THE CONVERSATION

FIVE MINUTES….WITH

ELISSA EL HADJ
RENOWNED INNOVATOR, FITNESS & DANCE EXPERT
ENTREPRENEUR, AND FOUNDER OF AWARD WINNING FORM FITNESS STUDIOS, LONDON.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO CONTINUE PILATES INTO YOUR 40S, 50S AND BEYOND?

As we hit our 40s and beyond, our bodies crave smart, purposeful movement-and Pilates delivers exactly that. It strengthens the core, improves posture, keeps joints happy, and helps us stay mobile and balanced as the years roll on. It’s also incredibly grounding. The mindful, controlled movements calm the nervous system and sharpen focus, almost like moving meditation. Many of my clients at FORM notice better sleep, clearer thinking, and an overall sense of vitality. Put simply, Pilates ages beautifully with you. It’s not just exercise-it’s long-term self-care for strength, poise, and peace of mind.

HOW DOES PILATES FUTURE-PROOF A WOMAN’S BODY?

Pilates protects your body by strengthening the deep stabilising muscles that support posture, balance, and joint health. Instead of pushing harder, you learn to move smarter which is especially important as hormones shift and recovery slows. It also keeps you supple, aligned, and far less prone to injury, both in workouts and daily life. Over time, it preserves mobility, builds lean strength without strain, and keeps energy flowing. I always say it’s your insurance policy- and I mean it. Many of my clients in their 80s move with incredible ease and grace!

ANY OTHER TIPS FOR LONGEVITY?

I like to keep things simple and stick to the core habits practiced by many centenarians:

SLEEP: In bed before 10pm to support regeneration and healthy hormone production.
MORNING SUNLIGHT: Natural light first thing to boost serotonin and regulate circadian rhythm.
MOVEMENT: Hormonal changes can impact bone density and muscle mass, so staying active is essential.
LAGREE + PILATES: At FORM we combine both: high intensity, low impact, and brilliant for long-term strength and aesthetics.
WALKING: Hugely underrated and incredibly effective.
STRESS MANAGEMENT: Daily movement, time in nature, breathwork, meaningful conversations—whatever keeps you centred.
NUTRITION: I prioritise organic whole foods and avoid seed oils. I don’t drink alcohol; for women it’s a major driver of accelerated ageing.
SUPPLEMENTS: My daily lineup includes Moringa, Spirulina, NMN, Omega-3, Magnesium, Zinc, Glutathione, Vitamins C, B, D3 & K2, Creatine, Ashwagandha, and Colostrum.
FASTING: I follow a 16-hour fast daily (6pm–10am). Fantastic for energy, clarity, and longevity.

WHEN DO YOU FEEL YOUR ABSOLUTE BEST?

Teaching my clients FORM genuinely lights me up! Helping people feel stronger and more connected brings me so much joy. And time with my loved ones is pure nourishment for the soul.

Autumn invites a gentler rhythm. I go to bed earlier, wake earlier, and make morning sunlight a non-negotiable-30 minutes outside sets my mood and energy for the day. It’s my nervous system reset. Running FORM means people rely on my energy, so I fuel myself wisely. I stick to warm, seasonal foods- soups, stews, spices-and avoid heavy meals that drain energy. Herbal teas, especially tulsi, are my go-to. I walk daily and avoid long hours of sitting. Desk stretching and regular movement are tiny habits that make a huge difference. And of course-daily fasting. A 16-hour window keeps my energy steady and my mind clear.

WHAT IS YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE?

I’ve simplified my routine and avoid endocrine disruptors, chemicals, and parabens. My favourites: Korean PDRN, Innbeauty, organic castor and rosehip oils, plus arnica for fine lines. I’m also a big fan of red light therapy, facial massage, gua sha, sauna sessions, and Epsom salt baths. Simple, natural, and effective.

WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK AND FEEL LIKE TO YOU?

“Success feels calm, grounded, and aligned. It’s doing meaningful work while still having space for rest, creativity, and real connection. For me, it’s less about constant achievement and more about living with intention and balance. It’s that quiet inner confidence-the sense that you’re exactly where you’re meant to be. My definition of success has softened and clarified over time, and I’m grateful for that.”

You can take classes with Elissa at www.formstudios.co.uk in London

THE CONVERSATION-Muses, Inspiration & Reflections

CLAIRE VERO

After building the award-winning skincare brand Aurelia, Claire Vero found herself burnt out and craving space to breathe. A life-changing retreat helped her reset — and inspired her to create The Collective: a series of transformative wellness retreats designed for brilliantly busy women.

SUSANNAH TAYLOR

Since forever, Susannah Taylor has been a guiding and trusted voice in the world of beauty and wellbeing. We absolutely love her soulful newsletter, The Glow Gazette, and her inspiring podcast series, Ways to Feel More Human-a journey into discovering what helps us thrive as human beings. physically, mentally, creatively, socially, and spiritually.

TARA LEE

Meet the exceptional first guest teacher of The Collective—the wonderful Tara. Beyond being an incredible teacher, it’s Tara’s energy and presence that instantly create connection. She has guided hundreds of students over the years, bringing deep care and expertise to every practice.

CLARE RICHARDSON

One of the most respected and sought after names in the fashion industry, Clare Richardson has had a long and successful career as a stylist and tastemaker working with brands such as Hermes, Balenciaga and Calvin Klein.

RHIAN TRUMAN

At The Collective, our retreats are all about pressing pause—reviving the body, rebalancing the mind, and reigniting the soul.

Having recently served as resident facialist at SOHO farmhouse and set to start her next residency at Marbella Club, we are in for a treat as Rhian joins our Menorcan retreat 22nd-25th October.

GABRIELLE ANAND

We asked Gabrielle Anand, a gifted sound practitioner based in Mallorca, to share her insights on sound therapy and the modalities she teaches.

Gabrielle will guide us through deeply intuitive sessions that combine somatic therapy, EFT tapping, quantum healing, meditation, and sound during our Menorcan retreat