��������

Walking into Art of Qi in Riyadh’s buzzing Al-Olaya district is an experience that transforms you, not only spiritually but physically. As you enter the space, you are met with a lush, green walkway, sounds of flowing water, and a bridge that leads you to the practice space’s entrance. Reminiscent of a Chinese garden, it sets the tone for what’s to come. 

Art of Qi is the first official Qigong practice space in Riyadh and is founded by Majda Abunayyan, who believes in a holistic approach to modern life and has dedicated over a decade to research and practice in the wellness and yoga fields. 

The space offers services such as sound therapy, yoga, dance meditation, red light therapy, breathwork, holistic sessions, self-development workshops, and enriching ceremonies, all intended to balance the body’s qi, or the flow of energy believed to be the vital force of all living beings according to Chinese philosophy.

For those looking to build up their stamina, strength, and balance, while also engaging their mind, coach Venus’ Power with Light yoga class is an addictive experience. With the coach’s spiritual knowledge, grounding energy, and close attention to each pose’s integrity, the class leaves you feeling not only challenged but empowered.

The session is usually coupled with red light therapy mats, which reportedly support cellular renewal, boost circulation, and promote vitality. 

Instructor Dayana offers slower classes that focus more on tension release, balance restoration, and energy rejuvenation with her Special Healing sessions.

The gentle yoga practice melts away stress and soothes the nervous system, beginning with a grounding meditation and mindful movement, followed by restorative poses that leave your body relaxed and your mind at peace.

One of my favorite classes is the Weekend Wellness Yoga that takes place on Thursday evenings, led by coach Shada. The restorative yoga therapy session, designed to help you unwind from the week and recharge your mind and body for the days ahead, is a great way to kick off the weekend.

Each session at Art of Qi is followed by a complimentary herbal tea, and guests are welcome to rest afterwards in the outdoor area, where they can flip through a selection of wellness books or just enjoy the calm after a rejuvenating session. 

If wellness is your priority, Art of Qi’s central location and deep care and attention to every student is really what sets them apart and will have you coming back weekly.

SHANGHAI: World No. 3 Alexander Zverev was knocked out of the Shanghai Masters by France’s Arthur Rinderknech 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 on Monday, leaving Novak Djokovic as the tournament’s top-ranked player.

In stifling conditions, the 54th-ranked Frenchman came back from a set down to stun an increasingly rattled Zverev into submission.

The German had injured his big toe toward the end of his last match in Shanghai but on Monday seemed to show no sign of discomfort as he broke Rinderknech in the third game with a forehand.

He nearly went ahead early in the second set, but Rinderknech recovered his cool, piling on the pressure in the fourth game to eventually break.

“I’m not very sure (how I managed to turn the game around),” he said.

“I fought like hell, tried everything. (Zverev) is such a good player ... I knew it was going to be a battle.

“Starting in the second set ... I was able to be offensive at the right moment, in a smarter way,” he said.

Keeping up the momentum, in the third set the 30-year-old broke in the third game.

Zverev had to pause to change his shoes because sweat was pouring out of them, as spectators wafted fans and wore cool packs on their foreheads to counter the suffocating humidity.

But switching footwear was not enough to save the German, and a double fault in the seventh game led to Rinderknech breaking again.

Holding with an ace to win, the Frenchman lolled his body in delighted disbelief, then danced around the court in glee.

Zverev’s exit means world No. 5 Djokovic, who is aiming for a record-extending fifth title in the Chinese financial hub, now leads rankings-wise as the tournament heads into the last 16.

On Sunday the competition lost both defending champion Jannik Sinner, who was forced to retire with extreme leg cramps, and 4th-ranked Taylor Fritz.

World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz withdrew at the last minute to rest.

Alex de Minaur is the next highest seed after Djokovic was through to the fourth round, comfortably getting past Poland’s Kamil Majchrzak 6-1, 7-5.

“I came into this week knowing how tough the conditions were going to be,” the world number seven said.

“So the mindset ultimately is surviving, finding ways, and getting ready for battles every time you step out on the court.”

The Australian will next meet Portugal’s Nuno Borges, who put an end to the hopes of home favorite Shang Juncheng 7-6 (7/5), 4-6, 6-3.