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Fun way to get fit

According to the organisers, this year's event will deliver a fitness challenge with a difference. "We wanted to create a challenge that tested both strength and cardiovascular fitness," explained Recreation Manager at the JW Marriott Hotel Dubai, Chris De Nil.

The event will take place in the hotel's spacious Deira Ballroom. You are all invited to put your strength and endurance to the test as you work your way through eight separate disciplines. But, remember nothing comes cheap.

Read the following rules of the game and check whether you stand fit to participate. If not, why don't you hit the gym now, after all you still have three weeks!

"Strength and cardiovascular fitness will be tested as two separate units combined to achieve a single score. The one day event will consist of eight exercises. The first five events will test upper body strength, while the last three will test cardiovascular endurance," Chris added.

In addition to personal achievement and recognition there are a number of top prizes to be won from event sponsors. These include air tickets courtesy of Air Arabia, state-of-the-art equipment and watches. Top sponsors include Air Arabia, Al Kamda, Tag Heuer, Sun & Sand Sports, Sports One, Nike, Pocari Sweat, Power Print and Almarai.

Combining the fun of playing games with the benefits of a fitness programme, the Dubai fitness challenge is a one day exercise that will sure make you peel off those extra pounds.

Rules of the game

Competitors are required to move or lift a weight based on a percentage of their body weight. They will have three minutes per discipline to perform as many repetitions as possible. These three minutes include the time it takes to perform as many repetitions as possible and the rest before the competitor begins the next discipline.

STRENGTH

Bench Press:

You begin with the bench press. The exercise tests your pectoral muscles. The weight you are required to lift is based on your bodyweight. When the whistle sounds, you have three minutes to perform as many repetitions as possible. Official assistance or placing the barbell on the stand terminates the exercise. You cannot attempt to do any more repetitions. Get your scorecard from the official and move to the second upper body discipline.

Wide grip pull up:

Wide grip pull up is the second strength discipline you perform. This tests your back muscles. When the whistle sounds, you have three minutes to perform as many repetitions as possible. Once you assist yourself by placing your feet on any support, you cannot perform any more repetitions. Get your scorecard and move to the third discipline.

Military Press:

The third discipline is the military press, better known as shoulder press. The exercise is performed so the barbell is lowered in front of the head. This exercise tests the deltoids. The weight you lift depends on your body weight. When the whistle sounds you have 3 minutes to perform as many repetitions as possible. Official assistance or placing the barbell on the rack terminates the exercise. Get your scorecard and move to the fourth upper body discipline.

Chin up:

The fourth discipline is the chin-ups and targets your biceps. When the whistle sounds you have 3 minutes to perform as many repetitions as possible. Once you assist yourself by placing your feet on any support, you cannot perform any more repetitions. Get your scorecard and move to the last upper body discipline.

Bar dip:

The final upper body discipline is the bar dips, testing your triceps muscles. When the whistle sounds, you have 3 minutes to perform as many repetitions as possible. Using your feet for support terminates the exercise. Get your scorecard from the official and move to the run discipline.

CARDIO VASCULAR

Running:

You will start the run after you have finished the 15 minutes on the strength stations. The start will be from a designated line a few metres from the treadmills. The distance will be 2km whereafter you will continue on the next cardio station.

When you start the run there will be a time keeper allocated to you. The timekeeper will start the clock as soon as the whistle sounds for you to begin. He will stop the clock as soon as you have finished the last cardio station (1km row). Your total time over all the three-cardio disciplines will be recorded on your cardio score and this will be added to your scorecard.

Cycle:

The next cardio station will be a 5km cycle on a stationary cycle.

Rowing:

Your last station will be a 1km row. When finished with row your cardio time will be added to your scorecard. The scorecard will be forwarded to the judges table to calculate final score.

OFFICIAL RULES

1. The rules have been established to ensure fairness in the competition. Only those repetitions that are performed in accordance to the rules will be counted.

2. It is important that anyone competing understands how to perform each discipline correctly.

3. Rules can change without notice as we identify problems. It is the responsibility of each competitor to know the rules.

Sweat it out

For more information on the event, or to register to participate by filling the application form, call Griffins Health Club on 04-607 7755 or email griffins@emirates.net.ae. The closing date for entries is August 24