-needed curative soak in the shimmering spring waters of mythical Lake Batur.

There was also the simultaneously terrifying yet gratifying 15 km white water rafting experience along the mighty Ayung River, located amidst cliffs and dramatic forests. Following the rafting, the Amazons explored the nearby famous hamlet of Ubud, the set of Julia Robert starrer Eat Pray Love, the film that put Bali on every romantic’s bucket list.

"My top moment was the white water rafting and when I jumped into the river for a swim! It was liberating and exhilarating," Shaza Jatoi, one of the group members said. "The white water rafting had been on my bucket list!" Alia Tariq, CEO Ocean Mall, added.

The final highlight of the trip was an exclusive fashion showcase and a Marie Antoinette style afternoon tea, hosted by retreat attendee and Pakistani fashion mogul, Zainab Chottani, who said that working out on the beach was the best part of the excursion.  Held at the decadent Mulia Resort (Asia’s second most luxurious hotel), the Instagram-friendly food and fashion extravaganza offered a unique sneak-peak at Zainab Chottani’s anxiously awaited 2019 Lawn Collection. Each Amazon cast her sweaty lululemons aside to play dress-up in ZC’s breezy prints and contemporary silhouettes. It was the perfect end to a relentlessly rigorous yet unapologetically indulgent wellness retreat.

The next day, the ladies checked out with mixed feelings. Their sentiments were aptly summarized by one of the Amazons, Tooba Farrukh: "It all ended too soon…"

- Komal Malik is Head Trainer and Manager at FZM Boutique Fitness