Desert Barbell Strength Gym has partnered with Nafsi, the UAE's first fully licensed online therapy and mental health platform, to offer a holistic wellness experience for its members. This partnership merges physical fitness with mental health support, recognising the undeniable connection between body and mind. Desert Barbell’s clients now have the opportunity to access personalised mental health services through Nafsi, benefiting from exclusive discounts and a confidential platform designed to improve overall well-being.
“We are proud to announce our partnership with Nafsi as an official club partner,” said Marco Cipolat and Patrik Hedqvist, co-founders of Desert Barbell Strength Gym. “Their expertise adds a vital dimension to our ecosystem, particularly during challenging times. Together, we are committed to empowering our community to strengthen their mental resilience both inside and outside the gym.”
This partnership is not just a mere add-on to the gym experience but a significant step towards enhancing clients’ emotional, psychological and physical wellness. With convenient, professional online therapy services and the benefits of regular physical exercise, this partnership empowers individuals to improve their lives holistically.
“The partnership is a testament to how far we’ve come to breaking the stigma around mental health,” said Tayeb Hassan, Co-founder and CEO of Nafsi. “We hope that this encourages people to approach their mental health the same way they do their physical health.”
Growing importance of mental health
Mental health has increasingly become a crucial focus in today’s fast-paced world. Many people find it challenging to balance the demands of daily life, often leading to stress, anxiety or even burnout. These emotional challenges can manifest in physical health problems, such as fatigue, headaches, or compromised immune systems, further emphasising the need for mental wellness alongside physical fitness.
For fitness enthusiasts and gym-goers, mental health is a critical component of their overall wellness journey. Physical exercise undoubtedly plays a role in boosting mood, improving focus, and building confidence, but it cannot always address deeper emotional or psychological issues. Whether individuals are struggling with stress, trauma, anxiety or other mental health concerns, therapy offers a safe and effective outlet for them to seek support.
The partnership between Desert Barbell and Nafsi acknowledges the importance of addressing mental health proactively. Through online therapy, members can access licensed therapists who provide expert advice, coping strategies, and emotional support—all from the comfort of their own homes. This convenience can remove common barriers like time constraints or hesitations around visiting in-person therapy sessions.
Convenience of online therapy
Online therapy has revolutionised the way mental health services are delivered. Traditionally, therapy sessions required a physical visit to a therapist’s office, often creating challenges for people with busy schedules or limited transportation options. For others, the stigma surrounding mental health care may have discouraged them from seeking help at all.
With Nafsi’s fully licensed online therapy platform, Desert Barbell members can now engage in therapy sessions at their convenience, eliminating the need to travel or take time off from work. This flexibility allows clients to schedule sessions around their gym routines, work commitments, and family life, making it easier than ever to prioritise their mental health.
Additionally, Nafsi’s platform offers privacy and confidentiality, which is particularly important in a region where discussions around mental health are still evolving. Clients can choose from a carefully selected group of licensed therapists, ensuring they find the right fit for their specific needs. Whether they prefer video calls, voice calls or even text-based communication, Nafsi tailors the experience to the individual’s preferences.
The accessibility and ease of online therapy can be a game changer for people who have been hesitant to seek help in the past. With Desert Barbell’s partnership, gym-goers now have the added incentive of exclusive discounts, making it even more affordable to engage in mental health services.
A symbiotic relationship
The connection between physical exercise and mental health is well established in scientific literature. Exercise is known to release endorphins—commonly referred to as feel-good hormones—which help reduce stress, alleviate depression and improve overall mood. Regular physical activity has also been shown to increase cognitive function, improve sleep patterns, and enhance self-esteem.
However, while exercise offers immediate benefits for mental health, it may not address underlying psychological issues that require deeper exploration. This is where Nafsi’s services come into play. By combining regular physical exercise with professional mental health support, individuals can create a comprehensive wellness plan that tackles both body and mind.
For instance, clients working to achieve their fitness goals at Desert Barbell may experience frustration, self-doubt, or anxiety, particularly if they encounter setbacks like injury or slow progress. Having access to a therapist can help them manage these emotions effectively, preventing feelings of defeat or discouragement from hindering their fitness journey.
Moreover, therapy can provide tools for managing stress, setting realistic goals, and maintaining motivation—essential elements for any fitness enthusiast. As individuals work on their physical strength at the gym, they can simultaneously build mental resilience through therapy, creating a balanced approach to wellness.
Personalised mental health support
One of the standout features of the Desert Barbell-Nafsi partnership is the personalised nature of the mental health services offered. Every individual’s mental health journey is unique, and Nafsi ensures that clients receive care tailored to their specific needs. Whether they are dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues or simply want to improve their emotional well-being, Nafsi’s therapists are equipped to guide them through their challenges.
This personalised approach aligns with the values of Desert Barbell, where clients receive customised fitness plans to help them achieve their personal goals. Just as a fitness coach at the gym tailors a workout routine based on an individual’s strengths, weaknesses and objectives, a therapist at Nafsi creates a customised mental health plan. This holistic support addresses all aspects of an individual’s life—helping them become mentally and physically stronger.
Additionally, because the therapy is delivered online, clients have the option to choose how they interact with their therapist. Whether it’s a traditional video session or an ongoing text conversation, clients can engage in a way that feels comfortable and effective for them.
Improving overall wellness
The impact of this partnership goes beyond immediate physical and mental health benefits. By offering both fitness and mental health services, Desert Barbell and Nafsi are fostering a culture of holistic wellness. Clients who take care of their physical and mental health are better equipped to handle life’s challenges, build resilience, and enjoy an enhanced sense of well-being.
Regular exercise improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and boosts immunity, but it also improves brain function and emotional stability. By adding mental health support to this equation, Desert Barbell’s clients can better manage stress, avoid burnout, and sustain long-term mental and emotional health.
In the long run, this integrated approach to wellness can lead to a higher quality of life. Individuals who are both physically and mentally strong are more likely to achieve their goals, maintain healthy relationships, and experience personal fulfillment. The Desert Barbell-Nafsi collaboration offers clients the tools and resources to invest in themselves fully—both inside and outside the gym.
