We looked into the internationally-renowned exercise classes and their benefits.
With so many different fitness classes offered around the city, how can you be sure that you’re going to get a quality workout without wasting loads of dirhams trying them all out? Well, with Les Mills classes the brand is consistent across 80 countries, so it seems to be a formula that works!
We spoke to the Les Mills instructors at the Abu Dhabi Country Club about six different classes, how to get the most from them and who specific classes are best suited to. ‘It is popular because the classes are fun, motivating and energetic, and they get results. Participants like the fact that they know the format of the classes they attend and that if they leave here and attend Les Mills classes in other countries the classes remain familiar,’ says Paula, the group-fitness manager. ‘The American Society of Sports Medicine advise three cardio training sessions, two strength training sessions and one stretch or flexibility training session a week,’ Paula adds.
Body Attack
This high-intensity workout is all about bouncing in an aerobic, interval-training style. It’s the highest intensity cardio track, but fear not – there are lower-intensity options for beginners. Think new release music with a faster beat and marching, high-kicks, star jumps and lots of cheering. There is also a running track, a sports track and active recovery periods providing a combination of exercises that will improve your agility, stamina and cardiovascular system.
Sweat factor: High
Calorie burn: 675 per class
Body Balance
A zen class made up of a combination of yoga, Pilates and tai chi. It’s a low intensity option – safe for people with injuries and in pregnancy. It’s about stretching, breathing and moving in a fluid motion. Don’t be fooled though, you will still feel your muscles working hard. There is a meditation session at the end to help you unwind, it’s guaranteed you will walk out of this class feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
Sweat factor: Low
Calorie burn: N/A
Body Combat
A combat class with moves inspired by boxing, Muay Thai, karate and various other MMA sports. Release your anger through positive energy with this aerobic class. It will have you gasping for air, but of course there are lower-intensity options when you need them. The class has some technique aspects that require a couple of sessions to get the hang of, but with upbeat music and guided moves, you will be kicking butt in no time. It’s great for core strengthening too. No experience of martial arts is needed, the instructor will coach you through the techniques.
Sweat factor: High
Calorie burn: 737 per class
Body Pump
The heavy-lifter of the Les Mills family, Body Pump is where it all began. Don’t be put off by the weights, it’s an endurance based class with 55 minutes covering ten different muscle groups. It’s a musical mixture of empowering classic songs and hard-hitting pop tracks. The best part is seeing tangible progress as you load your weights up. Focusing on low weight loads and high repetition movements, you’ll burn fat, gain strength and quickly produce lean body muscle.
Sweat factor: Medium
Calorie burn: 560 per class
Body Step
Using a step and raises (as you deem appropriate), Body Step is an aerobic class that can harness your inner dancer. The class uses the step, with marching, stepping up and down and other signature maneuvers. You will feel a little uncoordinated the first class, but this tried and tested exercise is hugely popular for good reason – so be sure to give it a go.
Sweat factor: Medium to high
Calorie burn: 620 per class
RPM
This cycling class puts the pedal to the metal as riders are taken on a metaphorical journey of a workout. The bikes are fitted with gears so you can adjust according to the tracks. It’s not just about legs, Paula tells us. ‘As you can see from the benefits it tones your legs, hips and butt –and if you brace your abs throughout the class you also have a 45 minute ab-workout.’
Sweat factor: Medium to high
Calorie burn: 675 per class
Calories burned is an average. For more information see www.lesmills.com Abu Dhabi Country Club, Al Saada Street, Al Mushrif (02 657 7777).
Les Mills around town
Fitness First
The large gym chain offers various Les Mills classes, keeping up to the minute with new releases.
Various locations, including Dalma Mall (02 550 4330).
Gold’s Gym
A wide variety of the classes in some of the city’s most enjoyable fitness studios.
Various locations, including Al Wahda Mall (02 672 7220).
Get Moving
One of Abu Dhabi’s smaller gyms, this space affords a smaller class size making it intimate and great for beginners.
Guardian Towers, Muroor Road, Al Reyhan (02 642 5665).
