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Showing posts from June, 2019

Your guide to Abu Dhabi’s gyms

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Abu Dhabi is coming into its own as a fitness city after years of being underserviced, with an explosion in the number Western-style gym franchises, CrossFit boxes and yoga studios serving the capital - each with their own bells and whistles, serving ladies-only, expatriates and Emiratis alike. Any additions? Let us know: artslife@thenational.ae Editor's Note: Prices will have changed with the implement of VAT in 2018 Curves - gym As the name suggests, this Texas brand,  new to the UAE , is for females only, especially those who need a gentle nudge to get down the gym. The 30-minute group circuit sessions involve switching every 30 seconds between cardio mats and 12 hydraulic fitness machines, specially designed for women’s bodies. Two coaches are on hand to advise. Members can partake in up to six 30-minute group workout sessions a week – and no more. If you don’t show up to at least three, you can expect a call from manager Rania Blaibel to see where you’ve been. ...

Catering to all levels of fitness

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The best CrossFit and integrated fitness provider in the UAE With the fitness industry beginning to mature and people now being able to identify the different types of fitness on offer,  Vogue Fitness  is putting a large focus on becoming the best CrossFit and integrated fitness provider in the UAE . “We have a goal of becoming the best CrossFit gym in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah [RAK],” says Patrick Hegarty, Director,  Vogue Fitness . “We also put a big emphasis on banning all steroids or performance enhancing drugs to help create a cleaner fitness culture in the UAE.” What distinguishes  Vogue Fitness  from the other fitness centres is the results. “We don’t spend time looking in mirrors, or standing on scales, instead we focus on movement, performance and intensity,” explains Hegarty. “All of our classes are coached by one of the best coaching teams in the world.” Vogue Fitness ’ aim is to teach clients lifelong habits they ca...

What gyms in the UAE are doing to get you fit?

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Running a modern gym is a balance between client experience, equipment and technology The UAE population’s increasing awareness of fitness has had a knock-on effect, with gyms of various sizes and specialities mushrooming across the country. From boutique boxing gyms to cycling studios, calisthenics centres and sprawling warehouse-style chains, residents are spoilt for choice when it comes to picking their method and place for getting into shape. For Patrick Hegarty, who owns Vogue Fitness , there are three primary factors behind the rise in fitness interest over the past five years: The introduction of compulsory national service for Emirati men, initiatives propelled by the country’s leadership, and education. “The [national service] has helped inspire Emiratis adopting fitness into their lifestyle earlier in life, and the discipline of the military has provided a lot of the Emirati population with a very positive attitude toward maintaining a healthy a...