Maya Nassar: Start Living Right, Start Living Global

An XPEDITION Cover Story

In a world where wellness is often reduced to quick fixes and fleeting trends, Maya Nassar has carved out a space defined not only by discipline and transformation, but by resilience, authenticity, and global vision. She is a fitness icon, entrepreneur, international champion, app creator, and devoted mother. Today, her name resonates far beyond Lebanon, inspiring women and men across continents to embrace healthier, sustainable lives. But her journey—like all great success stories—began with a single step toward change.

Personal Journey & Beginnings

Maya’s fitness journey began in 2010 when she made the decision to follow a structured training and nutrition program. What started as a personal experiment quickly evolved into a life-altering transformation. “That personal transformation was powerful physically and mentally,” she recalls. “It inspired me to dedicate my life to fitness, to compete, and to help others make lasting changes for their health and wellbeing.”

But her story is more than fitness. Born on Long Island to a Lebanese father and a Dutch mother, Maya grew up in Nigeria, spent years in England, and eventually moved to Lebanon. Her multicultural upbringing is woven into her DNA. “It taught me adaptability, curiosity, and the ability to connect with people from many walks of life,” she says. “It’s given me perspective and resilience that have shaped everything I do.”

Those formative years prepared her for an international stage. A pivotal turning point came when she competed at the Miami Pro European Championships in 2013. Soon after, she became the first Lebanese athlete endorsed by her government to compete abroad, later winning the 2014 Pure Elite UK Championships. Most recently, her crowning achievement was being named Ms. Fitness Universe 2025 in Las Vegas, a title that cemented her as not only an athlete but a global ambassador for wellness.

Fitness & Wellness Philosophy

Maya’s brand philosophy is both practical and profound: Start Living Right. For her, fitness is not about extremes but about consistency, balance, and lifestyle. “Fitness is about sustainable habits, smart training, sensible nutrition, and long-term wellbeing,” she explains. “It’s not about quick fixes but about creating a lifestyle that supports your goals and your life.”

Her discipline has inspired thousands, and her secret to motivation lies in responsibility. “I’m accountable to my clients, my app users, my community, and my family. On hard days, I rely on structure, planned workouts, and the reminder that the work I put in helps others.”

And while her training routines are rigorous, her daily non-negotiables are surprisingly holistic: consistent exercise, focused nutrition, and prioritizing mental wellbeing. “Those three pillars keep me balanced both physically and mentally.”

Empowerment & Leadership

As one of the Arab world’s most recognized fitness figures, Maya has become a symbol of empowerment. Through her blog Start Living Right, her fitness app, and public speaking engagements, she provides women with tools and representation in spaces where visibility matters. “When women see someone like them pursuing health, competition, and entrepreneurship, it broadens what’s possible,” she affirms.

The road has not been without obstacles. Building credibility in a male-dominated industry, navigating cultural expectations, and scaling from digital platforms to physical spaces tested her perseverance. Her solution? Education and evidence. “I became certified as a personal trainer and sports nutritionist, developed professional products, and partnered with brands that reinforced credibility. Persistence and delivering real results helped me overcome barriers.”

When asked what she would say to young women balancing ambition and tradition, Maya is clear: “You don’t have to choose between honoring tradition and pursuing your ambitions. With clarity, education, and a strong support system, you can integrate both.”

Motherhood & Balance

Beyond business, Maya is a mother—and she speaks candidly about the art of balance. “It’s about priorities, planning, and flexibility. I delegate where possible and create structures so I can be fully present in both roles.”

Motherhood, she says, has transformed her leadership style. Empathy and patience have deepened her approach, while her experience with postpartum depression has made her a fierce advocate for mental health. “It made me more committed to mental-health awareness and kindness in leadership. I design services that consider the whole person, not just their physical goals.”

Building the Brand

Maya’s entrepreneurial journey is anchored in her vision to make credible fitness guidance accessible. Her blog revealed a gap in the market, and the Start Living Right app was born to fill it. Endorsed by the Lebanese Ministry of Youth and Sports, it quickly climbed Apple Store rankings and became a trusted resource. By 2017, she expanded into the physical world, opening a gym sponsored by Nike that hosted official Nike Training Club classes.

In an industry saturated with voices, authenticity is her safeguard. “Credentials, consistency, and results—that’s what keeps my brand relevant,” she notes. “Workshops, certifications, and tangible services create real impact.”

Looking forward, Maya plans to expand the Start Living Right ecosystem further, with a sharper focus on scaling digital offerings and strengthening community programs.

Global Influence & Vision

Maya’s global perspective is shaped by her life across multiple continents. “Every place I’ve lived has influenced me,” she reflects. “Each culture brought different lessons that shaped how I connect with a global audience.”

Her five-year vision is both ambitious and human-centered. “I want to expand Start Living Right’s reach across the region and beyond, advocate for women’s health and mental wellbeing, and make resources more accessible.”

And her legacy? “I hope to be remembered as someone who advanced fitness and wellness in the region, created reliable resources, and helped break mental-health taboos—especially around postpartum depression—so women could seek help and feel supported.”

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Quick Fire with Maya

• One workout you can’t live without? Strength and functional training.

• Guilty pleasure meal? Spaghetti bolognese.

• A quote you live by? Start Living Right.

The XPEDITION Spirit

Maya Nassar is more than a fitness champion—she is a living embodiment of resilience, multicultural identity, and empowerment. Her journey speaks to XPEDITION’s own values: transcending borders, embracing diversity, and leading with authenticity.

From Long Island to Lagos, London to Lebanon, and now to Las Vegas, Maya’s story is one of global resonance. She has proven that health is not a destination but a way of life—and that true success lies not only in the strength of the body, but in the courage to share that strength with the world.

As Maya reminds us all: the time to start living right is now.