Meet Saloni Kantaria: From Lawyer to Dubai Fitness Studio Founder

“Thanks for expressing interest in Chisel N Stride. Here is a little bit about me and why I created Chisel N Stride.

An Exercise Science Geek and Former Competitive Athlete

I played tennis competitively at a national and international level globally from ages 6 to 22. However, I knew that tennis would not become my ultimate profession and had planned on becoming a sport medicine doctor. I obtained my undergraduate degree in exercise science but during my undergraduate studies took a couple of law courses. I thoroughly enjoyed the legal way of thinking and changed career paths to become a lawyer.

From Lawyer to Boutique Fitness Pioneer

I played tennis competitively at a national and international level, and embraced running and fitness from an early age so that I could perform better on the court. Although fitness has always been a part of my life, once I became a lawyer, time became a scare resource and I found group fitness classes were an efficient means of recharging my battery, switching off my mind from work, improving my energy levels while simultaneously diffusing mental stress, and becoming part of a community outside of work. In 2015 after practicing as a litigation and arbitration lawyer for major law firms in Sydney and Dubai for over a decade, I set up my first boutique studio which subsequently won regional awards and international recognition by both CNN and BBC. Chisel N Stride is my second boutique fitness studio.

Why I Created Chisel N Stride for Dubai Corporate Professionals

I understand all the pressures that go with corporate life having worked as a lawyer for more than a decade in a high pressure environment. You have energy on some days and not so much on other days. For this reason, a combination of both high intensity and low intensity classes are offered at the studio so that you can find a way to consistently move through the week. As a former athlete, I believe in training with intensity and diversifying your movement patterns to achieve overall fitness. I also believe pressure brings out focus and the best in people, and for this reason in the Dubai winter season we go outdoor hiking and compete in outdoor running races in Dubai

I look forward to welcoming you to our diverse, supportive and friendly community and supporting you on your fitness journey. See you for a class or personal training session.”

Experience and Qualifications

As an athlete, I’ve been trained to always focusing on pushing harder even it that means ignoring the signals my body is sending me. In 2020, I underwent major spinal surgery and following that experience, my approach and attitude to fitness has taken on a completely different perspective. Pilates, walking, hiking strength training and mobility training were the fitness disciplines I swore by to get me back on my feet following my spine surgery which is why the Chisel N Stride motto is “sweat, strength, stretch.”

I use a science backed approach when I coach fitness classes or personally train Chisel N Striders. With over 10 years of coaching experience, I bring both athletic knowledge and scientific understanding to every session at Chisel N Stride.