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28 March 2024

Bored of the gym? Here are some alternative fitness regimes

Published
By Amal Al Jabry

Have you been unsuccessful at the gym? Have you ever been to the gym and given up after a few tries? Can you give up all that tasty [read fattening] food for a strict leafy diet?

If not, then, you could try out some alternative methods to stay fit.

There clearly is a problem as recent reports reveal two-thirds of the UAE population are obese. No wonder we see a growing number of fitness centres and gyms popping up all over. The authorities promote healthy living via campaigns such as ‘Your child’s weight in gold’ run by Dubai Municipality. Individually, people take recourse to traditional methods to lose weight and stay fit such as going to gym or dieting, which at times, may include drastic measures such as a ‘crash diets’ or even gastric banding [making your stomach small so you eat less].

Speaking to Emirates 24|7, Dr Charly, 60, of Charly Polyclinic says staying fit and active should be done gradually.

“Most people start on a high intensity training programme, which is actually bad for the heart, and may lead to a heart attack. Build up on your cardio and stamina, start on a slow and steady winning method.”

While some people love to exercise, doing the same routine over and over again can get a little boring for some.

Here are some alternative regimes that can be interesting.

Yvette Relucio, 37, Filipina, keeps herself in great shape by regularly playing a competitive game of Frisbee.

“I don’t like going to the gym because it’s too much a routine. A game of Frisbee is a pure cardio workout because it’s a combination of speed and running.

It’s challenging  when you play against other teams. It’s also graceful in a way as you learn how to throw the Frisbee, I play three times a week on grass and on the beach over the weekend. I’m actually preparing for the upcoming tournament for WCBU world championships next year.”

Ali Z, 32, Syrian, prefers intense sessions of Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai.

“I’m a jumps, punches, and kicks type of guy! And you never know what move is coming next from your opponent and each fight is pure adrenalin, I do get injured sometimes and kicked in the face but I still keep coming back for more!”

Another popular sport practiced in Dubai is Capoeira, a Brazilian martial art that combines fighting, acrobatics, dance, music and philosophy into a unique ‘game’.

 Maksim Ianovich, Belarusian national, 35, has been a Capoeira player since the first day he joined 5 years ago.

“I used to go to the gym, but once I got introduced to Capoeira by a friend, I never missed a class, or at least tried to, and I’m happy to say I’m a regular. It’s become an important part of my life now and I’m also watching my food intake, getting the important stuff in”

Trampolining has also proved to be popular among local crowds. It’s health benefits are numerous, particularly in fighting depression and anxiety by increasing the amount of endorphins released by the brain.

 Farah Brown, British, 29, keen Trampoliner, said her muscle tone and energy improved a great deal once she started jumping away.

“When I told my friends that I was seriously keeping fit by jumping on trampolines, they didn’t believe me at first, and of course they say it’s for kids, and hey I’m a kid from the inside so it all makes sense, and I have a blast so I don’t I’ll ever stop”

For the large number of enthusiastic gym-goers, they have plenty of fitness centres all over Dubai.

But working out on your own may be a little intimidating for a first timer, and even boring at a later stage.

Giovanni Germale, 28, Personal Trainer, Bodyworx Gym, trainer says varying workout regimes help you combat boredom and stay regular.

“Performing the same exercises repeatedly can increase your chances of giving up. But with different workouts, and if you’re eager to achieve your goal, then people come regularly as they can see the results as they continue.

But if people are pushed to go by someone else’s recommendation or workout alone, or become sore after a few days, they decide to quit.  People getting personal training tend to continue, because they do see results. They just need motivation”.

Preferring a personal trainer as he has experienced positive results, Mohammed AlJabry, 23, Emirati pilot, says, “If you go to the gym alone either you tend to feel lazy or you wouldn’t complete your set or you would take long breaks, but with a personal trainer he constantly watches over you and makes sure you take your short break between sets and then return to your workout.

It’s much more effective to have a trainer rather than be alone, there’s a big difference, and the results speak for themselves.”

Dr Charly adds, “The key is to keep yourself moving regularly, go for walks, stop the sugar, drink more water, split your meals to 6 or 7 a day and most importantly, take responsibility for your personal state.”

(Home page image courtesy Shutterstock)