Before you get started
On site at Body Balance, there's a diet centre where you'll have a quick assessment and answer a couple of questions about your general health. "As it's a cardio exercise, we always check the heart, and for hypertension," says the gym's master trainer Javier Lanfranchi.
"But even if your blood pressure is a bit higher than normal, that's OK, because the activity only requires people to walk at their own pace. The body uses its own weight as resistance, something it is already accustomed to at a great degree."
What to expect
On an average day, there will be six to 20 people in a class, but you won't always see the same set of people each time. The emphasis is firmly on "everyone being welcome", says the 41-year-old Lanfranchi, and you'll find a healthy mix of city slickers, mothers and trendy young things.
Make sure you wear clothes suitable for the gym because you are definitely going to sweat. "And most importantly, wear regular running shoes – you don't need any special equipment or kit," he advises.
Meet the machine
Straight from some of Europe's swankiest gyms, these classes are one of a kind in the UAE. The sessions involve a special machine called the indoor walker that essentially functions like an elliptical machine - but not like the ones you might be used to. "The indoor walker basically uses a big flying wheel to create inertia and, therefore, 'helps' the user do the exercise," says Lanfranchi.
Minimum impact, maximum effect
While on the machine, you'll feel like you're floating because there is zero impact on your body, so you can use the equipment intensively, getting better results in less time. For example, in a short 35-minute class, you can burn an impressive minimum of 500 calories.
"You're using your complete body for the workout - both arms and legs," says Lanfranchi. "So you can lose more calories in a short time than with any other cardio activity on the market today."
No pain, no gain
The day after the class, you most probably won't feel any joint pains, he says: "Because of the overuse of certain muscles, you may get tired but not fatigued. You'll be able to jump straight back on the machine for another session."
How often you attend the classes all depends on your objectives, but Lanfranchi recommends a weekly goal of two to three classes (burning about 1,000 to 1,500 calories altogether), which can help keep your weight under control.
Come one, come all
There's no minimum level of fitness required for this class and it is also suitable for children, as long as they are more than 134 centimetres tall.
"It is perfect for people who haven't exercised for a long period of time or even those who are recovering after surgery. Pregnant women can also join in, after consulting their doctor," he says.
The inexperienced and the advanced all walk together because the machines can be worked according to each individual's fitness level.
The atmosphere is upbeat, not least because of the music. "We play Rihanna and Kylie Minogue and also AC/DC and Jon Bon Jovi," says Lanfranchi. "We like to appeal to all ages."
The routines are different for everyone and may vary week to week depending on what you choose to focus on.
"But don't worry," says the trainer. "This is not like aerobics where it can sometimes be hard to follow the instructor. On the indoor walker, you'll become an expert after only one session."
Classes cost Dh80 per person. For locations and schedules, call 04 3850661 or visit www.indoorwalking-me.com.
