You’re not the only one with resolutions this year – the TOAD editorial team is getting fit in 2014. To kick off, we went to Haddins Gym to find out how much work lay ahead of us.
There has been an increase in chocolate sightings (and disappearances) in the TOAD office as of late and the team is beginning to feel the effects. In an effort to start the New Year on a healthy note, we’re kicking off the Time Out Abu Dhabi Fitness Challenge.
Each of us is committing to a fitness programme, and over the next 12 weeks we’ll be profiling our progress (or lack of…) as we get serious about getting into shape.
Alex: competitive sports
Alex is the editor of Time Out. He says, ‘I’ve been in Abu Dhabi for four months and had far too much fun, so now it’s time to pay a little pain back.’
What are you goals going into the challenge?
To play rugby regularly again. Also there’s a triathlon at the end of February which I want to take part in, so I guess completing that is another mini goal.
What do you think will be the most difficult part of the challenge for you?
Finding time to exercise around work. I work long, unpredictable hours so a regular routine is almost impossible.
What fitness plan will you adopt for the challenge?
I’m going to be in the gym a lot for a couple of weeks, particularly weights and HIIT (high intensity interval training) cardio so spin classes and rowing mostly. I’ll then join the local rugby club and train three times a week there. I’m also going to alter my diet hugely, eat less takeaways and opt for protein over carbs.
What is your strategy for sticking to the challenge?
My plan is to remind myself constantly that I have to win the challenge. Also I’ll sabotage everybody else at every available opportunity!
Sarah: watersports
Sarah is TOAD’s deputy editor. She moved to Abu Dhabi from London in October 2013.
Why did you volunteer for this challenge?
Because of the many restaurant reviews we have to do!
What do you think will be the most difficult part of the challenge for you?
Not getting sunburnt… and sabotage from fellow TOADers sending me cupcakes!
What is your current fitness and exercise routine?
I’ve always been active, so I build movement into my day as much as possible. I stretch throughout the day, take microbreaks at work, go for a walk at lunch and take stairs over escalators or lifts whenever possible. At the weekend I walk 3-4 hours in a day or do watersports, and I belly dance. But I need to do more exercise that raises my heart beat.
Explain your proposed fitness programme for the challenge.
I’d like to do watersports at least once a week for three hours. I love watersports.
Why do you like watersports?
Paddleboarding is an all over workout and improves balance, kayaking tones the arms and flyboarding is so much fun. Being British, the sun is a novelty so I like being outdoors and watersports combines exercise with sightseeing.
Caitlyn: the gym
TOAD’s section editor, Caitlyn, is an out-there Australian and lazy vegetarian who works too much and according to her mum, doesn’t look after herself enough.
What motivated you to join the challenge?
Weight gain from working for TOAD. Between long hours and restaurant reviews, I have a new winter coat for the 10kg extra I’ve put on!
What are you goals going into the challenge?
To get fit and beat Alex. Oh, and I want to feel healthier and stronger.
What do you think will be the hardest part of the challenge?
Keeping motivated for three whole months. I always go in gung-ho at the start but usually burn out after a couple of weeks.
Do you have a current exercise regimen?
Errr…. um…. I like to dance a bit on the weekends and go to gym regularly – about once every three months.
Caroline: running
Caroline is also a section editor for TOAD. She moved here from New York about three months ago and has been trying the city’s many activities and restaurants – perhaps too much!
What do you hope to get out of the challenge?
I am hoping to start an exercise plan that I can stick to and enjoy.
What will be the most difficult part of the challenge for you?
I think balancing work and my exercise regime will be the most difficult part. This is a common challenge and I’m looking forward to learning some helpful tricks about how to maintain a fitness plan within my busy schedule.
What kinds of exercises are you looking to try?
For my challenge, I want to start getting serious about running. I have never been a runner but I find it such good exercise so my goal is to start slowly but commit to at least three days of running per week.
What is your strategy for sticking to the fitness plan?
I’m hoping that the support from the rest of the TOAD team as well as our readers following the challenge will keep me on track.
Track our progress to find out who will be the biggest loser by following Alex at @TimeOutADEditor, Sarah at @healthy_holiday, Caitlyn at @Cait_12 and Caroline at @arolinec. Look out for updates in the coming weeks.
