DEFINE yourself with this workout

LIKE CYCLING? LIKE weights? Well this exercise is for you. Now at DEFINE body & mind fitness centre in Dubai Marina you can take a 'rev' class to pedal and lift away those extra pounds. Indoor cycling or 'rev' classes provide all of the cardiovascular benefits of a sweat-dripping workout, in addition to strength and muscle building, through the incorporation of resistance, isometric movements, and upper body weight movements.
Instructor Haley Houck is a certified personal trainer with a background in theatre and dance. She began teaching fitness in New York City with some of the top fitness brands, and now teaches 'body' and 'rev' at DEFINE body & mind. Here she answers some questions about the exercise routine and working in the UAE.

What are the benefits of being based in Dubai? Do you think people are health conscious enough? What would you like to most see change in the city in terms of attitudes to fitness?
Dubai hosts people from all around the world. It is a unique opportunity to train clients from so many different cultures and background. I think people in Dubai are interested in health and the desire to learn more is only growing stronger. I would like to see more questions being asked about fitness. I would love to see more curiosity, and more engagement.

In your opinion what is it about your fitness class that makes it so popular?
I think the friendly atmosphere, skilled instructors, and amazing music.

Do you have any other favourite workouts/ routines?
I enjoy running as another form of cardio. I find I run my best when I regularly participate in barre classes like DEFINE 'body'. This class is designed to help your joints stabilise, making high impact workouts easier.
What benefits did you witness when you concentrated on 'rev' classes as opposed to other methods?
I wouldn't say "as opposed to", but "in combination with"... 'rev' is the class that speeds up the visual results. You burn anywhere from 400-800 calories in a single session helping you shred fat and giving you a toned appearance.  

Can anyone participate?
Yes! All of our classes are all levels. Whether you are new to working out, or a fitness expert, you will feel challenged at your own personal level.

How many times a week should you do it and how long are the sessions?
If you are looking for a visual changes, I would say train four to six days a week combining all three methods ('body', 'mind', and 'rev').

Would you recommend this exercise for someone looking to become more muscular?
If you are looking to boost your energy by participating in regular exercise, you will benefit from our training. Our methods focus on lean muscle so expect a tighter, toned appearance with regular training.

What resolutions do you most recommend people take on to lose weight?
Track your efforts! Either in a journal, or download an app. Track what you eat and your training so you can evaluate how things are going and continue to improve.

Your personal fitness journey must have been eventful, what has been your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge was tearing the labrum in my hip socket last year and undergoing surgery. I couldn't train my body for nearly six months. I suffered from feeling depressed and seeing my body lose what I had worked hard to gain.
On the other hand, I learned so much and I have a better relationship with my body now because of that experience. I listen to my body and never force it to over-train. I am also grateful every time I train because I know it is a gift to be able to move without pain!
The whole team at DEFINE body & mind have compiled a few tips to help cycle away the vacay haze and get you fighting fit. These four healthy practices will assist with transitioning back into the bustling Dubai hustle.


Turn up the knob
At the end of the day, indoor cycling workouts are more about mental strength than physical endurance. Don't be afraid to turn the knob up on that bike and push past perceived physical limits. This is where the magic happens; exerting enough energy to hit that 600-calorie mark.
Sip water regularly
Staying hydrated is the easiest change that can be made to enhance peak performance. Both focus and intensity increase during workouts when the body is properly hydrated. For both early morning and post-work spin session, staying hydrated throughout the day is important!
Balance your snacks
Eat a light snack two to three hours before any spin session. Something with an equal protein to carbs ratio is ideal. Try a banana with peanut butter, some nuts with an apple, or carrot sticks with hummus. For those who prefer to spin as soon as they wake up, it is essential to consume a high protein meal within 30 minutes of finishing your workout. This will help to repair and rebuild muscles while providing the body with necessary nutrients and energy for the day ahead.
Get in some more zzzzs
In the fast-paced world of 24/7 accessibility, unlimited to-do lists and never ending social opportunities, sleep often drops a few notches on the priority list. However, lack of ample sleep can cause increased stress, health issues and related weight gain. During slumber our bodies (and muscles) repair and rejuvenate, making 'rev' workouts exponentially more beneficial.
david@khaleejtimes.com