Working out and staying active are some of the key topics that are regularly talked about in the UAE. As many people in the country live a sedentary lifestyle, where they do not get enough physical activity throughout the day, working out can play an integral role in maintaining a healthy balance in the day-to-day routine.
Staying active and working out regularly has immense benefits on the body including managing a healthy weight, preventing and reducing health ailments, boosting energy levels, improving quality of sleep and strengthening the muscles in the body. Additionally, physical activity also contributes to lifting the mood, reducing stress and increasing memory power.
Similar to finding the right hobbies that explore a person's creativity, working out is not a one size fits all. Even though many people vouch for spending time at the gym and using machines and weights to get a good workout in, the process can seem drawn out and not as interesting to some.
As some people prefer working out from the comfort of their homes and some need to either have a workout buddy or participate in group classes, there are so many options to cater to every interest level and need.
For people that are looking for a variety of options to stay fit, Connector has listed some great alternatives to keep the body moving while also having a blast.
Yoga: For people that prefer low-intensity workouts, yoga is a great one to try out. Yoga helps enhance flexibility, reduce joint pain, improve blood circulation, help to lose weight and increase muscle strength. The workout option also strengthens the mind, by alleviating stress. There are ample resources available on YouTube or at fitness centres in the UAE to give the workout a try to test whether it caters to personal needs. This option is best done early in the morning or late in the evening, and only requires 20 to 30 minutes a day.
Dancing/Zumba: Dancing is a brilliant option for people that are looking for a full-body workout that is also extremely fun, and focuses on adding muscle definition, maintaining and losing weight, and increasing coordination in the body. With so many dance forms available from hip-hop, salsa, jive and contemporary, there are many choices to explore something new. Another popular workout that builds on dancing and has been taking the world by storm is Zumba, where different dance movements are used to target various parts of the body. As the songs and dance styles can constantly be switched up, it is a brilliant way to get fit, while having a blast.
Cycling: Cycling is an amazing low-intensity workout, that develops all parts of the body, and also strengthens the core and muscles. With the UAE being home to a variety of cycling tracks with easy connectivity, people can either ride alone or with friends and take in the views of the area, while getting a workout in. For people that want to explore cycling as an option but do not want to buy all the gear required, spinning classes are a workout to look into, where upbeat songs are played and the trainer motivates people to increase and lower their pace, while on a stationary bike.
Pilates: People that love low-impact workouts can try Pilates, which uses controlled movements to enhance balance, core strength and add definition to the body. Similar to gymnastics, with Pilates, various equipment at fitness centres is used to do the workouts and focuses on breathing and posture, for overall health benefits. Pilates can also be done at home, with minimal equipment including a yoga mat and an area with sufficient space, as the workout can also be found online.
Sports: The importance of sports is widely known, as it helps in team building and is incorporated from an early age at schools. However, sports are not limited to a specific age group, and can be enjoyed by anyone that is either a professional athlete or an enthusiast looking to develop new skills. With a variety of options available from football, cricket, badminton and basketball, people can also opt for combat sports like boxing, karate and muy thai. By helping people get in shape, reducing stress, enhancing sleep patterns and also building connections, sports are a great option to consider to get a full body workout in while never getting tired of it, due to the multiple options available.
Swimming: Individuals that love getting in the water can enjoy swimming as a great workout choice. The water sport relaxes the body, improves balance, posture and coordination, and is also an essential life skill, that can be learnt at any age. As there are multiple swimming strokes from backstroke, freestyle and butterfly stroke, the workout is an enjoyable process and there are ample opportunities to learn new styles, when in need of a change. People that have health issues and joint pain can also consider water aerobics, which uses strength training exercises in water. When submerged in water, only 20% of the body weight is felt, making it an easy workout for all ages to participate in.
Brisk Walking/Running: For people that are starting their fitness journey or are looking for a low-effort workout, brisk walking and running are great choices to consider. Brisk walking is when quick steps are taken at a stretch, and it is an easy workout for people to build stamina and lose weight. Running is another alternative that helps get the heart pumping and increases blood flow. Due to its simplicity, no equipment is required and people that are constantly looking for a change of scenery, can make use of walking and running tracks at the beaches and parks to enjoy the view, while enjoying the workout. To make the workout more interesting, bring friends along to challenge each other to walk faster and increase the pace.
Working out and staying active has many health benefits, including maintaining and losing weight, reducing health risks and keeping the mind alert. With so many options available to do at home or at fitness centres around the UAE, finding the right workout, in the long run, can lead to a healthier and more productive life.