If you’re someone who counts frolicking in the waves, bobbing gently in a Jacuzzi, or lying on a sun lounger by the pool as swimming, think again. There are plenty of sports centres in Abu Dhabi where the pools are large and quiet enough for you to get a decent workout.
Swimming is commonly regarded as one of the most effective ways to exercise, whether for weight-loss, toning or strength building. For a start, almost every major muscle group in your body is used when you swim, with the emphasis on different areas of the body depending on which stroke you use. The resistance the water provides means you burn the maximum amount of calories while toning and strengthening muscles and getting a cardiovascular workout. Best of all, swimming is accessible to a whole range of ages and fitness levels. Because the water supports your weight, it is low-impact and doesn’t strain the body, making it ideal for the elderly, overweight or those with joint problems. In the heat of the capital, swimming is a refreshing way to get fit, so have a splash in one of these sports pools.
Al Jazira
Best for: Serious training sessions
Lessons: Adults or children can book a series of eight one-hour lessons for Dhs400 – enough to take anyone from floundering to fish-like. The pool of choice for many professional athletes to train in the city
Pool length: 50m
Other facilities: Home to one of the city’s biggest football teams, this sports centre has a spacious football pitch, as well as volleyball and handball courts
Open: 9am-9pm Saturday-Thursday, 3pm-9pm Friday
Al Jazira Sports Club, Muroor Road (050 2649707)
Armed Forces Officers Club
Best for: Uninterrupted laps
Lessons: Dhs90 per hour, or Dhs900 for 12 lessons
Pool length: 50m
Other facilities: AFOC has some world-class gym equipment, in separate ladies and mixed gymnasiums, along with plenty of recreational facilities such as cage football, paintballing and indoor golf
Open: 7am-10.30pm. Ladies-only timings are 10am-6pm Sunday, and 10am-8pm Wednesday
Armed Forces Officers Club, Al Khaleej Al Arabi road (02 4415 900)
Beach Rotana
Best for: Family-friendly atmosphere
Lessons: Private lessons are Dhs140 or Dhs1,100 for a package of 10. Experienced instructors Raj and Abdullah also offer group lessons– Dhs550 per adult or Dhs500 per child for 10 lessons
Pool length: 30m
Other facilities: Beach Rotana offers water sports that range from the gentle to the extreme – think wakeboarding, waterskiing or banana boat rides
Open: 7am-10pm
Beach Rotana Health Club, Tourist Club Area (02 697 9000)
Abu Dhabi Country Club
Best for: Spacious grounds and an exclusive atmosphere
Lessons: Dhs495 for adults, Dhs395 for juniors for five lessons of 45 minutes
Pool length: 25m
Other facilities: ADCC’s extensive facilities include basketball and tennis courts, as well as an unmissable chance to go indoor skydiving.
Open: 7am-11pm
Abu Dhabi Country Club, Al Saada Street (02 657 7777)
Different strokes for different folks
For toning stomach muscles: The undulating movement used in the butterfly stroke works the core muscles hard
For aerobic exercise: Alternating arms and legs in the front crawl develops aerobic capacity quickest
For relaxation: Breaststroke, because it is slow-paced and allows steady breathing
