Bodybuilding the latest sport to strong-arm its way into UAE psyche

Rachel Omolewu 12:53 14/03/2014
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  • Strong support: The UAE is building on its burgeoning bodybuilding following.

    America may be the modern home of bodybuilding but the UAE, just like in many other sports, is attempting to make its own mark and become a home for future competitions.

    Just last month, nearly 200,000 athletes and fitness fanatics from across the globe flocked to the States to participate in the Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio, named after Hollywood icon and bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger.

    The athleticism and stellar physiques of these top athletes have inspired many fans to get fit here in the UAE, so much so that organisers have created two new bodybuilding and strength competitions for fitness enthusiasts to compete in this year.

    The Arnold Sports Festival and Expo sets the bar in this respect. It is the world’s largest multi-sport event and involves over 45 professional and amateur sports — including bodybuilding, Olympic power lifting, and Strongman. The highlight of the weekend was the International Fitness and Bodybuilding (IFBB) Arnold Classic and Fitness International – the men’s bodybuilding and women’s fitness competition for professional athletes.

    This year’s competition featured 23 bodybuilders and 11 fitness athletes and the professional competition draws a large crowd of spectators as well as hosting 10 of the world’s strongest men.

    Schwarzenegger crowned America’s Dennis Wolf this yaer's Mr. Arnold Classic and Oksana Grishana of Russia claimed the Ms. Fitness International title. The Fitness International competition involves a physique round and a dance routine round where the ladies showcase strength moves and flexibility.

    Lithuania's Zydrunas 'Big Z' Savickas, three-time World's Strongest Man and legend of the sport, won the Arnold Strongman Classic.

    Inspired by what has been happening across the Atlantic for decades, the Emirates Bodybuilding Federation (EBBF) will host the Dubai Stars International Bodybuilding and Powerlifting Championships in May. Amateur athletes can put their fitness skills to the test and partake in one of three events – bodybuilding, classic physique, or bench press.

    There are three weight classes for each division and a total purse prize of Dh135,000, with Dh15,000 for first place. The competition will take place May 16-17 but if May is too early to get in contest shape, there is a second bodybuilding competition later this year.

    This October, Events121 brings the Middle East’s first professional IFBB sanctioned open bodybuilding and strength contest to Dubai. The Dubai Health and Fitness will be similar to the Arnold Fitness Expo, consisting of IFBB men’s bodybuilding, IFBB women’s fitness, Arabian Strongman contest, and Arabian powerlifting contests.

    Some of the world’s top IFBB professional athletes will compete in this competition, and Mr. Olympia is expected to make an appearance.

    There will also be a fitness expo where spectators can attend free education seminars to gain tips on strength training and healthy nutrition.

    USA Olympic trainers and other top professionals in the fitness industry will lead the seminars; attendees might even get to grab a photo with their favourite pro athlete.

    What:
    Dubai Stars International Bodybuilding and Powerlifting Championships
    When:
    May 16-17
    Contact & info:
    info@dubai-star. com | 052 7521555

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