Abu Dhabi Week looks at how to get healthy, from top to toe
There is no better time than now to take stock of your health. From improving fitness, reducing stress and shedding excess kilos, exercise is a great way to boost your overall health. Looking to target some specific problem areas, we checked out a few classes on offer in the capital to get us in fighting shape.
Heart healthy
Heart disease is a major problem here in the UAE, and with a family history of cardiovascular disease, we thought it was high time to get our heart pumping. Looking to boost our cardio exercise we checked out a Raw Power in Motion (RPM) class at the Abu Dhabi Country Club.
Also known as spinning, this class sees participants cycle themselves sweaty on a stationary bike, varying the resistance and intensity of their workout. Using intervals of intense activity, our 45-minute class will see us burn more calories in a shorter amount of time than a steady session of cardio. “Interval training means you work hard for a short amount of time, take recovery and then repeat,” explains our instructor Marie Giovannone.
With feet strapped in we begin with a warm up, with Giovannone explaining things in terms of terrains and paces. Instructing the class to cycle to the beat of the loud track of music blaring overhead, we adjust the resistance of our bike manually on cue, so our pedals feel “sticky” when we climb higher up that imaginary hill or glide rapidly when we race downhill.
Then the lights dim, as the class pushes onwards for the last few songs. This session is certainly not for the faint-hearted – we’re exhausted by the end.
RPM classes cost AED 50 for non-members, timings vary. For more visit:
www.adcountryclub.com
Crunch time
We’ll be the first to admit that our stomach muscles are the last thing we think about when exercising. Aptly known as your ‘core’, strong stomach muscles are an integral part to overall fitness and wellbeing and can help improve posture and balance.
Ready to focus in on our core, we headed to The Room at Zayed Sports City for the Core Training class. After a brief warm-up, we were straight into the exercises, one after another, for one hour straight. There was a great variety of moves from the Russian twist and reverse curls to leg tucks and plank using the TRX suspension straps.
Needless to say, by the end of the class, we realised how weak our stomach muscles are and were shaking like a leaf. The next day, we felt like we had a six-pack and were holding our posture even after a day at the computer. Don’t let the name of this fitness facility fool you. The Room houses three studios and plenty of equipment.
The team is professional, encouraging and friendly and we’ll definitely be back for more.
AED 65 per class or AED 600 for 10 sessions. For more information, call: 056 331 0310
Mind over matter
Good health shouldn’t be limited to a handful of body-specific workouts or diet routines. In fact, having a healthy and strong mind – which is capable of handling both major and minor stressors – is just as important as those sweat-inducing sessions at the gym.
“The world is becoming faster paced and more unpredictable. It’s our responsibility to look after our inner health,” said Sona Bahri, director of Inner Space Abu Dhabi. The meditation and self-development organisation in the capital offers free-of-charge seminars, workshops and meditation sessions to residents looking to clear their minds.
Looking to practise our mental calisthenics, we headed over to Inner Space Abu Dhabi for a session of meditation. Our instructor, Arif Dawood began the session with a lesson in theory. After learning more about the cycle of thoughts and how to avoid distractions, we are then treated to a short, guided meditation. With our eyes closed in the dimmed room, the soft-spoken Dawood helps us to decompress from our stressful day, enjoy the silence and focus on our breathing. Feeling refreshed and a bit sleepy, we head home feeling relaxed.
“For physical health, we need a good diet, exercise, rest and healthy thoughts, which are food for the mind,” adds Bahri.
Meditation classes are offered in both English and Arabic and are complimentary, however donations are welcomed. To find out more visit: www.innerspaceabudhabi.org
Alive and kicking
Al Bandar is known for its serene environment, chilled-out cafes and surrounding tranquil azure waters. But in the hub of this waterfront complex is the pulsating heart of the Cobra Muay Thai Gym.
For those looking to blast those bingo-wings and carve those calves, the Fighter Fitness class is for you.
Firstly, there is no actual fighting in this class, so don’t worry about walking into the office with a bruised eye. Secondly, you may be crawling at the end, as this workout is going to push your body. “Each class is different for all fitness levels,” says chief instructor Mat Dryden. “You can come to improve technique or come to test your body to its absolute limits.”
“Push til ya spew” sprayed in luminous green paint adorns the wall as gentle motivation during your workout.
The class focuses on pad work for both arms and legs, with vigorous punching and kicking combinations that engage your core. Leg conditioning sees skipping, walking lunges and burpees; your shoulders and triceps are attacked with the inside press-up technique, bag work and other conditioning exercises.
Your trainer will put you through some lung-bursting cardio too, as you’re hauled through the class with fat-burning exercises and equally muscular speeches to keep you going. And going. And going…
This high intensity workout will give your arms and legs that toning you desire, as the Fighter Fitness class invites those to adopt the “train insane or remain the same” mentality of the club.
AED 70 per session. For more info visit: www.cobramuaythai.com
Holistic health
We spoke to Ayuverda practitioner at Point Zero Floatation Center, Dr Asma Inamdar, who gave us her top tips for all round health from relaxing your mind with yoga to reducing bloating with fennel tea.
Protect your heart
- Eat a light breakfast and dinner
- Lunch should be the main meal.
- Amla (Indian gooseberry) is very
- beneficial for the heart. It can be taken fresh, preserved or in powder form.
- Too much tea, coffee, and smoking is not good for the heart and should be given up. They weaken the liver and digestive power, and so form ama (toxins).
- Obesity is a very common reason for heart disorders. If you have put on some extra pounds, you must reduce it by physical exercise and diet control.
Banish bloating
- Don’t eat and talk at the same time
- Don’t eat fruit after a meal as it forms gas resulting in bloating
- Try chewing on a slice of ginger with lime juice or lemon 20 minutes before a meal.
- Fennel, mint or peppermint teas are also soothing to the digestive tract.
- Pay attention to how your body reacts to dairy and flour products. If you feel bloated after them, you might have to cut down.
- Avoid drinking any liquid 30 minutes after the meal. It will dilute digestive juices and will make it harder to digest food.
Cleansing from the inside, out
The best way to remove toxins is not to eat until you are really hungry! But you don’t need to starve yourself. Always eat warm and fresh food. Just remember that your digestion will work best if you give it at least five to six hours between meals.
Hydrating your body is also very important either with fruit juices or warm water. Be sure to avoid ice, cold drinks and caffeine.
For more information about Dr Asma’s services or to book a consultation, call: 02 445 5775
