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Dubai Fitness Challenge is encouraging all residents to adopt a healthy routine

Fitness has always been a prime objective for the city of Dubai. With the rise of parks, adventure offerings and other activities, the drive for physical well-being is apparent. However, what recently marked a milestone in the city is the launch of the Dubai Fitness Challenge. The month-long project is aimed at all residents of the UAE to take part in a series of fun sports and games for at least 30 minutes a day in hopes to instil a sense of good health. 
Our metropolitan lifestyle has rather unfortunately slipped us into a sedentary routine, where the maximum effort is actually limited to strolling the malls. Easy access to fast food, convenient delivery systems, and vehicles to take us wherever we desire have also contributed towards unhealthy habits. In addition, common excuses involve exhaustion from work or schools, warm weather and simple laziness add up to the lack of exercise in our daily lives. 
Residents have become heavily dependent on the easy-going routine of life here, which has led to the rise of obesity levels in the city. To beat the vicious cycle, residents are encouraged to get up and moving with the introduction of the Dubai Fitness Challenge. The 30-day event, which saw a grand launch at Safa Park on October 20 and 21 in the presence of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, successfully gathered like-minded people and continues to motivate young and old to join. A sense of solidarity further serves as a building blocks for a healthy community.
The Fitness Challenge aims to improve the perspective on health and well-being by inviting residents of all ages to participate in social events.
The month-long initiative encourages all residents to take part in physical activities for a mere 30 minutes. Adding convenience to the lives of tech-savvy residents, the Dubai Fitness Challenge also launched a mobile app that not only lists upcoming events, but also helps keep track of individual progress. 
- farhana@khaleejtimes.com
Upcoming events
Weekend Carnival
Nov 3 and 4 | SkyDive Dubai
Charged with adrenaline, the weekend carnival at SkyDive Dubai will include the Football Freestylers, a wheelchair XDubai assault course as well as mind-blowing BMX tricks. Aside from shows by professionals, visitors can take part in wall climbing, HBX boxing classes and a walkathon. There's a special corner for kids too!
The Colour Run
Nov 11 | Dubai Autodrome
A fun-filled family event, all ages and abilities are welcome to join the 5km run filled with coloured powder. Bright colour, community spirit and of course, a good workout are the highlights of the day. Visitors can also indulge in other side activities complete with foot tapping music and dancing.  
Fitness Expo 
Nov 17 - 18 | Dubai Mall
Set to be the largest of its kind, the Fitness Expo will feature appearances by celebrity athletes, competitions, seminars and over 100 live shows focused on different age groups. Coinciding with the UAE National Sports Day, it will host workshops such as Les Mills, Zumba, yoga, parkour, mixed martial arts, bodybuilding, and even Muay Thai. 
Dubai Women's Run
Nov 17 | Marasi Business Bay
An exclusive one for the ladies, the event features a 5km and 10km that are open to all fitness levels and abilities. While the challenge requires runners to be over the age of 14, others are welcome to cheer them on from dedicated podiums that feature a kids' park and food trucks, to name a few. Check out www.dubaiwomensrun.com to find out the course route. 
Head to www.dubaifitnesschallenge.com for more exciting events.   

• Dubai Fitness Challenge