Mother-daughter workout the generation gap

Dubai - Mom and daughter Shabana and Fatimah motivate each other to help avoid falling off the fitness bandwagon

Diabetologist and mother of three girls, Dr Shabana Muzammil has accepted the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) and now works out with her 20-year-old daughter Fatimah Irfaanah Muzammil.
"The most interesting aspect of this challenge is the fact that I get to work out with my daughter, and I feel the generation gap between us is being bridged," said Dr Shabana. Fatimah is pursuing her MBBS at the Dubai Medical College, and both mother and daughter have inspired the entire family to work out every day as well.
"We perform most of the cardiovascular exercises on the treadmill and the elliptical machine. However, we also do squats, jumping jacks, and a series of such exercises that help us tone up," said Fathima.
Mom and daughter motivate each other to help avoid falling off the fitness bandwagon. Prior to the challenge, they would work out at home three to four times a week. "Doing it with mom is a lot of fun," added Fathima. The women said that they feel more energetic and feel like they've already toned up quite a bit. "I feel younger, irrespective of the age difference," laughed Dr Shabana.
She also believes that the 30-day challenge would help participants cultivate a habit. "There's a saying that if you do something for 21 days, it becomes a habit. The 30 days of exercise will only result in exercise becoming a daily habit," she added.
The diabetologist also stated that the activity boosts a positive attitude among people, and is an effective way of controlling blood sugar and other ailments.
Faatimah's father Dr Muzammil is a neonatologist at Dubai Hospital and has been motivating his wife and daughters to stick to the challenge.
"The most endearing aspect for me is seeing my younger daughters work out with us as well... But since they are too young to officially register on the app, they occasionally join in to work out with us," added Dr Shabana.
"We really have no way to escape this, but we're having so much fun working out together. Mom and I are hoping this becomes a routine activity for the both of us," added Faathimah.
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai Fitness Challenge
• Dubai