The adage ‘A healthy mind in a healthy body’ holds true at a time when there is a higher incidence of diabetes, heart disease and various kinds of the cancers in the UAE. Unfortunately, many of us are unable to make the time – or have low motivation for – regular exercise. Our busy lifestyles leave little scope for working out, eating healthy or getting enough sleep at night.
But if you want yourself and your loved ones to have long and healthy lives, then the time to get fit is now. With Christmas around the corner, you can start on your fitness resolution today, instead of waiting for the new year to come around. Getting fit for Christmas could be the one thing you do to prevent diseases and improve your longevity.
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There are several fitness activities in Abu Dhabi for all age groups. From trampoling to running, and from swimming to dance, there are several pursuits to pick from. These are our favourites for you to try in Abu Dhabi:
* Obstacle race. Sounds like something for professional athletes? Far from it. Obstacle racing is a team sport that every age group can participate in. In fact, it is the best fitness activity in Abu Dhabi if you’re looking to get fitter as a family. The Hudayriat Island has a superb obstacle race this December 13 and 14, so you can enrol for the same. You can expect a fun-filled, action packed obstacle race that tests your mental focus, strength, determination and team spirit. The race demarcates separate areas for adults and children. Once the obstacle race is over, you can find out your timings, and head to the interactive village nearby to snack on healthy eats and buy cool merch.
* Skiing. So what if the UAE has a desert climate? It also has Ski Dubai, which has a well-maintained indoor skiing slope. Whizz down the slopes and practice turning, accelerating and decelerating when needed. Skiing provides a comprehensive workout for the back, hips and legs. It engages the core and keeps your mind sharp. It is one of the best cardio fitness activities in Abu Dhabi, so you end up burning a lot of calories while you ski.
* Rollerblading. Though this is a sport that youngsters engage in more than adults, it shouldn’t stop you from buying a new pair of skates and taking them out for a spin. Rollerblading is all about balance and body control – plus, it’s so much fun! Do try it especially if you have knee and ankle pain, since this is a low impact exercise that engages your core more than your lower body joints. Just strap on a pair of skates and go to the park, or head to the Club Circuit at Dubai Autodrome for a free weekly session. It’s even more fun with a partner.
* Trampolining. The next time your child wants to have a go at the trampoline, you should join them. Trampolining is a serious exercise – it burns calories rapidly and keeps the joints limber. About 10 minutes of trampolining may burn around the same number of calories as a 30-minute jog. Anybody (not suffering from joint pain or heart disease) can trampoline jump, provided you wear special jump socks and practice in a safe space. We recommend this fun fitness activity at Abu Dhabi’s Marina Mall or Dubai’s Al Quoz, where the walls are padded and there are time slots as per age and fitness levels.
* Dancing. The Yuletide season is upon us, and what’s better than welcoming it than a dance? Dancing is often relegated to a fun zone, but it is serious exercise. Dancing works on the entire body to provide fat and inch loss, stronger bones, better coordination and mental sharpness. Strap on your dancing shoes and head to Dance Abu Dhabi – they have regular classes for salsa, rumba, samba and merengue, among other Latin American styles. You can even take up fitness dance classes at the Dubai Dance Academy.