Have you been going to the same old boring aerobics classes for years? You know the kind, a dreary session of spandex, star jumps, and a soundtrack that should have been left safely back in the 1980s? Well it’s time to switch up.
These classes offer a fresh twist on the conventional exercise class, so whether you want funky music, a water-based workout or something tougher, we’ve found the class to get you motivated again. We’ve even found one you can take your baby along to… workouts with a stroller, what will they think of next?
Easy Line
USP: Only takes half an hour
What is it? Easy Line is a high impact circuit training set. You make your way around stations of different hydraulic machines, which are set up to target different areas of the body. These are used in short, intense bursts (usually 30 seconds to a minute) so you benefit from both strength training and cardiovascular exercise at the same time. There’s a cool down step between each station, so the interval training aspect of the workout maximises fat burning while the added impact of the hydraulic machines tone you up faster than conventional circuit training. Because the body is supported at all points by the machines it is also safer for people with previous injuries.
Dhs40/60 for 30 minutes. Monday-Friday, various times. Grand Millennium Al Wahda Health Club (02 495 3831)
Mom and Babes Fitness
USP: You can bring your baby
What is it? No, we’re not asking you to bench-press your little one, this class just lets you involve your baby in a series of exercises. This gentle session is perfect for new mums, because it includes cardiovascular, resistance, core strength and flexibility exercises to help get your body back in shape after giving birth. Make sure you bring you pushchair as some of the routines even manage to make use of it – doesn’t get much more baby-friendly than that!
Dhs60 for 45-55 minutes. Monday and Wednesday 11am-noon. Haddins, Zayed Sports City (02 403 4233)
TRX suspension training
USP: Train like a Navy Seal
What is it? TRX training is a system that uses your body weight and gravity to create resistance. This class runs through a series of moves using the TRX training gear – essentially a strap with handles that you use to stretch and balance. It works core strength, balance, coordination, flexibility and joint stability, and was originally developed by a Navy Seal to help his teammates exercise when deployed.
Dhs60 for 55 minutes. Monday and Wednesday 7pm-8pm. Haddins, Zayed Sports City (02 403 4233)
Aqua Aerobics
USP: Workout in water
What is it? The rising summer temperatures are reason enough to take your work out into the swimming pool. Aqua aerobics helps you burn more calories since water provides a natural resistance, forcing your body to work harder to complete regular exercises. The Sheraton has a special summer offer on aqua aerobics sessions, where you pay Dhs350 for 10 lessons and get two classes for free.
Dhs45 for 60 minutes. Friday from 9am to 10am and Mondays from 10am to 11am. Sheraton Health Club (02 6970 272)
Zumba
USP: Get fit to Latin tunes
What is it? This trendy class is aerobics-based, but, thankfully, switches that dodgy Best of Madonna CD for Latin rhythms, including meringue, salsa and mambo, making it part dance class, part workout. Zumba routines feature interval training, varying between fast and slow beats, while resistance training movements combined with Latin dance steps to tone the body and burn fat.
Dhs55 for 60 minutes. Every Tuesday 6.30pm. The Yas Hotel (02 656 0862)
