DUBAI // This weekend’s fifth annual Weight Loss Show saw a heavy attendance with thousands of people from around the country attending.
All were eager to enjoy the free classes and workshops on offer – in addition to taking part in a competition involving local athletes.
James Raffoul, the event director, said a rise in demand had resulted in the venue space – at Dubai International Marine Club – increasing by a third in size.
Mr Raffoul estimated that more than 10,000 people attended the event.
“The heart and soul of the show was centred around the main Fitness Stage and it didn’t disappoint,” he said.
“We increased the size of the workout and dance area to 4,000 square feet, nearly double what is was last year, and it was still full for many classes. The two-hour, non-stop Zumba Marathon, in particular, was incredibly popular.”
Compared with previous years, Mr Raffoul said the Fit Factor competition, which attracted roughly 70 locally based athletes on Friday, certainly helped increase visitor numbers.
“Fit Factor UAE had an incredible turnout for its inaugural competition and was superbly marshalled by FitnessLink, who co-ordinated the tournament structure, equipment used and participants. It boosted numbers significantly on our first day. This is something we are definitely going to hone in on and develop for the next event as there is so much potential.”
The competition tested participant’s strength, cardiovascular and functional ability in a series of short workouts. People competed in several categories – male, female, male pair, female pair and mixed pair – for cash prizes, as well as the chance to be named Fit Factor Champion.
“What’s largely different, and becoming more apparent year on year, is the overall feeling around the event,” said Mr Raffoul.
“What started off five years ago as primarily a weight-loss event is now being considered as an overall health and fitness platform.
“We are becoming more and more noticed from semi-government and government-level associations and authorities related to health and fitness including The Sheikh Mohammed Sports Foundation, Majid Al Futtaim Research Foundation and Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment.”
Among the classes on offer were those for yoga. Turn-out for the event’s inaugural Yogathon was good, said Mr Raffoul.
Simona Sotirovska, co-founder of FitnessLink, an online health and fitness platform which organised the weekend’s competition, said she was pleased with the athlete turnout.
“There were a lot of people who came for the tournament so it did bring a new kind of person who wouldn’t necessarily come to a show like this,” she said. “It was quite exciting as it progressed through the different stages during the day, so it helped show that there’s more to the show than simply weight-loss. It’s a fun, active day for the whole family.”
Local athletes, including regional CrossFit competitor Candice Howe and the UAE’s fittest woman, Eva Clarke, who is based in Abu Dhabi, were among the competitors.
“Because of our standing in the community, it helped bring another set of people that are different to the usual demographic of a show like this,” said Ms Sotirovska.
Elaine Kelly, the founder of YogaFest UAE, organised classes over the weekend for the first time since the show’s launch. A number of classes were available, including for children and beginners.
“They invited me as they’d seen how popular our events had become,” said Ms Kelly.
“Shows like this are nice for people who don’t know about yoga to have a go.”
Rajesh Kumar, who attended with his family, was one of many who came along to kickstart a healthier way of life.
“We wanted to come and try out some classes. Me and my wife want to lose some weight but there are so many gyms here in Dubai now it’s hard to know where to start. This has been good for us to at least try out different teachers and styles of class.”
mswan@thenational.ae
