The heat that encroaches on our UAE comfort for half the year plays a major part in why shopping malls – the expansive, perennially cool oasis they offer – are a regular huge draw for residents, whether it’s for shopping sprees or for a beat-the-heat coffee morning while kids play.
Not only are our megamalls packed with fun and entertainment for all ages and interests – even licensed bars lately – they’re now becoming popular as a place of exercise when outdoor favourites like the corniche or the marina just can’t stand the heat.
Whether you just want to walk off a meal and get a significant number of steps plugged into your fitness tracker; or you’re looking to sample a challenging new type of group fitness workout in good company, there is a mall near you offering the goods. Some offers may be for a limited time only (hurry and take advantage of fitness freebies when and where you can!), while other activities take place all year round. Here are a few:
THE DUBAI MALL
May has been declared Health Month at The Dubai Mall. If getting lost in our largest shopping destination isn’t enough exercise for you, why not take on a fitness class in The Souk Atrium or test how many steps you can make in a visit?
They have teamed up with Fitness First to create their first in-mall workout studio, currently offering low and high intensity classes such as yoga and Pilates, and Les Mills favourites like Body- Combat, BodyAttack, Sh’Bam and Zumba.
If you’ve ever wondered how far you’ve walked in a day at one of the world’s biggest malls, then all of you have to do on your next visit is follow the specially laid down floor markers to find out. And be sure to stop off at guest services to pick up the complimentary sturdy water bottles they are handing out, a reminder to keep hydrated (even indoors).
Best feet forward: Routines are varied.
Furthermore, as part of the initiative the mall has taken the time to highlight some of their healthiest food offerings among the 200+ offered under one roof. Le Pain Qotidien, Markette, 40 Carrots and Social House are some favourites for the whole family. Seek further details at Guest Services.
www.thedubaimall.com | 800-DUBAI-MALL
YAS MALL
One for the ladies, Abu Dhabi’s largest mall has taken strides to promote fitness as well this year (even if it’s alongside huge, ultimately alluring, store discounts).
Head into its climate-controlled sanctuary on Mondays before 2pm to take advantage of a ton of steals and deals; but not before earning it with a group class.
Since February, a host of new social activities have been on offer including yoga and other group coaching sessions with some of Abu Dhabi’s best fitness instructors.
Led by Fit & Flex’s head instructor Raquel Rodrigues, their increasingly popular ladies-only power/fitness walks take place every Monday, departing from the Town Square at 9am. Even if you’re a high-intensity fitness freak, they are worth tagging along on just to see how incredibly beneficial just walking for an hour can be too; not just physically, but also mentally.
www.yasmall.ae | 800-YASMALL
Wall to wall fitness: Take the concept of working outdoors, indoors.
ABU DHABI MALL
These guys have had a fully-fledged indoor walking club for ages, and it’s only growing in popularity as more and more people factor in maintaining their fitness even when it’s too hot to keep at it outside.
Every single day during the week, before the shops even open, The Abu Dhabi Mall Walkers congregate between 7am-10am to do walking circuits in the comfort of mall air-conditioning. The beauty of there being no shoppers about at this time is that the club basically can use the entire mall, from long hallways to steep staircases, to their advantage to burn the maximum calories – there is no set routine in sessions.
Walkers and striders of all levels are welcome, just register for free at the mall’s customer service desk for a membership card that entitles the holder to everday exercise access.
www.abudhabi-mall.com | 02 645 4858
