Yas Marina Circuit introduces a female-only fitness night

For ladies who'd rather not exercise with guys in the vicinity, the Yas Marina Circuit is introducing female-only GoYas fitness nights.

UAE women get ready to GoYas!A first for Abu Dhabi as Yas Marina Circuit launches fitness programme for women, by women. Courtesy GoYas

Anyone who's been to Yas Marina Circuit on a Tuesday evening will know that it's the day of the week when horsepower is replaced with leg power.

This is Train Yas, when the motor racing track is given over to cyclists and runners.

It's a hugely popular event in which serious athletes, keen amateurs and families all share the tarmac for some peddling and jogging fun.

In fact, in 2012, more than 50,000 people attended.

However, both genders are allowed at the event, which, due to cultural considerations, means some women are deterred from taking part.

So to cater to those who'd rather not exercise with guys in the vicinity, the circuit is launching the female-only GoYas fitness initiative.

"GoYas is about inspiring the UAE's women to be active in an inclusive and supportive environment," explains the Yas Marina Circuit spokesman Sana Al Hamadi.

"Our Train Yas nights have become a mainstay on Abu Dhabi's fitness and social calendar. Through GoYas we want to specifically extend the spirit that makes Train Yas so popular and special to the women of the UAE."

As well as running and cycling around the track for free, women will also be able to take complimentary fitness classes.

Organised by the Abu Dhabi gym Haddins Fitness and run by female instructors, classes include zumba, boot camp and Pilates.

Participants will also have access to nutritional and fitness assessments.

Those who want some speedier activities can head to the nearby Yas Kartzone racing track for some women-only racing sessions.

Al Hamadi hopes the event will play its part in addressing the worrying rise of obesity in the UAE.

"It is a huge problem in the UAE that many women don't exercise enough because they find it hard to find places where there are not men," she says.

"So I think GoYas is a totally unique event. Of course there are female-only gyms, but this is a place where women can exercise in the outdoors without men around."

Al Hamadi believes the initiative can transform the lives of hundreds of women in the UAE.

"I would invite all ladies to come and give it a go," she says. "It is a unique chance to turn your life around and get fit and healthy."

GoYas ladies night will start on Wednesday, April 3, from 6-9pm, and will run on every Wednesday of April. Depending on turnout, the initiative could be extended throughout the year. For more information and to register for GoYas, visit www.yasmarinacircuit.com