In the world of sports and fitness, few stories resonate with us mere mortals as powerfully as a mother-daughter duo who have each paved their unique paths, while supporting and inspiring each other.
Ahead of the New Year, I sat down with Lana Nazer and her mother, Dina Al-Tayeb to discuss how their individual fitness journeys have morphed into a shared wellness pact. This shared journey to embracing self-care and fitness showcases the strength of their mother-daughter bond, and the twosome share lessons they've learned along the way.
Finding Balance in Fitness and Family
"My journey began with my mom as my greatest role model," shared Lana. This should come as no surprise to those already aware of Dina's incredible sporting achievements: Dina was one of the first Arab women to qualify for the Ironman Championships, and it was this experience that instilled in her the values of resilience, dedication, and self-belief, which she then endeavoured to pass to her daughter.
While Dina's fitness and wellness journey took her towards the world of endurance sports, Lana pivoted and found peace through regular yoga practice. For Lana, yoga was and continues to be more than just a form of exercise; it is a lifestyle that provides peace and grounding, helping her reconnect with her roots and strong family values.
When I ask Dina about her personal journey towards focussing on fitness and wellness, Dina shares that her success as a pioneering Arab Ironman athlete was almost accidental: "It wasn’t about making a statement or breaking barriers—it was about chasing my dream and proving to myself that I could achieve it," she explains.
Despite becoming an important figure for Arab women in sports, Dina's journey was fuelled by a personal desire to set ambitious goals and overcome obstacles. Qualifying for the Ironman World Championship, which takes place each year on Hawaii's exotic Kona Island, has become an important milestone in Dina's life and fitness journey. This milestone moment Dina says is one of the most rewarding experiences of her life, and it is an experience that has inspired her to encourage others to pursue their dreams, no matter how challenging and out of reach they may seem.
Aside from having a close mother-daughter bond, Dina and Lana's relationship is built on mutual respect, encouragement, and inspiration which is solidified through their shared support of one another's goals in life and in sports.
The duo admit that they are equally inspired by each other: Dina brings wisdom and valued advice from her life and sporting experiences, reminding Lana of the importance of perseverance and self-belief in achieving her dreams. Whilst Lana inspires Dina with her fresh perspective, unending energy, and emphasis on the constant pursuit of mindfulness. "She helps me embrace the present moment and find peace amidst my rigorous training and busy life,” shared Lana.
Juggling Careers, Training and Travel
As athletes, both Dina and Lana say that it’s all about finding harmony and balance between a disciplined training schedule to reach their personal fitness goals, and flexibility. Together, the mother-daughter duo they share their unique perspectives on how to keep up with training without sacrificing the joy of exploration.
Despite being rather a intense sport, Dina emphasises how her passion for triathlon training actually complements her demanding roles as a dentist and professor: "Triathlon training requires careful time management and discipline," she notes.
Lana adds her insights on the topic, and managing and finding synchronicity in the need to practice her discipline for her mental wellness, and to maintain her skill level with being flexible in terms of when, where and how long this practice might be: Lana says, "I prioritise consistency but stay flexible.” Yoga has the added benefit of being a practice that can be done virtually anywhere; be it in a hotel room, on the beach, or in a local park.
With both women travelling regularly, keeping up with routine whilst on-the-go is equally as important. And when packing for travel, Lana recommends bringing along essentials such as a yoga mat or resistance bands, which takes away the hassle of finding a local studio or the necessary equipment. These items are easily packed into a suitcase, and are relatively lightweight and can be easily incorporated into any fitness routine, no matter where you are in the world.
Additionally, both Dina and Lana encourage athletes to embrace the opportunity to explore local wellness spaces or gyms, it is at studios like this where you might find a new sport, activity or class that you will enjoy. This not only keeps the training routine fresh but also enhances the travel experience through cultural exploration.
Finding balance amidst various responsibilities is another area where both women excel. For Lana, community, family, and wellness are at the core of her life. “Running Karama Yoga is not just a business; it’s a space where people feel valued and supported”. Yoga helps her manage stress and stay centred, enabling her to give her best to her clients and herself
Both Dina and Lana stress the importance of focusing on the basics. "Stretch, hydrate, and nourish your body.” Keeping a balanced diet and staying hydrated helps sustain energy levels, making it easier to engage in training whenever possible.
Creating a Flexible Structure for Endurance Training
For endurance athletes, Dina offers practical advice on maintaining discipline while allowing room for adventure. "Create a flexible structure for your training," she suggests. It’s essential to stick to a plan that aligns with your goals, but being open to adjustments is equally important.
"Balance comes from consistency, not rigidity.” If adjustments are occasional and not a lifestyle, it’s possible to enjoy both training and life’s experiences. Flexibility is also key, she shares. Understanding that things might not go as planned allows for adjustments that keep training on track without adding unnecessary pressure.
Unwinding in Jeddah
In Jeddah, Lana finds peace at the Corniche, her personal sanctuary. "It’s where I go to clear my mind and reconnect with myself. The Corniche is also a hub of community, where families and friends gather. Lana also enjoys discovering new restaurants and immersing herself in the rich culture of Al-Balad. "Walking through its streets and engaging with our elders fills me with pride and inspiration," she shares, highlighting the authenticity and historical richness of the area
For general fitness enthusiasts, Dina says that Jeddah provides incredible walking and jogging paths along the Corniche, perfect for enjoying scenic views while staying active. “Select a gym that is close to home and find trainers or classes that align with your fitness style.”
Lana highly recommends Karama Yoga. "At Karama, you’re not just investing in your physical health but also your mental and emotional well-being," she notes. The community built around the studio is so powerful that students have been known to drive from surrounding cities just to attend classes.
Favourite travel destinations
When it comes to travel, both women have cherished experiences that stand out. For Lana, Bali holds a special place in her heart. The destination beautifully combines nature, spirituality, and community. "Practicing yoga amidst the lush greenery and serene landscapes was a transformative experience," she reflects. Bali taught her the beauty of simplicity and presence
However, her favourite destination in Saudi Arabia is Neom. "It’s breathtaking landscapes and futuristic vision embody the magic and potential of our country," she says. Neom inspires creativity, mindfulness, and pride in Saudi heritage, making it a place of endless possibilities and deep-rooted connections to nature and culture
Dina & Lana's 2025 Travel Bucket List
Dina loves racing in different countries and visiting various continents. “I have not raced much in Asia. I would love to find cool races to explore that beautiful region. Racing in a beautiful country is the best sightseeing from my perspective.”
Staying closer to home, Lana’s dream is to teach yoga in every city and town across Saudi Arabia. “There is something so special about connecting with people in their own communities and introducing them to the practice of yoga in spaces that are meaningful to them.”
