Dubai - The third edition of Dubai Fitness Challenge kicked off today.
Published: Fri 18 Oct 2019, 2:29 PM
Updated: Sun 20 Oct 2019, 2:48 PM
Hundreds flocked to the shores of Kite Beach with their running shoes and yoga mats to get into their 30-day workout groove as the third edition of Dubai Fitness Challenge kicked off today.
Even as the temperatures touched 37 degrees, there was no stopping the crowd as they took to a whole host of free-to-attend activities, ranging from indoor cycling to yoga, pilates, dance classes, beach basketball and a lot more.
Filipina expat Apple Diane Keith, who works as an accountant started participating in the challenge last year. "I have been following the Instagram page of Dubai Fitness Challenge and keeping tabs on all their events and activities every day. I came early this morning and took part in yoga and indoor cycling for 45 minutes," she said.
She added that she plans to workout every day of the month with her friends at both Kite beach and Festival City. "I want a fit and healthy lifestyle for myself and I can see here in Dubai they have all the facilities and that too for free. So we want to grab the opportunity."
Walter Penaloza, an expat from Ecuador, has been living in Dubai for the last three years and he has been participating in the challenge since it was launched in 2017 Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council. He had an exciting start to his Friday with cross fit workout, a run at the beach and swimming. "This year I am not only participating, but also teaching yoga to fitness enthusiasts here at the Kite Beach," he said.
Penaloza, who works as a banker and a yoga teacher, added, "My goal is to do at least 30 minutes of exercise for the next 30 days, if not more. But most importantly, I want to motivate and inspire other people to also walk, play, move and contribute to this amazing initiative."
Ukrainian expat Anastasya Keys said, "I am happy to see so many people and so many positive vibes, and that people are helping out each other in pushing their limits. This month, my goal is to become 10 times healthier, 20 times powerful and 30 times happier. I am going to dedicate every hour every day to achieve my goal."
This year's edition includes two flagship Fitness Villages at Kite Beach and Festival City Mall, supplemented by 10 community-focused Fitness Hubs, over 40 fitness events and more than 5,000 fitness and health programmes spread across the city.
nilanjana@khaleejitimes.com