Introduction
In a world constantly racing against time, finding someone who not only understands the value of slowing down but actively teaches it is a rare phenomenon. Benoit Demeulemeester, widely recognized through his Instagram handle @benoit_dubai_1964, is one such individual. A certified life coach and NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) practitioner based in Dubai, Benoit combines decades of personal experience with a passion for nature, fitness, and mindful living to guide others toward transformation.
But what truly sets him apart is his ability to merge high-performance coaching with the grounding power of breathwork, adventure, and self-discovery. His work with platforms like Endorphins Method and HikeUp BreathIn, along with appearances on notable podcasts and shows, has made him a beacon of wellness in the Middle East and beyond.
Early Life in Basel: The Roots of a Natural Explorer
Born in 1964 in the culturally rich city of Basel, Switzerland, Benoit’s childhood was steeped in nature and exploration. Growing up in the Swiss countryside instilled in him a deep appreciation for the outdoors—a connection that would later become central to his professional philosophy.
From a young age, he was drawn to activities that demanded both mental and physical endurance: hiking through alpine trails, camping under the stars, and cycling across rugged terrain. This adventurous spirit continued to grow throughout his life, forming the bedrock of his coaching and mentoring style.
Dubai: A New Chapter, A New Mission
After relocating to Dubai, Benoit brought with him not only a European sense of resilience but also a broader global perspective. Dubai—a city synonymous with innovation, ambition, and diversity—offered him the perfect landscape to apply his skills as a transformational coach.
In a city where burnout and high-stress lifestyles are all too common, Benoit carved out a niche that emphasizes reconnection—with self, with breath, and with nature. His mission: to help people rediscover their inner strength through physical challenge, emotional introspection, and conscious breathing.
The Power of Breath: A Guiding Philosophy
A central theme in Benoit’s methodology is breathwork. As the co-founder and key figure behind @hikeupbreathin, he organizes events that combine hiking and conscious breathing exercises in the natural surroundings of the UAE.
“Breath is our most powerful, yet most underutilized tool,” Benoit says. “When you control your breath, you control your mind.”
His sessions draw on elements of Wim Hof techniques, yogic breathing, and modern neuroscience. Participants often describe a profound sense of clarity, peace, and energy after sessions. For Benoit, these experiences are not just therapeutic—they are transformational.
Endorphins Method and Coaching Style
Benoit’s work with @endorphinsmethod—a wellness movement aimed at unlocking human potential—reflects his belief that physical and mental health are inextricably linked. As a coach, he uses a unique blend of NLP, behavioral coaching, and experiential learning to empower clients.
Whether it’s a high-powered executive looking to manage stress or someone simply seeking deeper purpose, Benoit tailors each journey to the individual. His approach is not about quick fixes; it’s about sustainable growth, holistic alignment, and meaningful breakthroughs.
His sessions often take clients outdoors, encouraging them to face physical challenges that mirror internal struggles. From desert treks to cold exposure experiences, Benoit integrates nature’s raw elements into personal transformation.
Media Presence and Impact
Benoit has been featured on several media platforms, most notably The Halftime Show, where he discussed “the power of breathing” and how it can affect performance, clarity, and mental health. His charisma, authenticity, and deep knowledge resonated with a wide audience, leading to further invitations across digital and traditional media.
He also regularly appears on the Live Light Podcast, where he dives into topics such as the mind-body connection, emotional resilience, and living a purpose-driven life. These episodes are filled with actionable insights, real-life anecdotes, and an infectious optimism that has garnered a loyal following.
His Instagram account, @benoit_dubai_1964, serves as a visual diary of his adventures and teachings. From sunlit hikes in the Hajar Mountains to behind-the-scenes shots from breathwork sessions, his feed offers an inspiring window into a life lived with intention.
Passions Beyond Coaching
Benoit’s interests extend far beyond the realm of personal development. He is an avid motorbiker, skier, tennis player, and cyclist. His social media frequently showcases his adventures—from off-road motorbike trails to serene desert campouts.
But these hobbies are not just pastimes; they’re metaphors for life. “Life is about movement,” he explains. “The more you move—physically, emotionally, mentally—the more alive you feel.”
He encourages others to find their own forms of movement and adventure, whatever they may be, and integrate them into daily life.
A Life of Purpose and Possibility
What makes Benoit Demeulemeester truly remarkable is his unwavering commitment to helping others find their path—not through prescriptive steps, but by inviting them to explore. His belief in human potential is both contagious and deeply rooted in personal experience.
His story is one of evolution: from a nature-loving child in Switzerland to a pioneering wellness coach in the UAE. He proves that transformation doesn’t require radical upheaval—it requires presence, passion, and breath.
As more people seek balance in an increasingly chaotic world, voices like Benoit’s remind us that the answers we’re looking for often lie within—and that with the right guidance, we can all breathe our way back to purpose.
