Pilates and Wellness in Accra with Lora of Mahraba
In this episode of `Those Who Gather`, we meet Lora, the founder of Mahraba, a wellness space where movement becomes more than just exercise. Through Pilates, yoga, and movement-based therapies, she's creating a community where women can feel safe, build strength, and reconnect with themselves. What started as a personal commitment to staying active has grown into a space where wellness is intentional, sustainable, and deeply rooted in community.
The Essentials
Hello! Welcome to "Those Who Gather". Tell us your name and what you host on Gaderin.
My name is Lora, and I run Mahraba, so sometimes people call me Mahraba. On Gaderin, I host movement-based therapies and community events. You'll see experiences like Pilates, yoga, and other things related to wellness and movement.
How did it all begin?
I've always been active, and I'm a mom of six. During all my pregnancies, I stayed active. One thing I found in Ghana was that a lot of the Ghanaian aunties would tell you that after you give birth, you're going to be very fat. They say things like that, and I felt like I didn't want that to be my trajectory.
So I decided to move in a way that was sustainable for me and my lifestyle because I'm always busy and on the go. That's really how it all started. The focal point was to create a space for women where they could come, feel safe, feel seen, and also move and get strong, fit, and sexy.
How would you describe your hosting experience?
It's refreshing. It's challenging, but it's also something that helps you return to yourself.
No session is ever the same, and I think that's because of the openness and the willingness to try something new, and to trust that I'm going to lead you the right way.
When you come to practice with us, everything is very ritualistic. From the moment you walk through the door until you leave, we follow a certain routine that allows you to really settle into the experience.
Off-Duty
How do you spend your free time?
I spend it discovering new things because I get bored quite easily. I like seeing what's happening around the city and trying new experiences. It gives me a break from my routine, helps me discover things I'm genuinely interested in, and, more importantly, connect with people who enjoy the same things.
Big Picture
At Gaderin, our mission is to help people gather differently through meaningful experiences. What does 'gather differently' mean to you?
Hosting on Gaderin has been a fun ride. Even though I'm a host, I still go on the platform to see what's happening around the city. I like that it's so varied. No matter what your interest is, there's something for you. That's definitely something that keeps bringing me back.
One Last Thing
What's a fun fact about you that people would never guess?
I don't like pasta... in any form or shape. I don't know, the texture is weird. It's slippery! I've tried it stir-fried, I've tried it in different ways... I just can't ingest it.
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