Fitness
Subterms
More stories
Technogym unveils new Technogym Run at exclusive Dubai Retreat
Life
by Ruman Baig
3 hours agoTechnogym, the renowned fitness brand, recently hosted its inaugural Technogym Retreat in the city of Dubai, creating an unparalleled wellness experience for its global brand ambassadors.
The focal point of this exclusive event was the introduction of Technogym Run, their latest cutting-edge treadmill that has been generating buzz in the fitness industry.
The Retreat brought together a select group of esteemed talents and long-time friends-of-the-brand from various corners of the world, including Giulia Calcaterra, Janis Danner, Dan Churchill, and Jeremy Jauncey, CEO of Beautiful Destinations—an innovative brand in the hospitality and tourism sector with a massive Instagram following of 26 million.
The luxurious Atlantis The Royal resort in Dubai was chosen as the perfect setting for this extraordinary gathering. A masterpiece of design and architecture, this resort pushed the boundaries of imagination and served as a fitting backdrop for the exceptional event. The team of ambassadors enjoyed top-level workouts in the opulent 12,141-square foot Royal Mansion Penthouse, a true gem connecting the two sides of the iconic building.The Retreat commenced with an invigorating HIIT sunrise workout on the groundbreaking Technogym Run. This state-of-the-art home treadmill revolutionizes fitness training, enabling users to combine strength and cardio workouts seamlessly. The slat-belt technology ensures a quiet and smooth running experience, making it an absolute delight for fitness enthusiasts.
After the high-energy workout, the team delved into a nutrition class, led by none other than Dan Churchill—a renowned performance chef and Culinary Creative Director of Centr, Chris Hemsworth’s lifestyle app. With summer approaching, Dan shared invaluable tips to stay in peak condition, including the importance of consuming 3 liters of water daily, incorporating dietary fiber into meals, and ensuring a minimum of 7 hours of restful sleep each night.
The Technogym Retreat provided a unique opportunity for the brand’s ambassadors to experience the Technogym lifestyle firsthand, forging a deeper connection with the brand’s mission to promote fitness, health, and well-being worldwide. The event was a resounding success, leaving the participants inspired and ready to spread the message of holistic wellness in their respective communities.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Supplied by Technogym MoreAl Tayer Group collaborates with DAHC to prioritise prenatal care at Latifa Hospital
Life
by Ruman Baig
6 hours agoAl Tayer Group and Dubai Academic Health Corporation (DAHC) have forged a partnership to lend support to prenatal healthcare at the esteemed Centre for Prenatal Pediatrics, located within Latifa Hospital.
“At Al Tayer Group, we stand firm in the belief that the betterment of our society as a whole is firmly rooted in our ability to nurture and care for members of our community. We are delighted to make this contribution to the Latifa Hospital, as a continuation of our commitment to support the noble efforts of the hospital, in providing exceptional facilities and care to women and children in the UAE,” stated Mr. Ahmed Al Tayer, Director of Al Tayer Group, talking about his endorsement for the project.
Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, which manages philanthropic endeavors of DAHC, shared a similar sentiment, saying, “Investing in the earliest stages of life holds the power to shape a brighter and healthier future. The Center for Prenatal Paediatrics signifies DAHC’s commitment to the well-being of expectant mothers, their children the future of health for generations to come. By bringing together technology, esteemed medical expertise, and compassionate care under one roof, this center does not only set the standards of excellence in prenatal healthcare but also ignites a beacon of hope for families across the region.”
The core of Al Tayer Group’s ethos lies in their commitment to delivering superior quality and customer service. The organization fosters a corporate culture that values empowerment of employees, celebrates diversity, and encourages thought leadership—all firmly rooted in an ethical framework. Furthermore, the Group actively supports numerous charitable endeavors and passionately champions initiatives that provide children access to quality education and future opportunities.
Meanwhile, the Dubai Academic Health Corporation (DAHC) is dedicated to advancing healthcare services in Dubai by establishing an innovative academic framework that seamlessly integrates healthcare, medical education, and cutting-edge scientific research. The Corporation is steadfast in its mission to elevate the efficiency, quality, and accessibility of healthcare services in Dubai, all in strict accordance with the highest global standards and best practices.
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Supplied by Al Tayer group MoreI Tried Pole Dancing Classes for 3 Weeks and My Confidence Skyrocketed
As a ClassPass addict, one of the main ways I maintain my motivation to work out is by constantly switching up the type of exercise I’m doing. Pilates? Love it. Bootcamp? Give me a second to caffeinate first, and then I’m there. Spin? Ready to clip in. Lifting? A tried-and-true classic. However, there are some types of physical activity that even I haven’t given a shot, and one of those is the controversial pole dancing. So for three weeks, I consistently took (beginner level!) pole classes, recorded my thoughts, and developed some major arm gains (and confidence) in the process.
