Now that summer is in full swing, some of you might decide to stay indoors and avoid outdoor activities entirely. Sara Taher reports on how not to let the heat beat you thanks to a little climate-controlled entertainment.
Staying active can be a bit of a challenge during the summer months in Abu Dhabi, with soaring temperatures forcing even the hardiest of outdoor types to seek the sweet relief of air-conditioning. Luckily our city has a range of indoor activities that can keep you moving while also providing a healthy scoop of fun at the same time. We had a bit of an explore and found our favourites.
Bowl a strike
If you have never tried tenpin bowling, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. It’s fun and there is a great satisfaction that comes with knocking down all those pins. With practise you can improve fairly quickly and with a few sessions, even beginners can be shooting perfect strikes. While it may not seem like an intense sport, one hour of bowling easily burns over 200 calories. It also involves a lot of stretching, so it is good for your joints. We absolutely love the 40 magnificent lanes at Khalifa International Bowling Centre.
Open daily 10am-1am. Zayed Sports City, Al Madina Al Riyadiya (02 403 4200).
Fire a gun
This is definitely one of the most thrilling indoor activities we have ever tried. The facilities at Caracal Shooting Club are good, the staff are extremely friendly and we are sure the experience will have you returning for more. You start off with a ten metre range target, and then you advance to 15 metres, 20 metres and 25 metres. The price for a walk-in session (as opposed to buying a membership) is Dhs255 and that includes a one-hour safety lesson, as well as 25 bullets on the range itself. The sport is adrenaline-filled and requires skill and patience. The experience is very empowering, especially when you start hitting the target dead centre.
Armed Forces Officers’ Club & Hotel, Al Maqtaa (02 441 6404).
Kick a ball
Just because the outside is an inferno doesn’t mean you have to pack away your football gear. Gather up a group of mates and reserve one of the indoor, air-conditioned courts at Al Jazira arena for a friendly game or two. The facilities here are state of the art and will make you feel like a star as you burn some calories. The price of a court for one hour is Dhs400 – which is pretty reasonable, especially if there’s a group of you.
Open daily 8am-midninght. Between Muroor Road and Al Saada Street (800 JAZIRA).
Chalk your cue
There are several spots around town where you can enjoy a pleasant game of pool, however we are partial to Stars ’n’ Bars. The venue is relaxed, and you can enjoy some munchies as you take on the competition in this very low intensity game. This is certainly not an activity that you would choose to burn calories, nevertheless, it is a great way to get some activity into your day and enjoy the experience. So if the idea of lazing in front of the telly doesn’t seem appealing, you are sure to have a blast with a cue in hand.
Yas Marina & Yacht Club, Yas Island (02 565 0101).
Play darts
This is another low-intensity game that we love, especially if you head to NRG, which is very laid back and has other options for those in your group not keen on joining you in a match. The sport burns roughly 100 calories per hour, however that’s not bad considering how entertaining this game is. It requires a good deal of skill and concentration, and if you play enough you will soon find yourself developing special tactics for nailing the best shots.
Le Méridien Abu Dhabi, Tourist Club Area (02 644 6666).
Great indoor workout classes to try
Tae Bo
A high-impact regime that gets you fit in no time. Non-members pay Dhs55 a class or can buy a pack of ten classes for Dhs495. Members pay Dhs35 a class or Dhs295 for ten classes.
Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, 6pm-7pm. Hilton Abu Dhabi, Al Khubeirah (02 681 1900).
Circuit Training
Involves speeding through different exercises to give you a whole body workout. Held at various times every day except Monday.
For more information, visit www.haddins.com. Haddins Gym (02 403 4233).
Super Abs
Enjoy an intense session that is designed to give you a muscular midriff. Free for members, Dhs35 for non-members. Classes are Sundays and Tuesdays at 6.30pm and Saturdays at noon.
Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort Health Club (02 677 3333).
