Surely by now you’re all feeling that Formula One fever as the world’s fastest drivers roll closer to our roads in November.
Aside from the rip-roaring races (and after-race entertainment) centering around the iconic Yas Marina Circuit, there are, as usual, a ton of other side events and activities the public will be keen to sink their teeth into.
On the fitness side of things, Yasalam 2016 once again includes the ever-popular Get Driver Fit (GDF) programme, back with a packed offering of free group classes courtesy some of your favourite Abu Dhabi gyms and studios.
For the fourth consecutive year, FLASH Entertainment, has teamed up with National Health Insurance Company, Daman, to help you get fit for free for an immensely generous seven weeks. And classes are going to be offered citywide – not just on Yas Island – so there are really no excuses for residents not to take part.
The latest edition will launch at StartYAS, also an event by Daman’s ActiveLife, this Sunday, October 2nd, where entrants will first get assessed for the all-inclusive challenge, and it will end with an exciting new finale challenge at the Abu Dhabi Corniche.
In between, fitness enthusiasts and exercise newbies alike can expect to enjoy and challenge themselves in every kind of workout from Zumba to Bootcamp, Boxing Fitness to Body Toning, High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and yoga; all easily accessible throughout the city, with locations ranging from Umm Al Emarat Park (formerly Mushrif Central Park), Bodytree Studio, Yas Marina Circuit, Haddins Gym at Zayed Sports City, and St. Regis Saadiyat Beach.
Formula One will soon return to Abu Dhabi.
Classes begin straight after assessment day, on Monday, October 3, starting with Body Toning courtesty Bodytree Studio, and HIIT out in the open at the lovely Umm Al Emarat Park downtown.
Some of the events will be exclusive to women, too (you can find out which via the Facebook link below). Try them all for fun or if you’d really like to push yourself, like last year, there’s a killer competition happening on the side too crowning two winners who receive an unforgettable prize.
The 2015 GDF champions won an exciting getaway to the Seychelles – we’re just saying. This year is no different and the female and male entrants with the best class attendance, overall physical transformation and performance time at the finale, will again be swept away to an exciting location for a much deserved break.
To be eligible for the grand prize, participants have to complete their first assessment during the launch of GDF 2016 at StartYAS by Daman’s ActiveLife on Sunday (18:00 kick-off ).
Reaching out to the younger generation, GDF 2016 also introduces a brand new university student programme (GDF Uni), running from Sunday, October 9, until Thursday, November 17 across various campuses in Abu Dhabi.
Furthermore, Abu Dhabi’s very own ‘Muscle Beach’ returns to the buzzing GDF Fitness Zone that will be set up on the Corniche. Open from Thursday, November 17 throughout Yasalam Live on the Corniche, this is a well-equipped outdoor spot to get your own workouts in under the guidance of certified GDF trainers. They’ll also be dishing out daily curated beach workouts.
“Each year as Get Driver Fit evolves, Abu Dhabi continues to prove that it is up for a unique, positive and community-led challenge,” commented John Lickrish, CEO of FLASH Entertainment (the organisers of Yasalam).
“A key commitment for Yasalam is to engage with the entire community of Abu Dhabi as they take in the excitement of the race, and this year is no exception. With support from our key partner Daman, Get Driver Fit supports the government’s health and education agenda and involvement in mass participation and youth events to improve physical literacy.”
GDF ambassador Neil McRory reflected on the success of last year, saying: “It was really great in getting people involved, through various exercises and various fabulous venues, what a great atmosphere. After last year’s GDF I’ve seen a massive increase in people’s interest in sport and fitness.”
