9 great outdoor fitness classes and activites in Dubai
The best of Dubai’s weather is here, so leave the stuffy gym behind and take your workout outdoors. Here’s our pick of the 9 best places to do so…
1. Elite Aesthetics Dubai
If you’ve ever found yourself around the Skydive Dubai drop zone in the early morning, you’ll have spotted the Elite Aesthetic devotees being put through their paces. This is a boot camp that goes beyond the free weights and kettle bells – here you could find yourself pushing a 4X4 or running while hooked up to a parachute.
Skydive Dubai park, Al Sufouh Road, Dubai, Tues, Thur and Sun 6am to 7am, Dhs70, Dh700 per month. Tel: (055) 5367718. Taxi: Skydive Dubai.
2. Original Fitness Co
Get back to basics with these group fitness classes that promise “no yelling from Sergeant Major, no stuffy fitness studio, no complicated routines or equipment”. Instead, you’ll get a fun, effective boot camp. Workouts take place mornings and evenings, in either the fitness park at the entrance to Skydive Dubai or Southridge Park in Downtown Dubai.
Skydive Dubai, Al Sufouh Road, Dubai, timings vary, Dhs50, Dhs300 eight sessions, Dhs450 12 sessions. Tel: (056) 1150848. Taxi: Skydive Dubai.
3. Cardio kickboxing
MMA fighter Rafat Shawe has launched a kickboxing boot camp on The Palm. As he puts you through your paces, you can expect to improve your strength, fitness and your flexibility – and burn 600 calories an hour.
Palm Park, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, Sun 7pm, Tue 6.30am, Dhs100, Dhs800 ten classes. Tel: (050) 4954446. Taxi: Palm Jumeirah.
4. SUP sessions at Surf House
Stand-up paddleboarding – or SUP to the pros – is a perfect workout for this time of the year. You get to soak up some sun, spend time out on the water and build serious core strength all at the same time. If you don’t own a board, you can hire out one from The Surf House.
The Surf House, Sunset Beach, Beach Road, Dubai, daily 7am to 7pm, Dhs75 for an hour, Dhs100 for two hours, Dhs200 for the whole day. Tel: (04) 3211309. Taxi: Sunset Beach, Beach Road.
5. Yogalates
If you can’t choose between a relaxing, meditative yoga class or a core-strengthening Pilates class, try Yogalates. This combination of the two disciplines is rejuvenating for mind and body, plus the setting is lovely – the outdoor pool terrace on the seventh floor of the Fraser Suites hotel. Classes take place on Monday and Wednesday evenings.
Fraser Suites, Sidra Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Mon and Wed 7.15pm, Dhs70, Dhs500 ten classes. Tel: (050) 3289642. Taxi: Fraser Suites Dubai.
6. Run, bike or swim with Tri Dubai
Dubai’s triathlon community is growing by the day. Whether you’re new to the sport or looking to improve your times, you’ll benefit from Tri Dubai’s regular – and free – training sessions, which take in cycling sessions, running on the track and sea swims. Plus, it’s a great way to meet like-minded athletes. Locations vary, so check out the Tri Dubai Facebook page for more details.
7. Muscle Beach
The brains (and the brawn) behind Warehouse Gym in Al Quoz runs this beachside fitness park. Co-founder Kevin Teixeira says: “Training outside is a very liberating feeling and can be quite spiritual, especially first thing in the morning when it’s just you, the ocean and the sand.” You can take part in group classes organised by the gym, or just use the equipment to do your own thing.
The Beach, JBR, Dubai, daily 7am to 6pm, Sun to Thur Dhs60, Fri and Sat Dhs90. Tel: (04) 3232323. Taxi: The Walk, JBR.
8. Ignite Fitness
This fitness company was one of the first to bring military style boot camps to Dubai. The classes are high intensity, but suitable for all fitness levels, and all equipment is provided – all you need to bring is a towel, a water bottle, and a willingness to train hard. Sessions take place on the running track at 6am in the morning or 7.30pm at night, and at slightly adjusted times on the weekend, in one of three locations: the running track at Al Ittihad Park on Palm Jumeirah, Riva Beach Club and the park at the entrance to Skydive Dubai. Visit their website for more details.
Al Ittihad Park, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, daily 6am or 7.30pm. Tel: (055) 7364669. Taxi: Golden Mile Palm Jumeirah (near Building 7).
9. Friday rides with the Dubai Roadsters
Get on your bike and get your weekend started. The Dubai Roadsters are a local cycling community that organises Friday morning rides at the Nad Al Sheba cycling track, starting at 6am and ranging in distance from 80km to 140km during racing season. Alternatively, if you’re new to the sport, feeling a bit rusty or simply value your Friday morning lie-in, there are relaxed rides on Sunday and Tuesday evenings from 7.15pm instead. Check out their website and the Facebook page (Dubai Roadsters Cycling Group) for the most up-to-date info on ride times.
Nad Al Sheba Cycle Park, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai, Fri 6am, Tue and Sun 7.15pm. Tel: (04) 3394453. Taxi: Nad Al Sheba Cycle Park, near Falcon & Heritage Sports Centre.
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