Friends since their high school years in Kuwait, Nikita Kohli and Georgia Canavan always dreamed of becoming certified trainers to make a difference in people’s lives, and they set about achieving their goals as a team. Known amongst local fitness circles as the Protein Sheikhas, cofounders Nikita and Georgia know a thing or two about the importance of group training, and are widely famous for their killer boot camp sessions.

Nikita and Georgia understand the challenges of finding a group of like-minded individuals who shared and encouraged progress. Nikita said, “When it came to finding our brand, we wanted to focus on women and more importantly relate to one another. Everyone who trains with us becomes a part of our ‘fit tribe’, and looking at our local environment, the name Protein Sheikhas came so naturally!” Besides, it’s a name people don’t forget easily, and who doesn’t want to belong to an awesome fit tribe?

The Protein Sheikhas emerged at a time when boot camp sessions didn’t really exist in Kuwait at truly affordable price points. Nikita explained, “Health and fitness awareness had literally just started up in Kuwait. Gyms were opening left right and center, but not much group activity was going on. We started Protein Sheikhas in November 2014 because the weather was perfect for outdoor fitness sessions at various locations. Our main aim is to increase awareness about the importance of fitness, especially since obesity and diabetes present real issues for the local population. We don’t want to scare people into action, we wanted to instill some fun with the sessions so they became a social activity for anyone wanting to get fit!” With classes ranging from beginners to advanced levels, you can choose from a range of their fitness systems that can help you achieve your goals in a realistic manner. The Protein Sheikhas movement is a lifestyle, and not a quick fix.

Today, the weekly boot camp sessions conducted at Shaheed Park are free of charge, so you really have no excuse but to join in on the fun! For other classes like one-on-one training, specialized boot camp sessions or workshops, you can easily get in touch with the Protein Sheikhas to learn more about how their other services are priced.

Nikita and Georgia are polar opposites, which makes them perfect at running the boot camp sessions! Born in London, Georgia is a black belt in karate and was on the British team for equestrian vaulting for 6 years. Always playful and bustling with energy when it comes to the classes, Georgia will keep you on your toes, while Nikita’s meticulous attention to technical details will keep your form in check. Nikita added, “We both have different approaches, just like our personalities but we both achieve great results!” A certified coach and nutritionist, Nikita is also a restaurateur and she believes that a cheat meal, or two, should always be a part of sustainable meal plan. She said, “My favorite cheat meal includes a burger from Shake Shack, or a killer shrimp Biryani from Taal.” Georgia chuckled and admitted her fondness for “CAKE!”

The Protein Sheikhas are constantly improving their offerings and services, and they have many workshops, retreats and boot camp sessions planned for the rest of 2016 and beyond. For now, however, they take a break from kicking our butts into shape to play a game of truth or dare.

truth or dare

How would your mother describe you in one word?

N: Responsible.

G: Creative.

How would you describe your mother in one word?

N: Caring.

G: Kind.

What is the most ridiculous question you’ve ever been asked?

N: How are you Indian? You’re white!

G: Are your eyeballs real?

What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?

N: Attempted a road trip from Switzerland to Spain to look for Paella for a university project that was due the next day. We didn’t reach Spain we only got to France and realized we had no time.

G: Moved to Bali.

What word in the English or Arabic language do you wish you had invented?

N: Awesome.

G: Yalla.

Where would you like to live? What is your dream retirement location?

N: As of last week, the Caribbean islands. It will probably change next week.

G: Still figuring that out.

What is the first famous quote that comes to your mind?

N: Live and let live.

G: Not all who wander are lost.

What animal best describes the kind of partner you’d be interested in?

N: Crocodile.

G: Elephant.

What do you miss about your childhood?

N: Having no responsibility.

G: Horses, and being closer to nature.

If you could change your name, what would you change it to?

N: I don’t think I would.

G: I wouldn’t.

How would you describe your handshake in one word?

N: Stern.

G: Strong.

What is the toughest part of your character?

N: My guard.

G: My diplomacy.

Who is your favourite historical figure?

N: Meh, I don’t have one.

G: Frida Kahlo.

What in the world do you least desire?

N: Judgmental people.

G: Drama.

What do you think is lacking in the world, which if there was more of would make the world a better place?

N: Equality.

G: Peace and understanding.

Why do you think most girls/guys like you?

N: They don’t.

G: I’m friendly.

Finish this sentence: “Happiness is a thing called…”

N: “Happiness is being in peace with yourself” Sorry, the only other thing that comes to mind to complete the sentence is “happiness is a thing called love” Cheesy!

G: “Happiness is…everything.”

For more information, visit: www.proteinsheikhas.com, and follow them on Instagram @ProteinSheikhas.