Why take a pole fitness class in the first place?
It all started at Denver Pride, when a local pole studio had a pop-up where anyone who walked by could have a chance to spin on the pole. Guided by an instructor, I tried out what I later learned to be a “ballerina spin,” and found myself thinking a few things: first, that was way more physically challenging than I thought it would be, and second, that was SO fun. I was hooked, and I signed up for a beginner class right then and there.But beyond a physical challenge and a fun new workout, I found myself drawn to the idea of a “sexy workout” for a specific reason. As a 22-year-old woman, it can be hard to feel like my sexuality is something that exists entirely for me; it’s a difficult thing to take ownership of when there are social pressures to “be sexy” for partners and in terms of my general physical experience.
On the other end of the spectrum, exercise is something I have no problem doing just for me. I’ve worked hard to get to the point where I work out to feel myself getting stronger and for my own physical and mental health, and not for outside perceptions. By combining sexiness with physical activity in a pole dancing workout, I hoped to feel a little bit more like my sexuality was something that exists for myself and no one else.My First Impressions
Before my first pole class, I felt some nerves; luckily, I was headed to a first-impression class offered specifically for beginners, so I wasn’t the only one with no background experience. The class started with pretty standard upper-body warm-ups, like head rolls, arm circles, and a push-up variation commonly known as the “sexy push-up.” We learned how to walk around the pole—always on tip-toes—and the dynamics of a spin. For the final minute of the class, the instructor turned down the lights and allowed us to practice however we liked with no instruction for the duration of the song, giving me hardcore flashbacks to free dance at the end of ballet classes in my childhood.
The following five pole classes I took over the next few weeks followed a similar structure: warm-ups and conditioning, floor work that was always physically challenging and engaged my core, learning the dynamics of a spin on the pole, and a free dance portion. Though I took a different instructor each time, I never felt judged when I asked for help with choreography. In some crowded classes, I took turns learning spins on the pole with a partner; in other less crowded classes, I received more hands-on instruction.Pole Fitness as a Workout
If you’re looking for a fantastic shoulder and back workout, all I have to say is that you are definitely missing out on the physical benefits of pole dancing. At the risk of stating the obvious, it takes quite a bit of upper body strength to stabilize and hold yourself up on a vertical pole as you spin around it—who knew?! After taking my first class, my shoulders were super sore, and once I became more skilled at the simultaneous push-and-pull motion that comes from having both hands on the pole, I felt a ton of engagement in my back. At the end of the three weeks, I can tell that my upper body has gotten much stronger.
Beyond the upper body workout that is pole dancing, I found myself challenged by the constant relevé that the activity requires: there’s a reason pole dancers usually wear heels, and it’s not for aesthetics. The act itself requires being on your tip-toes constantly, so heels eliminate a bit of calf strain. Like most dance classes, pole dancing also pushes flexibility and posture, two elements of exercise that I rarely find myself focusing on in more traditional workout classes.How Pole Fitness Changed My Confidence and Self-Perception
To be completely honest, there were a few moments during my 3-week pole dancing journey when I felt self-conscious, confused, or even downright uncomfortable. Pushing myself to connect with a simultaneously creative, sexualized, and strong version of myself in a room full of strangers and an instructor was hard, and required a level of vulnerability I was pretty unfamiliar with.
However, in spite of the physical and mental challenge of pole dancing itself, I’ve never had so much fun in a relatively low-impact workout class. When I allowed myself to get out of my head and into my body when learning and practicing the different spins, I found myself having a straight-up great time. The music was always on point, the community of the studio I attended felt tight-knit and supportive, and the thrill of perfecting a new skill with each class was incredibly refreshing.
When it comes to trying out a “sexy workout,” I can’t recommend it enough—though it tested my confidence, pole dancing pushed me to connect with a physically creative side of myself. The instructors encouraged us to record videos of ourselves during each free dance, and looking back at those videos of myself dancing is so fun. Not only do they allow me to see how much I’ve progressed in terms of skill, but rewatching those videos makes me feel totally hot. And the best part? They’re just for me.I Tried the 3-2-8 Method for 2 Months
Here’s Why I’m Telling Everyone To Do It Too MoreJames Miller of Embody Fitness on getting your body ready for summer
Life
by Amy Sessions
3 hours agoFor the Summer Escape Issue, we discuss getting summer ready with James Miller, Founder of Embody Fitness. And no, you haven’t left it too late.
What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine and how does this differ on vacation?
