FloatUAE workouts offer something for everyone - in pictures

The floating fitness studio offers high-intensity workouts through low-impact moves

FloatUAE is a high-intensity, low-impact exercise class is conducted on a board -- the Boga Fitmat -- floating in the water. The classes offer the opportunity to work out individually, in teams and against other participants, while the exercises engage all muscle groups for a full-body workout. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The 40-minute HIIT programme begins with a warm up, stretches and yoga moves. Classes are led by highly trained instructors at the Intercontinental Dubai Marina and at Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa, and it is recommended that participants are good swimmers. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The Boga Fitmat boards include foot loops for sit-ups, resistance bands for strengthening, and can be used for aerobic workouts, yoga and more. The classes at FloatUAE also include the use of small weights and balls. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Participants can wear swimsuits or workout gear, but are advised that they will get wet as the classes involve a lot of splashing from jumping, squats, lunges, star-jumps, mountain climbers, leg raises, planks and burpees. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Exercising on the water forces the participant to balance while performing moves, further helping strengthen the core. The Boga Fitmat requires users to engage more muscles during the workout as they try to maintain their balance. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The floating studios are a fun way to keep in shape all year round, and can be used in a pool or in the sea to improve muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance and flexibility. Chris Whiteoak / The National

This dynamic new workout is becoming increasingly popular in the UAE and around the world for its versatility and customisation for individual participants, from beginners, to those nursing injuries to elite athletes. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Trendy workouts and fad fitness programmes come and go, but a certain newcomer to the UAE scene may be here to stay. Not only because it lends itself well to our climate, but because it also offers something for everyone, from beginners, to those nursing injuries, and even elite athletes.

Photographer Chris Whiteoak of The National recently went along to FloatUAE's fitness class, which is held on the water. The session uses the Boga Fitmat - a floating board approximately the size of a yoga mat that comes with foot straps for sit-ups and resistance bands for strength-training exercises. The 40-minute high-intensity workout takes place in swimming pools, but the boards can be used in the sea, as well, so being able to swim well is a must.

Highly trained instructors put participants through their paces beginning with stretches and yoga poses and moving into low-impact moves. Balancing on the board engages the core muscles and helps with stability and tightening the midsection. While the idea is to stay on the board, the exercises feature a lot of splashing with jumps, lunges, planks, mountain-climbers and burpees, so while you can wear a swimsuit or regular workout gear, be ready to get wet.

Classes are available at The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort and Spa and at the InterContinental Dubai Marina. Visit www.floatuae.com for more information on classes.

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