IN CONVERSATION
WITH ANNA KULYK
While the global wellness industry often paints a picture of serene morning routines and idealized cityscapes, practicing health in Ukraine today carries a profoundly different weight. In this interview, model, trainer, and health coach Anna Kulyk shares how movement, nutrition, and nervous system regulation become acts of resilience in frontline Kharkiv.
22 July, 2026
Anna Kulyk
Anna, what does it mean to be a trainer and study health in Kharkiv today?
For me, it’s all about doing what I love, staying engaged, and being helpful to those who need it.
How have chronic stress and the realities of a frontline city shifted the way Kharkivites view their bodies and personal capacity?
I can’t speak for all Kharkivites, but they say "like attracts like" which is probably why I’m surrounded by people who prioritize their health, stay active, and eat well. After all, it’s a form of self-care. After tough nights, it’s especially vital to move, breathe, and remind our minds that we are alive.
From a nutritional and biohacking perspective, chronic stress drains the body. How do you adapt your expertise and nutrition advice for those living under constant adrenaline?
Cooking at home. Unhurried meals surrounded by loved ones, completely screen-free. A nutrient-dense, balanced, and varied plate. Low nutrient levels trigger stress responses and spike cortisol.
Tell us, what does a morning in Kharkiv feel like? What goes through your mind in those moments, and why does the city’s nature have such a healing effect?
Right after waking up, I drink a glass of warm water and get some morning sunlight. Then I do a quick mobility routine and work through my chest and neck muscles with a massage ball.
Spending time in nature and simply observing it is a free, evidence-based tool for regulating the nervous system.
Anna and a group during stretching session in the park, Kharkiv
What kind of physical activity do you personally choose to restore your inner balance?
I choose based on my mood and what my body craves in the moment—whether that’s yoga and stretching, a strength workout with weights, or a long walk. The main goal is just to give the body movement.
Kharkiv is frequently targeted at night by drones, missiles, and guided bombs, making restful sleep a rare luxury. Yet sleep is foundational. How do you care of your sleep routine?
I try to go to bed at the same time every day. I avoid harsh, cold lighting in the evening and opt for a book instead of screens before sleep. An open window in the bedroom, earplugs, and magnesium :)
Every Sunday, you lead training sessions for women. Who are they? What mood do they arrive in, and how do they feel after class?
On the mat, everyone is equal. Social status and roles are left behind. The one thing all the women attending my sessions have in common is discipline.
As for the atmosphere, it’s hard to put into words—it’s something you have to feel. Come to our Sunday morning sessions and experience it for yourself :)
Anna and a group during stretching session in the park, Kharkiv
Looking to the future: How do you envision the evolution of health culture in Ukraine after everything we are living through?
First, the value of functional health will grow. While fitness used to be mostly about weight loss or aesthetics for many, everything we’ve been through has shifted that perspective: people increasingly view their body as a resource that helps them handle stress, work, care for loved ones, and recover.
Second, mental health will become an integral part of what it means to "be healthy."
Third, there will be a rising demand for gentle, restorative practices (yoga, mobility, stretching, and breathwork).
The sense of community will also become essential. People won't just look for a trainer; they’ll seek an environment where they can feel supported, connect with like-minded individuals, and be around those who share similar values.
Another key trend is the shift from short-term goals to long-term habits. After years of uncertainty, many will crave stability. A regular workout routine can serve as a grounding personal ritual that restores a sense of control.
There’s one more shift I anticipate: I believe Ukrainians will gradually move away from the "no pain, no gain" mentality toward a culture of "being strong to live a quality life." If this mindset shift happens, it could become one of the most significant evolutions in Ukraine’s health culture.
Tell us about your current studies. What are your expectations once you graduate?
I am currently training to become a health coach at the Naukroom School. The program covers a wide range of wellness aspects: nutrition, physical activity, stress and sleep management, gastrophysics, and lab work analysis.
Once I graduate, I’ll offer health coaching and guide clients toward real results—going far beyond just giving generic advice.
MEET AT 8 is a social health initiative dedicated to supporting youth and war-affected frontline communities in Ukraine. We provide free, accessible opportunities to restore mental and physical well-being through group workouts, physical activities, and community connection.
Operating as the humanitarian arm of the NGO "Tozhsamist", MEET AT 8 bridges physical activity with mental health support to help individuals cope with chronic stress and build lasting resilience.