They’re all a little different, and that should keep you interested.
Maybe it’s just us, but this is the time of year that exercising feels like the biggest hassle. Any fits of New-Year’s-resolution enthusiasm have passed, there’s something to do every night of the week, and there’s only so much cool weather left. Spending it inside and sweating can feel like a real waste.
Unfortunately, however, moving your body still has innumerable benefits – not least counteracting all those Dubai brunches we know and love.
With that in mind, we’ve rounded up some ways to get moving that have a little point of difference. Our thinking is that you’re much less likely to cancel your plans if you know you won’t be bored.
See you in class.
Read:
This Black Panther actress’s Lebanese gown is a showstopper
Noor Tagouri: ‘Having a token representative is not acceptable’
Jivamukti yoga
We’re almost hesitant to recommend this one, lest we find ourselves having to fight for some mat space, but Dina Ghandour’s jivamukti yoga classes are too good to keep quiet. Accessible for beginners but still challenging for more seasoned yogis, Ghandour’s classes are the perfect break from your possibly hectic week. You’ll forget the world outside the studio exists – plus, your body will thank you for it. This is an integrated practise that will get you sweaty but leave you refreshed.
Jivamukti with Dina, Mondays and Wednesdays 7pm, Saturdays 6pm at 136.1 Studio in Dubai Marina, Mondays 10.30am at Zen Yoga Al Wasl, Sundays 8.30am at Inspire Me Yoga. Follow Dina on Instagram for class updates. jivamuktiwithdina.com. Prices vary by studio.
Cardiolates
If you loved bouncing on a trampoline as a kid, or love a workout where you’re concentrating so hard on getting your feet in the right place that you don’t notice an hour has passed, this is for you. Cardiolates, at Pilates Academy in JLT, offers the alignment and toning of pilates with the heart health of a good cardiovascular workout. One for those of us who could do with being a little more coordinated.
Cardiolates, Sundays 8pm, Monday and Wednesday 7pm, Thursday and Friday 10.30am at Pilates Academy ,Suite 4202, Jumeirah Bay X2 Tower, Cluster X, JLT, Dubai. Tel: (056) 798 4655. pilatesacademydubai.com. Try two classes for Dhs110.
Define hammock yoga
Here’s a class for anyone who gets excited when their yoga teacher says there’ll be a focus on inversions today. US import Define Body & Mind offers hammock yoga classes that will completely flip your perspective. While slightly terrifying, it’s also a major confidence boost once you realise you’re doing it and surviving. Expect a cross between a classic yoga class and an aerial silks routine in a stage show – except here, rather than on stunts, the emphasis is on letting the hammock take your weight and thus giving your joints a break. Better yet? Your first class is free.
Define mind (hammock), Sundays 7.45pm, Mondays 5pm, and Fridays 11.30am. Unit 17, Silverene Tower B, Dubai Marina, Dubai. Tel: (04) 421 6377. dubai.definebody.com.
Prama at Fairmont – The Palm
This circuit class will either sound like a lot of fun or extremely stressful, depending on your disposition. Prama runs from a custom studio that’s set up with special lighting and sensors as well as all the equipment needed for a high-intensity workout. Think of it as a cross between Dance Dance Revolution (you know, the arcade game) and the gym. Expect to squat, mountain climb, and balance on bosu balls. Organisers say you’ll leave sweating and smiling – we doubt you’ll be bored.
Prama at Fairmont – The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. Daily classes, times vary. Dhs95. Tel: (04) 457 3330. fairmont.com.
Vida Wellness Mornings
For those of us who need an incentive to get to class, here’s an option that flows into brunch. There’s even the option of pool access. From 10am Saturdays, you’ll find fitness and meditation classes at Vida Downtown before 3in1’s Saturdaze brunch. Add Dhs100 per person to secure your cabana, and you’ve for an extremely virtuous and luxurious way to end the weekend.
Vida Wellness Mornings at Vida Downtown, The Old Town, Downtown Dubai. Dhs80 for fitness class only, Dhs189 including brunch, add Dhs100 for cabana and pool access. Tel: (04) 428 6888. vidahotels.com.
Images: Supplied, Instagram, Getty
