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 Joanna Macdonald, owner and president of Keenfit Dubai, launched the company in 2007. Her aim is to introduce to the UAE the effective techniques and health benefits of pole walking to men and women of all fitness levels and ages and encourage a safe and enjoyable form of exercise. Through Keenfit she combines her professional expertise with her passion for health and holistic well-being.
A former marathon runner, Joanna began to suffer knee problems which curtailed her running and sought an alternative solution which would allow her to continue her enjoyment of outdoor exercise and maintain her fitness levels. She discovered the pole walking phenomenon which began in Scandinavia and is rapidly spreading across North America and is a certified instructor in the techniques of Keenfit pole walking.
Joanna offers free clinics in Safa Park and at the beach teaching the two Keenfit pole-walking skills and establishing walking clubs. The Keenfit ethos is to “inform, inspire, empower and support people to become accountable for themselves so they can find balance, live in peace and walk as their true self.”
Having spent 25 years working as a corporate communications professional, spanning everything from Campbell’s Soup to Fortune 500 companies, G7 Summits, IT, investment and high street banking, Joanna has developed a holistic approach to her life and in order to deal with the busy, stressful environment of living in the 21st Century.
As part of this approach, Joanna advocates the importance of a work – life balance, and re-establishing the spirit of community living that our modern lives often forget. Corporate social responsibility is also an important element of supporting the community in which we live.
 Joanna tangibly puts her beliefs into practice. Earlier in 2008, she assisted in coordinated the UAE response to the Shoe 4 Africa Foundation, collecting used running shoes, to put shoes on as many people in Kibera Kenya as possible. The concept began at the New York Marathon where 9,800 trainers were donated at the finish line. The athletes no longer needed them but the shoes kept on running to Africa where they have transformed the lives of many. In just 2 months, through Joanna’s and colleagues efforts, the foundation has collected 7,000 pairs of shoes in Dubai.
Joanna was born in England and moved to Canada when she was seven years old. She has lived and worked in Canada, Hong Kong (during the Handover) and the UAE. Joanna graduated in retail marketing and business administration in Ontario, Canada, and is currently studying to be a Reiki Master. She recently completed certification in reflexology with the Academy of Universal Health and Healing. In addition Joanna is a Swim Coach coaching the Varsity Team at The American School of Dubai (ASD).
Joanna is married with two children, a dog and a tortoise.
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