Punch fitness
The score: Under the starry skies of Marina Mall car park, a group of expats are punching one another. It’s not over a parking space, though. Getting into pairs, one person donning gloves, the other pads, cheerful ‘fuhrer’ Magda barks a series of orders (left, right, duck, hook, etc) and I hit my Egyptian punch buddy Omar with the frustration of a man who’s just embarrassed himself at a Latin dance class (see below). The sound of the prayer call echoes around the marina, but before long I’m just too exhausted to even notice. Swapping over, it’s no easier, with the punchbags working only slightly less hard. Worse is to come with the ‘laps’, where you punch, jump then run, and start again. I’ve soon lost track of what punch I’m supposed to be doing as the lactic acid builds. This is definitely one for fitness masochists.
Time Out says: It’s a bit serious and the boot camp mentality means ‘no talking’, but you do get to punch people. It’s the hardest workout of the lot and a great way to work off your frustrations.
Punch Fitness classes are held at Marina Mall, next to Havana Café, on Mondays and Wednesdays at 6am and 7.30pm. Dhs700 for the four-week course. Call Original Fitness on 02 406 9404 to book.
Zumba
The score: Doing zumba is a little like being in a Ricky Martin video. Rarely have I waggled my body in such a gratuitous fashion. Essentially this is an up-tempo Latin fitness class, although the music is a pit-stop of South American samba, with a bit of African thrown in. Trying to mimic instructor Soraya step for Latino step is a thankless task; her quick feet and perpetual shimmy soon left me sweaty and perplexed – like watching a David Lynch film on a treadmill. Those more used to fitness classes, dancing, or with even the faintest natural rhythm will fare better. You can also substitute a simpler step and not be embarrassed. It’s pretty fun once you shed your inhibitions a little; quick feet are a must, and the petite footed are at a natural advantage.
Time Out says: Once you get in the steppy-step, bottom-thrusting rhythm, only Shakira could show you up. It’s pretty hard work too; we were panting, red-faced messes after only 30 minutes.
Zumba classes held at Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri on Sundays at 8.45am and Mondays at 6pm. Dhs60 per class. Call Soraya on 050 616 5273 to book.
Cheerleading
The score: Cheerleading class?
I confess, my heart sank. I wouldn’t have thought a man of my flexibility and disposition cheer-worthy. But, like so many of the city’s dancier classes, once you get over your understandable embarrassment, you find a second wind. Naturally, it was fitness orientated, with cheerleading moves adapted to a dance beat, but the adult class is still in its fledgling stage, instructor Jennifer explained. She started teaching kids, who are all too eager to hurl one another 10ft in the air. The jury is still out on whether the adults will want to try the same. For the moment, pompoms are the extent of their ambition, with a series of poses, slides, tucks and jumps giving full range to my pep, such as it is.
Time Out says: Whether you want to dress like a high school cheerleader is up to you (naturally, we couldn’t comment), but our preview class was great fun.
Adult cheerleading classes are held at Al Raha International School on Tuesdays from 7.30pm-8.30pm. Call Expressions of Dance and Drama on 02 626 2533 to book.
Dragon boating
The score: Paddles up! Ready. Go! And we’re away. Dragon boats are heavy; add 20 people and it feels pretty tough to start. But once you get your stroke right and paddle in time, it’s smooth and powerful. Every move seems contrary to your natural instinct. Sit up tall. Reach. Arms straight. Reach some more. It’s surprisingly unlike kayaking or canoeing. But I found that once a high pace is reached and your timing is in sync, you get a great surge. The adrenaline kicks in and suddenly it’s fun! Dragon boat training is held regularly in the capital and there are competitive races for the really keen. The camaraderie is great, which means you don’t mind the aching arm and shoulder muscles the following day. And, best of all, it’s not in a mirrored gym, so you can watch someone else sweat for a change.
Time Out says: Being part of a team, getting a full workout on your upper body and seeing some of the city keeps us coming back twice a week.
For membership prices and info on getting involved in dragon boating, email jmmackenzie@hotmail.com.
