Kids are spending a fair amount of time in front of their iPads and computers at the moment, but while a majority of screen-time sees children sedentary, there are exceptions out there.
Here are six online sports classes that will encourage kids to get off the sofa and burn energy at the same time.
Diverse Performing Arts
Dubai-based performing arts school, Diverse, is running online classes for mini performers to do at home. The academy teachers have put together a schedule of classes and private lessons so that little performers can carry on practicing stretches, dance moves and pirouettes in their living rooms (or wherever else they have space). Diverse is offering online group dance classes covering various disciplines including contemporary, dance fusion, tap, hip hop, ballet and stretch as well as private lessons in singing, dancing and drama. All classes take place using Zoom.
From Dhs266.25 (for five group classes), Dhs802.50 (for five private classes). Email admin@diversechoreography.com.
Dubai Performing Arts
Dubai Performing Arts is offering a selection of group classes for all kids, regardless of whether they are students at DPA or not. The free sessions 45-minute sessions are held on Zoom and are aimed at kids between four and 18. The range of free classes span a number of disciplines including contemporary and street dance, fitness bootcamps, stretching and conditioning and musical theatre for little luvvies. Singing and drama lessons are also on offer for little Adele wannabes or an Oscar-winner of the future. Best of all, you don’t need a huge amount of space, nor do you need loads of equipment to take part. DPA is also offering private online tuition such as private singing lessons, LAMDA and dance.
Free. Email info@DubaiPerformingArts.com.
Fly High Fitness
Fly High Fitness is offering some cool workouts that the whole tribe can get stuck into. There are options that the kids can do by themselves, or, other classes that they can rope mums and dads into, making it a whole family workout affair. Kids can burn energy working their way through some simple living room exercises or take it outside and do a workout in the garden, while parents can get involved in some calorie-burning fun and work up a sweat – if they can keep up with the kids’ energy levels that is. Fly High Fitness introduce three workout videos on their YouTube channel and on Instagram each week and the fitness coaches also run three live classes that you can join in with. No excuses, you’ve got fitness flying directly into your home!
www.flyhighfitness.org.
La Liga
The football scouting school is inviting little footie fans to sign up to the sessions in order to keep active and maintain their fitness levels. And, as well as boosting fitness, this latest offering from La Liga Academy is also aimed at helping with focus and concentration (something a lot of mums and dads will be thrilled to hear as they power through their supporting their kiddos with distance learning). Fitness enthusiasts in all age categories from under six and above can take part and find a level suitable to their skills and experience. The programme includes football tactics, fitness activities and challenges that children can practice during throughout. Plus, all of the activities are designed with a progression so that they can be practiced over a period of time and children can challenge themselves to improve their skills. Grab your football boots and your laptop and get ready to bend it like Beckham!
www.ae.laligacademy.com/training
Les Mills
There are five virtual fitness classes depending on your kid’s ages. Tiny tots between two and three can sign up to class that allows them to explore their imaginations and move to some cool, child-friendly tunes, four and five year olds will go on an adventure of discovery through action and song, six and seven year olds will enjoy playful movement, music and games, tween between eight and 12 year olds will burn off some energy with some more rigorous fitness classes and teens from 13 to 16 will take part in some studio classes designed to really test and challenge their fitness levels. No excuses, time to get your workout on.
www.lesmills.com.
Manchester City Football Club
Mini football fans and their parents can tune in to watch a series of cool videos that are aimed at keeping the whole family fit and active while at home. The videos, which are available in both English and Arabic, have been recorded by the team of City Football Schools coaches in Abu Dhabi and demonstrate everything a wannabe footie player needs to know. The coaches advise how to move both with and without the ball, plus all of the training drills can be completed at home or in small spaces. As well as various exercises and drills to try, viewers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi can get top tips on healthy eating and nutrition. Let the kiddos get their football fix now because they could be Man City stars of the future.
Instagram @CityFootballSchools. City Football Schools Facebook page.
