Circuit training helps tone, slim and strengthen, and who doesn’t want that from a gym session? That’s why TOAD has been out sampling two of Abu Dhabi’s circuit training classes.
A form of body conditioning using shorts bursts of different high-intensity exercises, when circuit training burst onto the workout scene it quickly garnered a reputation for being a premium fat-burning, core-strengthening and cardio-pumping workout for people who like to take part in multiple activities. We sought out two of Abu Dhabi’s circuit trainers to find out about the classes they offer.
Get Moving
Get Moving circuit training is slightly different to a traditional circuit training class in that it doesn’t follow a circuit (where participants rotate around a series of different exercise stations). Instead, participants follow a linear set-up where each exercise is performed at a time. The room is set up to make use of existing equipment with a few additions such as dumbbells, mats and a stage.
Jordan Weavill, an instructor, explains, ‘Classes vary because there are different numbers of participants and we like to keep our regulars entertained. The pattern varies; some classes are set out with repetition goals such as a set of 10 lifts, while others would be timed, e.g. people carry out an exercise for 30 seconds. We also vary the recovery period and timing of each round to provide different options for clients. We implement all forms of training – cardiovascular, strength, endurance and core training. We also exercise all muscle groups and do not stick to one type of training.’
The experience
Jordan keeps the activities short and tough, putting us through our paces. We begin with jumping jacks – our all-time least favourite exercise – before doing box jumps. We then move on to the plank position, a static exercise where we use our arms to raise ourselves off the floor and hold our body rigid. It’s tough on our core, but gives us time to catch our breath. In this circuit class we do the same eight activities three times.
At the end, we are breathless, weak and slightly hysterical from having so much fun. Get Moving is a great class if you need that extra push as Jordan is a drill sergeant (in a nice way).
Get Moving Fitness and Spa Center, Guardian Towers, 31st Street, between Airport Road and Muroor Road, www.getmovinguae.com (02 642 5669).
Abu Dhabi Country Club
This is the big-boy of the circuit classes. Set in the oversized Abu Dhabi Country Club (ADCC) studios, its circuit training programme uses a huge variety of equipment, including weights, trampolines, steps and medicine balls to engage every muscle group.
It’s something of a complicated system to get the hang of. Trainer Billy Rodgers says, ‘Beginners follow someone who knows what they are doing. I try my best to get around all new people. Sometimes it’s a bit daunting to newcomers as there is so much going on in a big room, but everyone helps out with newbies. There is a real feeling of teamwork and at the end of the class everyone is chatting away to one another. It’s nice to see they are having a good time.
‘This circuit has nearly 50 stations, all of which are divided into sections. I normally arrange one cardio station followed by a strength or recovery station. The stations have got to be achievable for every participant, and provide numerous options. It’s a lot of fun and I always say 50 per cent of the effort is making it to the end. The other 50 per cent is coming back!’
The experience
We love the quick-changing activities and are partnered with an experienced attendee to show us how to do the moves. A fair few times, the 40 seconds is over before we know it. Still, there are activities that turn our legs to jelly, leave us short of breath and our abs screaming. There is a huge selection of stations around the room and we wonder if we will make it around all of them. We are bright red and breathless after the first two activities, but the hour-long class flies by leaving us wanting to come back for more.
Abu Dhabi Country Club, Saada Street, Al Mushrif, www.adcountryclub.com (02 697 7777).
Is circuit training for you?
‘Yes,’ says Jordan. ‘Circuit training helps reduce body fat and increase stamina, endurance strength and metabolism. These classes are tailored to everyone, whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or advanced, so you do not have to be a world-class athlete. Most exercises have easier variations for beginners so everyone can join and enjoy the benefits of circuit training.’
