ABU DHABI // The usual excuses for putting off that weight-loss or fitness campaign are being trimmed down to size in the capital this week.
Abu Dhabi Alive, a four-day health and fitness event aimed at reducing waistlines by offering visitors a chance to try a range of activities, started on Wednesday.
Rock climbing, Zumba classes, football games, bowling, tennis, circuit classes and breakdancing were all on the first day’s line-up.
Lesley Connolly, 60, was just one of hundreds of adults and children who put on their running shoes to attend the event, of which The National is a joint sponsor.
“We have come to try out a few things,” said the British expatriate who travelled from Dubai for the fitness initiative with her husband, Ged Langosz.
The avid sports enthusiasts, who love kayaking, cycling, running and other healthy pastimes, spoke of the importance of an active lifestyle.
“It is a huge part of our lives,” said Mrs Connolly, who tried rock climbing and bowling at the event.
“At this age if you don’t keep fit I think you are on a slippery slope. We have lived in Dubai for 24 years and I think it is very, very easy if you live here to gain weight if you are not careful.”
Mr Langosz welcomed a growing push to promote health and fitness across the emirates.
“I think it is great the UAE is doing so much to promote health because it is so easy to sit at your desk or in your car all day,” he said.
On a sprawling expanse of grass, fitness instructors from Gold’s Gym put children through their paces at a junior boot camp.
With personal trainers shouting encouragement, the children, pupils of Al Muna primary school in Abu Dhabi, worked up a sweat doing drills including sprints, push-ups and the dreaded burpee.
Yousef Abdul Majeed, 8, was among those taking part, having already completed a workout on the trampoline.
“We did push-ups and running. I am really tired but I feel good,” said Yousef.
He was joined by classmate Sami Tassamnen. The eight-year-old Jordanian, who counts volleyball, football and tennis among his hobbies, said his favourite activity was the climbing wall.
“I went right to the top,” said Sami.
Australian Bella Stafford, 8, said her favourite exercise was testing her core muscles while balancing on a tightrope.
“It was good but it was really hard,” Bella said.
Kenneth Coelho, general manager of the Gold’s Gym, Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi, said it was vital that children learnt to get active at a young age.
“Exercise should be a part of your lifestyle,” Mr Coelho said. “If you start at a young age you are less likely to get any health ailments as you get older.”
A closed tent also gave ladies the chance to participate in activities with a bit more privacy.
Experts were also on hand to give educational advice about healthy eating with cooking demonstrations, talks and quizzes being held on the main stage.
Free body assessments, consultations, competitions and giveaways all added to the line-up of the health campaign, which will continue until Saturday.
Dr Sven Rohte, chief commercial officer at Daman, the principal sponsor of Abu Dhabi Alive, said he was delighted by the response to the first day of the event, which aims to reduce the well-documented problem of obesity in the emirate.
Bulging waistlines and a sedentary lifestyle can lead to a host of medical issues including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
“Through Abu Dhabi Alive we aim to provide the Abu Dhabi community with opportunities to sample different activities in the hope they will find the perfect fit for their lifestyle, resulting in them adopting fun, enjoyable ways to increase their fitness levels and, more importantly, remain healthy for the future,” said Mr Rohte.
Abu Dhabi Alive is open from 11am to 8pm at Zayed Sports City. The event is free to enter. If you wish to use the facilities, tickets are Dh5 for the day, or Dh10 for more than a day.
jbell@thenational.ae
