All psyched up to complete 30 days of workouts, thousands of UAE residents hit the ground running as this year's Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) kicked off on Saturday.
The Dubai Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, led the way and beamed some fitspiration as he shared a quick workout on Instagram. In the video, he is seen holding up a kettlebell as he stands on a balance board. "Day 1 #Dubai30x30", he wrote.
Heeding Sheikh Hamdan's call to devote the next 30 days to achieving an active lifestyle, several residents headed out to running tracks and cycling lanes across Dubai to complete their first 30 minutes of fitness for the challenge.
“I am so excited that the Dubai Fitness Challenge is back again for its sixth year. Being a fitness enthusiast, this sort of event surely helps me accomplish my goal of staying fit,” said Alif Javer, a Dubai expat who has never missed an edition of the DFC.
“For this year’s challenge, I will be been focusing on a mix of cardio and weight training,” he added.
More than 10,000 classes are lined up until November 27 for the DFC. Several events and activities — including the Dubai Run and Dubai Ride — are also free for all.
The boxing court at the Kite Beach Fitness Village was a huge hit on the first day of the challenge, with many visitors stepping into the ring for the first time.
Fahim Armar, a new expat in Dubai, was surprised to find out that workouts are being offered for free.
“At first I thought I had to pay for it, but when I enquired, I was astounded. I will definitely be participating in some classes at Al Khawaneej or Kite Beach for the next 30 days,” said Armar.
"Even my friends are willing to join me now. All thanks to Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who has been the driving force of this city-wide event,” he added.
Even seniors up to 70 years old are ready to go all out to take part in the fitness frenzy. Arif Khan, who is suffering from a knee problem, did some workouts at home.
“My family doctor, Dr Azam Badr Khan has been instrumental in boosting my spirits to get back to fitness. I will be participating not only for the next 30 days, but will continue further,” said Khan. "I will bring along my friends and family members when I visit the fitness hubs."
ALSO READ:
The luxurious PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic V2 RSR and PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic6 RSR editions are available only through invitation, adding more exclusivity and uniqueness
Many motorists who have their vehicles written off will also look for a new one, driving the demand
Spot gold was steady at $2,317.41 per ounce after staying mostly in negative territory earlier in the day
It is likely to be humid by night and Friday morning over some coastal and internal areas
The Abu Dhabi Awards winner encourages everyone, regardless of their land size, to engage in farming
Geopolitical tensions, economic data likely to affect yellow metal's prices, expert says
The early age for first period is associated with many factors such as higher socio-economic status, obesity, nutritional status and general health
Hundreds of social workers and volunteers are working round the clock, providing essentials to those affected by the unprecedented rainfall
iPhone | iPad
Android
Huawei
