Stand up paddleboard yoga
As yoga studios go, the glassy surface of the Gulf is hard to beat. Stand up paddleboard yoga (or SUP to its fans) comprises yoga sessions on paddleboards in the sea. Being on water means those sun salutations and downward-facing dogs will boost your core strength and balance even more than they do on solid ground. If you’re feeling seasick at the very thought, Sup Yoga Dubai also run Sandy Toes sessions on the beach, which allow you to perform your poses to the sound of gently lapping water, without fear of falling in.

 Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort, Al Sufouh Road, Dubai, Tue and Sat 8.30am, Thur (Sup Pilates) 8.30am, Dhs115. Tel: (05) 09427240. Taxi: Westin Mina Seyahi. supyogadubai.com

Swing yoga
Even those of us who are lacking in natural balance and grace can perform perfect poses in this class, with the help of ‘swings’ suspended from the ceiling. The swing makes it easier to adopt demanding poses, including even those tricky inverted positions. Devotees say this method benefits the lymphatic drainage system and can help to improve posture. You’ll be dangling upside-down before you know it.

 Fitness First, Beach Park Plaza, Jumeirah, Dubai, Mon 8pm, Tue 9.30am, Wed 6pm, Friday 9.15am, free to Fitness First members, Dhs100 for a day pass. Tel: (04) 3856464. Taxi: Beach Park Plaza. fitnessfirstme.com

Yogalates
As you may have guessed from the name, these classes are a blend of yoga and Pilates, combining all the flexibility-boosting benefits of a yoga class with core-strengthening Pilates movements. The al fresco evening classes take place on the terrace at Fraser Suites, ending with guided meditation that will leave you feeling ready to drift off right there under the stars.

 Seventh floor terrace, Fraser Suites, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Mon and Wed 8.30am and 7.15pm, Dhs70. Tel: (04) 4401400. Taxi: Fraser Suites. yogalatesblissindubai.com

Acroyoga
They say it takes two to tango, and it seems the same maxim applies to acroyoga too. A blend of yoga and acrobatics with a dash of Thai massage, classes are designed to be fun, challenging, as well as build trust. Weekly outdoor sessions in Safa Park involve working in pairs to perform a variety of poses, building up to headstands and handstands.

 Phoenix Rising, Entrance 5, Safa Park, Dubai, Fri 10am, suggested donation to charity Dhs50. Tel: (05) 1525961. phoenix-rising.me