Dubai resident takes up fitness challenge to overcome phobia

Dubai - Arva also said that her metabolism is improving and intake of liquids such as early morning water drink has also increased.

She joined the Dubai Fitness Challenge to overcome her phobia of exercising on gym machinery. And, she is successful.
A bit late to the party, yes, but Arva Huzaifa, a Dubai-based housewife says she is here to stay and have fun.
Arva, who accepted the fitness challenge just 10 days ago, tells Khaleej Times that it has made all the difference in her life.
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"For some reason, I have always been averse to exercising in the gym and on machines. I was scared and disliked them intently but when the Dubai Fitness Challenge came up, I watched closely and saw that people were excited and were taking the challenge seriously," she said.
"My husband who has been pushing me to exercise for the past two years encouraged me again and said that I too should accept the challenge, so I joined Fitness First in Burjuman Centre."
Arva was introduced to the machines by the trainer and initially she could only perform for 15 minutes on a treadmill. "Gradually, I increased the time limit and now I cycle and walk on a treadmill for 30 minutes," she said.
The remaining time I spend playing with the other machines that help me stretch my muscles. "Since I do not want to build biceps or triceps and only want to stay fit, I gym on my own."
Arva, however, loves walking and swimming. "I go for swimming regularly and now that the weather is good, I enjoy walking too," she added.
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She has already started feeling the difference in these 10 days. "I feel more active than ever before," she explained. "My stamina and appetite have improved. I am not eating more but eating better since I have become more conscious about my health."
Her daily routine has also changed and become streamlined. "I finish off my work in time because I look forward to going to gym."
Arva also said that her metabolism is improving and intake of liquids such as early morning water drink has also increased. "When I joined the programme, I was told that I had water retention which can be treated by drinking a lot of water," she added.
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Arva has no plans of giving up once the challenge is over. "I just started off but I have already bought a fitness package for the next four months and this is what I will continue doing," she said.
"I also see Sheikh Hamdan posting incredibly motivating pictures of him exercising on Instagram even though he doesn't need so much of exercise, it is still an inspiration," she added.
asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com   
 
 
 
 

• Dubai Fitness Challenge