With the summer holidays nearly over, now is the perfect time to get back in shape after what was likely to be a few months of over-indulgence.
Across the UAE we are blessed with top-class fitness facilities and often it’s difficult trying to decide which centre is best for you.
Courtesy of our friends at NutritionSouq.com we have been providing a snapshot of some of the best group fitness gyms, clubs and studios, giving them a chance to describe what sets them apart from the competition. Under the micropscope this week is Dunes CrossFit and Optimal Fitness.
DUNES CROSSFIT
Based at Nad Al Hamar, next to the Coca-Cola building, Dunes CrossFit was established in 2012 and promises that visitors “won’t be just another anonymous statistic”.
What are the benefits of classes?
There are too many to list them all but to mention the main ones; you don’t have to think of your own programming, when you walk into class it’s there on the board for you.
The coach will come round and help everyone individually as well as in a group. As a result you gain a healthy and longer life, reduced fat per cent, improved cardiovascular endurance and capacity, and improved happiness and well-being. Plus, you get to train alongside a group of your friends, daily.
Who are fitness classes for?
Fitness classes are for everyone, a common myth about classes is that only the fittest should do CrossFit, which is false. Our job is to help get you fit and achieve your personal goals. Every exercise is scalable depending on your fitness level. Whether you’re an advanced exerciser or a first timer, get involved!
What would you tell someone that has never attended a class?
I’d tell them to try a class, they will not be disappointed. Once you start, you’ll be hooked like the rest of us. Any level of fitness is welcomed and the programme will be adapted to suit you. In the end, you’ll be joining a supportive community and a family who will help you achieve your goals and keep you motivated. Just give it a try.
What is the current trend in fitness classes in the UAE?
CrossFit has become hugely popular, especially in the last year. There are lots of opportunities to compete in a friendly yet competitive environment which has helped shape the community’s knowledge of CrossFit.
Warmup ! Crap-walk and Bear-crawl pic.twitter.com/atYNE2Ro
— Dunes CrossFit Dubai (@DunesCrossFit) August 6, 2012
One of our biggest assets at Dunes is our community and environment – people just love to work out together.
This is a huge reason why CrossFit is so popular here in UAE. If you train with other like-minded people, you motivate each other and make friends at the same time.
What makes your gym so special?
Dunes was one of the very first CrossFit boxes in the UAE – we’ve been open over three years now and have seen first hand how CrossFit has grown and impacted the lives of so many living here.
Gangnam style ! pic.twitter.com/oXVszb0T
— Dunes CrossFit Dubai (@DunesCrossFit) October 1, 2012
Our box has a reputation for having a great community. Members, staff, and owner – we train together, eat together, socialise together, and are always the first at events to support and cheer each other on.
What classes do you offer?
Foundation classes for beginners, CrossFit classes, advanced/competitor classes, specialist classes include: Gymnastics, Olympic Weightlifting and endurance/body weight classes
How many do you hold a week?
48 classes per week
What is/are your most popular?
All of our classes are very popular for different reasons. The specialist classes are 45 minute sessions which focus on one specific aspect of CrossFit, which would in turn improve the ability in the standard CrossFit classes.
@HHSHEIKHMAJID gave @DunesCrossFit a visit ! Thanks your Highness !.. With Coach @Saud_Alshamsi pic.twitter.com/Dbj3xVSg
— Dunes CrossFit Dubai (@DunesCrossFit) August 7, 2012
Since we introduced our advanced (RTR) class twice a week, we have also had a great turn out from members that have been with us a while now and are looking to push their training to the next level.
We also run partner workouts every Thursday which is great fun for everyone to finish up the week.
Website: www.dunescrossfit.com
Instagram: @dunescrossfit
Contact: 052 9555223 / [email protected]
OPTIMAL FITNESS
Situated at Dubai Studio City, Optimal Fitness is easily accessible to the communities at Arabian Ranches, Motor City, Layan and Victory Heights.
What are the benefits of classes?
Fitness classes multiply your motivation. Working out together in groups is a great way to give and get encouragement towards goals. Great music and an inspirational, characterful instructor can make your workout a lot of fun too!
Who are fitness classes for?
Everyone! We cater for the potentially fit all the way up to elite world-class athletes.
#optimalFANS, Check out our #tennis flyer to find out some more information on services we #offer at #optimal! pic.twitter.com/C7KtV8GjVL
— Optimal Fitness (@optimalfitness1) February 24, 2013
No matter how you feel about yourself we have a class that will be fun and help you towards your goals.
What would you tell someone that has never attended a class?
Do it. You will work harder and have even more fun. You can be as sociable as you want to be.
You can exercise at your level, at an intensity that suits you.
You will feel the benefit and you will leave the class happier and healthier than before.
What is the current trend in fitness classes in the UAE?
Cycling classes in all their forms are really taking off. The new recreational cycling tracks, particularly in Dubai, have opened the desert up for sport and fitness.
Our RPM and indoor cycling classes are full of happy, engaged people getting fitter and healthier by the minute.
We do classes in the desert too. Our bootcamps have always had a great following, but that might be down to the magicians who take this class!
What makes your gym so special?
We take the time to get to know you. We help you to decide what you want to achieve and then we are there for you to help you achieve it. Our instructors are Register of Exercise Professionals (REPS) registered and properly qualified.
We are now offering multiple dance lessons at optimalFITNESS. We have Junior #Ballroom, Couples and #Latin #Jazz #Fitness! Call 04-4572048!
— Optimal Fitness (@optimalfitness1) February 11, 2013
They speak your language. We have our own healthy cafe to aid you on nutrition and we have a therapy centre, staffed by some of the best physiotherapists in the country. We even have a renowned Osteopath in residence.
What classes do you offer?
We have a full suite of Les Mills classes (Body Combat, Body Attack, Body Balance, Body Pump, CXWorx, RPM), TRX, Kettlebells, Step, Tabata, Circuits, Yoga, Pilates, a host of indoor cycling classes, Fat Blast, Body Conditioning, Body Blast, Step and Sculpt, Lite Cycle, Teen Fitness, Fitness Roulette, Back Care and Stretch, Legs Bums and Tums, Power Pilates, Bootcamp and Coached Cycling.
How many do you hold a week?
We have up to 60 a week in our three beautiful daylight studios, on the lawns in front of the gym and the nearby Al Qudra Cycling Track.
What is/are your most popular?
Tabata is hugely popular and all of the cycling classes are extremely well subscribed.
Website: www.optimalfitness.ae
Contact: 050 423 3302 / [email protected]
