Dubai transformed into a free gym

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People perform different types of exercise during the Dubai Fitness Challenge carnival at the Dubai Festival City.-Photo by Neeraj Murali
People perform different types of exercise during the Dubai Fitness Challenge carnival at the Dubai Festival City.-Photo by Neeraj Murali

The Dubai Fitness Challenge encourages residents to accommodate 30 minutes of exercise into their daily routine for 30 days.

By Staff Reporter

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Published: Sun 4 Nov 2018, 8:00 PM

Last updated: Sun 4 Nov 2018, 10:24 PM

It's been over a week since the Dubai Fitness Challenge's (DFC) second edition kicked off and got residents moving towards a healthier lifestyle. The DFC encourages residents to accommodate 30 minutes of exercise into their daily routine for 30 days.
For residents who are looking for that extra motivation to take on the challenge, there are free activities on offer across the emirate. Five themed fitness villages offer activities for all ages, abilities, and levels of fitness.
"Operating daily with a wide spectrum of activities, specialised zones, professional trainers and facilities, and flexibility in operating hours through weekdays and weekends, these fitness villages are geared towards effectively transforming the city into a free gym for all and taking Dubai a step closer to becoming the most active city in the world," organisers said.

DIFC

The DIFC Fitness Village features more than 300 free classes on the main stage. Businesses in the area are encouraged to support employees and their families in getting active by allowing them to make the most of the village's skill line circuits and skill bikes.
Budding golfers are invited to practise their swings and putts on a golf simulator, with the help of  professionals. One of the world's fastest growing sports, paddle tennis, is also in action under the iconic Gate Building.
Operating hours
7am to 9pm on weekdays
3pm to 9pm on Fridays
2pm to 9pm on Saturdays
300-free classes on offer

DMCC Park

The DMCC Park Fitness Village offers more than 400 free classes on its main stage. Team sports are a major feature of this village, with specially created courts and pitches for basketball, football, netball, and volleyball, among others. Families can get in on some high-tempo action at the Just Play Adrenaline Village, which features a Ninja warrior assault course for adults and kids, climbing and bouldering walls, gymnastics and acrobatics workshops, sports academies training and parkour training. 
Operating hours
7am to 10pm on weekdays
2pm to 10pm on Fridays
12pm to 9pm on Saturdays
400-free classes on offer

Kite Beach

The Kite Beach Fitness Village offers over 400 free classes, including sunrise yoga at 7am and daily aqua classes. Tournaments and pitches for beach volleyball, cricket, and soccer are accompanied by a water sports zone featuring kayaking and paddle-boarding, among other nautical activities.
In addition, a 2-km national obstacle course has been set up  on the shores of the Arabian Gulf. Its 12 obstacles include a swinging pendulum, hurdles, and crawl and rope climbs.
Operating hours
9am to 6pm daily
400-free classes on offer

Palm Jumeirah

Running clubs gather at the Palm Jumeirah Fitness Village to train alongside participants who can enjoy more than 300 free fitness classes hosted on the main stage. Sports enthusiasts and first-timers can also experience the Palm Jumeirah Virtual Fitness Trail, a 12-station fitness workout conducted by virtual fitness instructors. Participants can also run along the Palm Jumeirah Glow Run, a 3.2-km course with a themed lighting and audio soundtrack.
Operating hours
7am to 10pm Sundays  to
Wednesdays
7am to 11pm on Thursdays
2pm to 11.30pm on Fridays
2pm to 10pm on Saturdays
300-free classes on offer

Al Khawaneej

Al Khawaneej Walk Fitness Village offers the benefits of pedalling your way to health. Cycle clubs have been formed at the village for everyone, including teens, families, over-60s and people of determination. Bikes are available for free and there is a dedicated pavilion for women. Master trainers help participants get a handle on the gym conditioning equipment installed.
Operating hours
4pm t0 10pm on weekdays
3pm to 11pm on Fridays
4pm to 9pm on Saturdays

Four things to do on November 5

>Work those muscles
What:  Functional training
Where: Kite
Beach
Time:  8am-9am
Duration: 1 hour
>Futuristic fitness solutions
What: Latest digital fitness equipment
Where: DIFC Fitness Village
Time: 7am-9pm
Duration: 30 minutes
>Go and glow
What: Sunset run
Where: Palm Jumeirah Fitness Village
Time: 6pm
Duration: 30 minutes
>Bike buddies
What: Cycle around the
5-km track
Where: Al Khawaneej Walk Fitness Village
Time: 4pm-10pm
Duration: 30minutes
reporters@khaleejtimes.com
 


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