The Abu Dhabi Week team tests out the newest fitness classes in the capital
For many of us, our promising New Year’s resolutions for a healthier lifestyle have fallen by the wayside as the months drip by. Looking for a little motivation to keep at it, the Abu Dhabi Week team battled the bulge when testing out some of the newest offerings available here in the capital. New, fresh, and decidedly different; spice up your fitness regime with these sweat-inducing sessions.
Zen Ga
Not quite ready for pilates, we tried out the newest offering at Bodytree Studio, Zen Ga. The fusion-fitness session combines pilates, yoga and dance together for a total body workout minus the machines.
Our tools for class include a simple wooden block, yoga mat and resistance band. Barefooted, we begin with a pretty vigorous warm-up that includes every possible variation of a squat. Feeling the burn already we then go into various sequences of exercises that target our core body parts – arms, legs and core.
Our instructor Maria Tamer, who also teaches pilates at the studio, travelled to London to specialise in Zen Ga. After a serious car accident prevented her from lifting weights, she found herself attracted to this fusion exercise because the risk of injuring yourself is quite low. “It’s not as strict as pilates or yoga. You are able to prepare yourself before getting into positions.”
Using yoga and dance poses, we slowly ease ourselves into each stance gently, gradually deepening stretches and movements. Our instructor Tamer explains, “This is an amazing class for people who tried yoga or pilates and didn’t think it was for them. I’d recommend this because it is a fluid class where you get your heart rate up and use plenty of mindful movements.”
It’s certainly true. We find ourselves sweating away as we bend, hold and repeat.
Even though our muscles ache – and will continue to do so for the next day or so – once the class is over we find ourselves feeling refreshed. A great start to the new day.
DETAILS
What? Zen Ga
Where? Bodytree Studio
Cost: AED 60
We say: A fusion of fun!
Contact: www.bodytreestudio.com
NYLA Method
When you really want to tone up and streamline your body, there’s nothing like NYLA Method. A team of dancers, yoga and pilates instructors and physical fitness experts from New York to Los Angeles (and even Perth) are the brains and beauty behind this latest programme. The ladies-only class is an awesome workout that homes-in on all the right areas.
Warming up with a bit of light cardio, pliés and twists, we quickly realised this was going to be a different class. Soundtracked by contemporary pop and R&B songs, we were soon wiggling and jiggling various appendages using light weights to create long, sleek muscles. Following our vibrant instructor’s advice to just keep smiling and accept the craziness, we soon embraced the new moves and felt the burn.
Moving over to the dance barre, a series of different moves from leg lifts to hamstring curls proved a challenge. But our favourite moves were the ones that focused on our abs; we definitely feel a six-pack coming on.
No stranger to fitness, we have to admit NYLA proved a challenge; at the end of the class we definitely felt muscles we forgot we had. With beach season just around the corner, we’ll definitely be back for more.
NYLA Method is held at Monte-Carlo Beach Club. Classes are selling out quickly so be sure to pre-register. If the popularity of the classes is anything to go by, we’re sure the team will be offering more soon. Watch this space. For more information, visit: www.nylamethod.com
Bokwa
Move over Zumba, there’s a new dance craze in town. Inspired by South African rhythms, Bokwa is a fun and funky workout that grooves to Latin beats, house music and contemporary pop. The idea is simple: trace out digits and letters across the floor. Rather than sticking to a strict set of choreographed moves, Bokwa allows you a bit more freedom so you don’t need to be as coordinated as you may think.
At the start of our Bokwa session we were slightly apprehensive, but after a fun warm up we quickly loosened up. The music was fun, the moves simple to follow and the instructor full of energy.
Throughout the class we learned a different letter or number in each track including number one, L and C. The class was energetic and we quickly learned to add our own flavour to each move. As the steps were continuously repeated, it was easy to pick them up then add variations from shimmies and air guitar to hip bumps and even a bit of freestyle.
Bokwa is definitely a class for everyone from young to old, the fiercely fit and even workout wimps. A word of advice: go with the flow.
Bokwa classes are held every Monday and Thursday at Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa for AED 60. For more information, contact: 02 656 1152
Dreams Spinning
Spinning classes don’t necessarily spark an image of an exciting calorie-cruncher. Slogging it out on a spinning bike with repetitive and well-known sequences can mean less-motivated gym members attend one class and then never return. We know the session is a great workout, but many of us not only need to be pushed in a class, but need that special something to keep us focused and engaged. Say hello to the new spinning class, Dreams, at THE ROOM Abu Dhabi.
As we enter the space, the room is set out like many other spinning classes; around 20 bikes facing a mirrored wall with two plasma screens in front of us, where the instructor also takes his seat. But this is where the class differs from others we’ve been to. After hopping on our bike, the main lights are switched off and surrounding neon floor lights gently illuminate the space. The plasma screens then change from black to an almost psychedelic moving graphic. A slow, heavy beating track begins to pump around the studio as our instructor Peter begins to talk, or we should say hypnotise us into a trance-like, rhythmical pedaling state.
We begin to mentally switch off from day-to-day life. Peter’s words keep us focused, almost blocking out the burning pain in our thighs from the cycling; we have no idea how long we’ve been training and the voice-over never highlights the gruelling exercise. It’s almost like a motivational speech, in tandem with an incredible mix of carefully selected dance tracks. Probably the best gym playlist we’ve heard.
The ‘final climb’ sees the entire class racing like a Tour De France peloton, grinding out their final ounces of energy before crossing the imaginary finish line. A huge sense of achievement is felt as we cool down, the lights brighten and fist pumps are thrown into the air. Was that really a spinning class? Three, two, one, you’re back in the room…
DETAILS
What? Dreams Spinning class
Where? THE ROOM Abu Dhabi, Zayed Sports City
Cost? AED 65
We say: Get ready to sweat!
Contact: 056 331 0310
Let it burn
Up for more? Then check out these unique classes to get you moving.
Bulgarian Bag
This workout at the Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel and Resort sees you balancing a weighted bag to strengthen your body, by improving balance and joint mobility. Thursdays at 6.30pm, AED 35 for non-members. For more call: 02 677 3333
Cardio boxing
Get your heart pumping with this Rocky-themed boxing class. Hosted every Monday at 5.30pm at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club. AED 50 for non-members. For more call: 02 558 8990
Belly dancing
Move to Middle Eastern music with this energetic dance class at the Abu Dhabi Country Club. On Sundays and Tuesdays at 7.30pm. AED 50 for non-members, per class.
For more call: 02 657 7777
