Dubai Fitness Challenge: Free workouts at five community fitness villages

There’s no longer an excuse not to participate

Courtesy Dubai Fitness Challenge

The ongoing Dubai Fitness Challenge aims to get residents active for at least 30 minutes everyday. While that’s not a tall order, given the number of gyms, walking tracks, beaches and green spaces in the city, DFC is making it even more accessible with five fitness-themed “villages” set up in various communities across the emirate: Kite Beach, Palm Jumeirah, DIFC, JLT and Al Khawaneej.

Here’s what you can expect from each space, which will be operational until November 22.

DIFC fitness village

Presented by: Dubai Chamber and Technogym

Activities: The main stage will offer 300 free fitness classes, including mat Pilates, Reebok's Pure Move hosted by the Aviation Club, hip-hop cardio, HIIT with Reform Athletica, boxercise workouts with Round 10.

There will also be a golf simulator, paddle tennis lessons at Gate Building, trainers from Warehouse Gym and equipment from Technogym.

Location: DIFC Village

Timings: 7am to 9pm on weekdays; 3pm to 9pm on Fridays; and 2pm to 9pm on Saturdays

JLT fitness village

Kids can embark on a Ninja obstacle course

Presented by: Decathlon and DMCC

Activities: The main stage will offer 400 free fitness classes, including Fitness First's body combat, body attack and Zumba, plus speedflex bootcamp, karma and meditation yoga.

An artistic yoga session is at 7am from Sunday to Thursday, while pitches have been created for basketball, football, netball and volleyball.

Families can work put together at the Just Play Adrenaline Village, which features an adult and children Ninja warrior assault course, climbing and bouldering walls, gymnastics and acrobatics workshops and parkour training.

Location: DMCC Park

Timings: 7am to 10pm on weekdays; 2pm to 10pm on Fridays; and 12 noon to 9pm on Saturdays

Kite Beach fitness village

Beach-side sports are a fun way to keep fit

Presented by: Dubai Municipality, du and Meraas

Activities: A range of free fitness classes will be held on the sand, including sunrise yoga classes at 7am; DFC Aqua Classes; pitches for beach volleyball, cricket and soccer; and a water sports zone with kayaking and stand-up paddle-boarding.

A 2-kilometre National Obstacle Course has been set up on the water’s edge with 12 obstacles such as swinging pendulum, hurdles, crawl and rope climbs, open to anyone over the age of 5. Adrenaline junkies can try can tackle the XDubai swing shot.

Location: Kite Beach

Timings: 9am to 6pm everyday

Palm Jumeirah fitness village

Presented by: Dewa and Nakheel

Activities: The main stage will host free fitness classes that include Anatomy Rehab's LeFit workouts for pregnant women, hip -hop cardio, Reebok Fusion from the Aviation Club, and Barry's Boot Camp sessions.

Also try the Palm Jumeirah Virtual Fitness Trail, a 12-station virtual workout featuring plant jacks, split lunges, burpees, star jumps and hanging leg raises.

The venue will host a number of running clubs, members of which will train alongside visitors. Every evening at 6pm, run along the 3.2km Glow Run course, with themed lighting and soundtracks.

Anatomy Rehab will conduct daily physiotherapy sessions, ideal for post workout R&R.

Location: Al Ittihad Park

Timings: 7am to 10pm from Sundays to Wednesdays;7am to 11pm on Thursdays; 2pm to 11.30pm on Fridays; and 2pm to 10pm on Saturdays

Al Khawaneej fitness village

Technogym has lent its bikes to a number of fitness villages for the Courtesy Dubai Fitness Challenge

Presented by: Enoc and Dubai Municipality

Activities: The focus is very much on cycling here, with dedicated cycle clubs formed for teens, families, over-60s, women-only and people of determination. Bikes are available at no charge.

Glow Cycle Rides are held each evening, with participants encouraged to dress their bikes with lights.

XDubai Pump Track offers BMX, skateboarding and scooter sessions for more seasoned riders.

Children are served with an inflatable boxing ring, playground and parkour lessons.

Location: Quranic Park

Timings: 4pm to 10pm on weekdays; 3pm to 11pm on Fridays; and 4pm to 9pm on Saturdays

All five villages feature a Mediclinic health advice area for wellness checks and free testing for BMI, cholesterol, blood pressure and glucose levels.

_______________________

Read more:

This man is running 30 marathons in 30 days around the streets of Dubai

Your definitive list of things to do in Dubai

Healthy relationships: meet four fitness power couples in the UAE

Dubai Fitness Challenge returns: Here are 14 essential events to check out