Sport360°s UAE summer fitness picks

Kara Martin 19:52 20/06/2014
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  • Be there: Sunrise Nation will hold its last event of the summer.

    Fitness is definitely ‘in’ in the UAE, and what’s even better is there are tons more fun ways to get your workout in, helping to ensure that your summer is made of both hard work and hard play.

    Here are our month’s top picks.

    Sunrise Nation Morning Fitness Party

    This one is a one-off but a must-attend if you’re looking to start a midweek day off with buckets of energy and a serious happy Hippie buzz. I mean, when was the last time you danced to a live DJ before heading to work? We’re sure many would say probably never.

    How about the last time you picked up a hula hoop or jumped on a trampoline? Yep, all of this and more is in store for those who sign on to attend the last Sunrise Nation event of the summer, this coming Tuesday, June 24.

    Sunrise Nation is a pop-up community wellness project determined to inject fun and laughs into a regular fitness routine. Indeed, it’s not said enough that the thought of exercise need not fill you with fear.

    If you just dress it up like play, it won’t feel anything like work, and that’s what the A4 Space in the AlSerkal Avenue Arts District, Al Quoz looks like when the Sunrise crew come through.

    Their message is “Come as you are, leave revived”, and activities include meditative yoga, mindful art displays, scrumptious, clean food… and even free hugs! This event is by guest list only so hurry up and reserve your spot at [email protected]

    Bounce Middle East

    Until Sunrise Nation gets back in action after the summer, you can always pump up the volume, and your heart rate, at the newly opened Bounce Middle East.

    Described as a Free-Jumping Revolution, Bounce is a training ground and urban playground for air-borne sport and acrobatics.

    Imagine letting loose for an hour or two on over 100 interconnected trampolines and 500 square meters of padding and foam to land on – even the walls are spring-loaded, as well as fitted with circus-grade sponge.

    You can freestyle it with friends or family, choreograph a ‘jumping line’, and even play basketball and dodgeball, to name a few of the fun offers down at the incredible Al Quoz facility.

    Hop to it and book your air time now via www.bounce.ae

    Kangoo Bootcamp

    Simply put, it’s a class where you get to jump around like a kangaroo in extra-bouncy, joint and bone-relieving shoes!

    Kangoo is a 45-minute intense cardiovascular workout that combines high-intensity choreographed dance moves, running and jumping around the studio while listening to a mixture thumpy pop and house tracks…and giggling a lot.

    On top of working your legs and glutes, the Kangoos are great for core strengthening too. Held at Tips & Toes at Khalifa City in Abu Dhabi. For more information call 02 557 2255.

    Pulse Circuit at OP Integrated Lifestyle Centre

    Local fitness industry insider Matt Coe’s impressive “anti-gym” and adult playground, OP Integrated Lifestyle Centre is a constant source for fun fitness for the young and old. 

    And you can just tell judging by its delightfully chaotic colour scheme, if not for the hanging swing seat in the reception, the strobe lights, climbing ropes and flashing hula hoops among other unconventional fitness toys found in the studio.

    They run a class called Pulse that we’ve been dying to try – a night-time-led circuit done in the dark amidst strobe lights and thumping music. You’re not just dancing around though, assures Coe.

    On our tour of the facility, he said: “It has all the things you need in terms of strength and conditioning, all things that work to keep people healthy and happy. It’s all in there.”

    Coe added: “You shouldn’t be addicted to this place, this should get you more connected with yourself so you can thrive in doing what you enjoy out there. All we want to do is show people the right way.”

    Pulse Circuit classes currently run Monday and Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings.

    For more information visit www.oplifestyle.com.

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