If your New Year’s resolutions are a distant memory, your spare tyre is expanding by the minute and it’s just too hot to muster the energy to head out for a walk, then why not join the Abu Dhabi Week team at one of the capital’s fitness hotspots?
Bells and straps
If you’re bored of your usual circuit training and fancy mixing things up a bit then Haddins Fitness at Zayed Sports City has two rather novel alternatives on offer.
We opted to try the kettlebells class. Now, this set of circuits is not for the fainthearted, but you’ll definitely feel the difference after a few sessions.
For those who don’t know, kettlebells are basically weights with big handles, varying in size from eight to 20 kilograms. Each person will be able to cope with a different weight so make sure you take one that you’re comfortable with – it’s not a competition.
Lighter weights are advisable for arm circuits (I like an eight or 12kg) while you’ll find that you can handle something heavier when doing the full body swings (perhaps even 16kg).
A kettlebell workout is full body, and in order to complete the swings and lifts you’ll be engaging your stomach muscles throughout – in turn helping to strengthen your lower back and improve posture.
This is an incredibly hard class, but is fantastic for those people looking to strengthen muscles while burning off those calories.
Contact: Haddins Fitness 050 104 7948
Not so Easy Line
When I first saw the Easy Line room at the Grand Millennium Al Wahda’s Health Club I was convinced it was just a fad; the latest fitness craze to hit the supremely lazy gym-goer.
Claiming to offer a full body workout in half-an-hour this Technogym innovation consists of a series of machines that use hydraulic pumps to work your muscles.
In English this means that you work your way around these machines, and each exercise forces you to engage your muscles throughout. For example, when you do a bicep curl, you are pushing on the way down as well as pulling on the way up so you end up working your triceps as well.
As I said, we were totally unconvinced, until we tried a session and couldn’t move the next day. To start with, you do at least 30 to 40 reps on each piece of equipment (sometimes 50!), plus between each machine you complete a round of intensive cardio or abdominal exercises.
There are at least nine or ten machines so I’ll let you do the math, and it’s non stop – after half-an-hour we were ready to collapse. I’m in the gym for an hour every day at the moment so our aching muscles the day after our Easy Line class are testament to the fact that this is certainly not an easy alternative to the average gym session.
In short, a great all-over-body workout for those people who just don’t have the time to exercise. (Megan Wynes)
Contact: Grand Millennium Al Wahda Health Club 02 443 9999
Fighting fit
If shiny gyms, state-of-the-art fitness equipment and personal trainers aren’t really your thing, then maybe learning a martial art could be what you’re looking for. I visited the Muay Thai and Capoeira Sport Club on Al Najda Street to find out what they had to offer.
The gym itself feels like a proper fighters’ hangout – very authentic and gritty with mirrored walls, an array of well-used punch bags and a matted floor.
I’ve signed up for the free introductory class and I line up with the rest of the students as Yasser takes us through a series of stretching exercises to get us warmed up. Ten minutes of stretching is followed by a grueling half-hour of circuits with the eagle-eyed Yaser constantly monitoring everything we’re doing to make sure there’s no slacking.
Yasser then explains the basics of the Muay Thai stance before taking us through a number of punching and kicking drills. We finish with yet more circuits and a series of cool-down stretches.
Depending on whether you’re just looking to keep fit or really want to immerse yourself in Muay Thai, coach Yasser can tailor your fitness programme to suit, but be prepared for a hardcore, physically demanding workout. (Jon Muller)
Contact: www.abudhabimuaythai.com or call 02 676 9658
Total body tuning
I’ve been working hard since the start of the year, but with summer travel coming up, I’m going to miss several early morning training runs, so it’s back to the gym.
A great way to get the most out of my time is with the Les Mills programmes. Classes like BodyCombat, BodyAttack, BodyStep and BodyJam combine strength moves and cardio for fun, non-contact workouts that get quick results.
We especially love BodyBalance – a tai chi/Pilates/yoga trifecta of strength, balance and flexibility with a healthy dose of relaxation thrown in for good measure.
Another favourite, the powerfully effective BodyPump uses barbells to blast fat and build muscles at the same time. Three sessions of this hardcore class and I can already see more muscle definition in my arms and legs. What makes Les Mills classes so good?
Programmes are updated every three months so you don’t get bored and both BodyPump and BodyBalance have modified moves for pregnant mums.
Mums (and dads) will also love that the crèche at Abu Dhabi Country Club is open to both members and non-members daily from 8am to 9pm. (Laura Fulton)
Contact: Abu Dhabi Country Club 02 657 7777
Island yoga
One of my favourite ways to work up a sweat, I was keen to check out the new yoga class at the Yas Hotel. Provided with a yoga mat, towel and water bottle, I was soon in the mood.
I entered the large white studio to see floor length windows on the left side with some breath taking views of the marina. When it was time to start relaxing, the sound of water trickling in the background only added to my sense of calm.
The yoga included all of the basic moves, however if you're not familiar with the positions it may be a bit daunting. Our instructor, Josie McKenlay, helped guide us through each position, and after a few vinyasa cycles, I was sweating up a storm.
We wound down with some guided meditation that focused on colours and was so soothing that I thought I could have fallen asleep right then and there on the hard floor. (Sawaiba Khan)
Contact: The Yas Hotel 02 656 0862 or 02 656 0739
Salsa dancing
Want to have a great night out whilst still being active? Then salsa dancing is just the thing for you. I headed out to the Hiltonia Beach Club and can't wait to go back for more.
For salsa newbie’s like my husband and me, the few basic moves and tricky spins we learnt in one lesson had us feeling like seasoned professionals.
The class was small enough for all of us to get the individual attention we needed. Our instructor, Naida, helped explain exactly what we needed to do and where we needed to go to get moving.
She was incredibly patient as we struggled to spin without wiping out our partner and with enough practice we did manage to look semi-graceful. The music was great and the company even better.
You can come with a partner and make it a date, but it's not required. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes without traction on the soles (to keep you light on your feet) and clothes you can move in. Water is provided. (Sawaiba Khan)
Contact: Hiltonia Beach Club 02 681 1900
