Feeling like you’re stuck in a fitness rut? If you’re bored of your workout routine chances are your body is too, so mix it up with these sweat-inducing alternatives. Come and get your six-pack here!
IF YOU ENJOY MIND-BODY PRACTICES
YOU’LL LOVE HOT YOGA
When you’re blessed with the appropriate hot and sweaty climate, you may as well make the most of it!
Hot yoga at Core Fit’s recently opened second branch is probably the most scenic workout you’ll enjoy all summer. Fabulous for weight loss, toning, cosmic being and getting your flow on, classes focus on Vinyasa, which means “breath-synchronised movement” and comprise a series of poses that will move you through the power of inhaling and exhaling.
The highly personable Amanda Cunliffe-Smith, who’ll ensure you feel at ease no matter what level you’re at, leads the sessions, which differ from Bikram in that Amanda has the freedom to create her own classes. So she’ll focus on twists one week, binds the next and possibly headstands further down the line.
Enjoy the sunrise, tune into the birdsong and go with the flow.
Classes are at 6.45am on Sun, Tues and Thurs at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina. Call 050 2508815 or visit here for more info.
IF YOU ENJOY SPINNING
YOU’LL LOVE FAT BIKING
The ultimate new status symbol in the cycling world, Fat Bikes are cool, mean, cycling machines. But far from being a case of style over substance, the big, bulky, virtually flat-tyred bikes are ace for cardio training. Working in practically all conditions – Fat Bikes float over terrain that stymies narrower treads – you’ll never be bored as you can change your backdrop every day. With miles of desert on our doorstep offering an infinite playground, allow your Fat Bike to take you to places that people have never been.
A low-impact sport – perfect for those with joint conditions or injuries – it’s great for toning and building your muscles, especially if you’re looking to concentrate on your calves, thighs and rear end. On sand and for some serious grip on dirt or rocky terrain, nothing else compares to a fatty. The entry is easy: get a bike and hit the dunes. You’ll also find a friendly community exchanging information and routes. Wearing spandex is optional.
Moonlander Fat Bikes are available at Adventure HQ and Go Sports. Prices start at Dhs11,000 – consider it a lifetime investment.
IF YOU ENJOY SCULPTING
YOU’LL LOVE FLYBARRE
The height of fitness fashion, your first Flybarre class is guaranteed to have you reaching for an icepack post-workout. But what exactly is it?
“A barre class for athletes,” says its creator, Kate Bohner, a one-time co-captain of the University of Pennsylvania’s lacrosse team and a member of the World Cup team.
A revolutionary form of body sculpting, the all-encompassing 55-minute interval-based class combines the disciplines of yoga, dance, circuit training, Pilates and strength building. Designed to lengthen, tone and sculpt, you can expect loads of ab exercises, 15 minutes of glutes along with upper body work and stretching – all to banging 80s and 90s tunes.
It may be low-impact, but don’t be fooled. You will sweat.
Classes are at Burj Views, West Tower, Downtown Dubai and cost Dhs110 per session or Dhs500 for five. Call (04) 4232544 for more info.
IF YOU ENJOY MARTIAL ARTS
YOU’LL LOVE BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU
Not only will you benefit from an awesome calorie-burning, muscle-toning workout, there’s no better way to thrash out your frustrations than with a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu session.
This self-defense system may comprise grappling and ground fighting, but it’s known as the ‘gentle art’, making it perfect for ladies. Get to grips with judo throws, chokes and jointlocks as well as wrestling takedowns and techniques – it’s a fantastic way to learn new things and to really push yourself.
What’s more, no one will dare to mess with you once you’ve grasped the fundamentals: this character building sport will strengthen your resolve as well as your body. Even the most petite will be able to defend themselves against a bigger, burlier assailant by using the proper techniques.
Team Nogueira Dubai, Martial Arts and Fitness Academy in Al Quoz 3 offer three classes a week for Dhs465 plus a Dhs199 registration fee. Call (04) 3388967
IF YOU ENJOY JOGGING WITH YOUR BABY
YOU’LL LOVE R.I.P MUM
Still haven’t got that mum tum under control? It’s time to say goodbye saddlebags and hello to a new ripped you.
You can’t use your baby as an excuse for not working out any more as participants are encouraged to bring tots along in their pushchairs. With classes designed by mums for mums, workouts are aimed at those areas of your body that took a battering during your pregnancy. So look forward to a conditioned core, a firmer butt and to shaving inches off those upper arms, shoulders and back. What’s more, you’ll be instilled with more energy than you’ve ever had before, making child-rearing that much easier!
Purefitness R.I.P Mum classes, Fitness First Lakes, Dhs50 for non-members.
Image: supplied