My alarm normally goes off around 4.45am so I can jump in the car and start my morning Ironman training by 5.30am which consists of either 2-3 hours of cycling or 3 hours of swimming and running and then a gym session. This is my morning ritual, and it ensures I start the day positively. I feel great when I do this as I train with amazing people, and I am then ready and energised to take on the dayahead. When I am on vacation I do enjoy not needing to roll out of bed before 5ambut I will always start the day with physical or mental exercise but in a more relaxed and probably less demanding manner thanwhen I am training for performance.
We have eight weeks until we hit summer vacation – how can we shape up in terms of exercise now?
Eight weeks is a good amount of time to make a very positive impact on your physique if you follow a high qualitytraining and nutritional programme, but it will require a focused approach with littleroom for error. I personally prefer havingthese periods of really dialling in my training and nutrition, especially if I know I’m goingon holiday at the end of the phase. In terms of how training would look – I think many make the mistake of panicking, doing far too much cardio or HIIT classes and eating 500 cals a day in an attempt to radically drop weight. You may drop fat but you are also likely to drop muscle mass and you may feel worse as a result of such a dramatic short term approach. You are going to want to prioritise strength training, specifically compound strength exercises that recruit a lot of muscle mass. Exercises like bench press, cable rows and different forms of squats work all the major muscles in the body and yield a higher stimulus than smaller exercises like bicep curls etc. This will help to preserve lean muscle mass while in a calorie deficit and then by dropping body fat your overall body composition will improve much more and you will see a better physique in eight weeks time. In terms of results that are achievable that will vary depending on individual start points, however if you following basic principles of a calorie defi-cit along with at least three, well structured, strength training sessions you will see your body change on a weekly basis. At Embody Fitness many of our clients achieve very dramatic changes in as little as eight weeks byfollowing our expert coaches and nutritionists with a high level of consistency.How important is diet and what should we be eating?
At Embody we don’t just look at calories, although a healthy calorie deficit is paramount if we are looking to lean down. A healthy calorie deficit would be roughly a 10-20% deficit. So if your maintenance calories were 2000 kcal per day dropping down to 1600-1800 would be safe for the relatively short period of eight weeks. Depending on your start point, any fat loss of between 0.5-1kg per week is considered safe and sustainable. Also making sure you have at least 1.8g of protein per kilo of bodyweight is essential as this helps with muscle building and recovery. We would also go one step further at Embody – we are ascertaining what could be highly inflammatory foodsfor our clients from the start of their journey. We make sure you are eating not only for physique but a healthy gut as well, which is essential to optimal health. One thing I have learned from our coaches at Embody Fitness, who are all qualified sports nutritionists, is the importance of the microbiome. The microbiome is responsible for our immune system, our ability to recover from training and just about every human function. Eating foods that promote good gut health is essential to good metabolic health. Foods like garlic, asparagus and artichokes for example are all prebiotics which will help feed good bacteria in the gut leading to less inflammation (think achy joints) which one could argue would lead to better training performance. At Embody Fitness we are very focused on delivering long term sustainable outcomes, so it’s important to put foods on your plate that not only make you look good but also help you feel great and allow you to perform at your best. Consistency is so important – how does your six-week summer ready programme support staying consistent across all key factors to have you summer ready? Commitment and consistency are two of the most important factors when it comes to achieving lifechanging results at Embody Fitness. Embody’stransformation programmes are all completely holistic and customised to every person to maximise their outcomes. We undertake a very detailed analysis on our clients at the start of any programme so thatwe can build the most effective and advanced programme for every individual. Personalised meal programmes and three personalised training sessions a week with regularnutrition and body composition retests are all performed throughout your two or three month programme. We also want to establish and monitor healthy lifestyle habits to ensure you are on track to reaching your target which we can do through our Embody App. With the launch of our new personalised Embody Meal Plans consistency has never been easier.
Should we be prioritising sleep as part of this process? Sleep should be prioritised regardless.
Sleep is our time to recharge, reset and regenerate. There is no such thing as over training, only under recovery. Without sleep, the foundations for everything become disturbedand our metabolism can be negatively affected, the ability to recover between training sessions will be compromised and our hormonal levels will fluctuate greatly. To positively set our circadian rhythm – which is our natural internal body clock – we need to aim to get around 7-8 hours good quality sleep each night and try to get to sleep as close to 10pm as possible. Our bedtime routine is crucial when optimising sleep. Switch off blue light (phone, tv etc) 20-30 minutes before bed and do not consume caffeine any later than 8 hours before scheduled sleep time. Supplements including magnesium, zinc and ashwagandha can be great additional tools to help suppress the nervous system in the eveningand prepare the body for optimal rest.What is your take on doubling up on workouts in a day – does it work?
Personally, I train 2-3 hours a day from 5.30am every morning and then I also do three strength sessions a week at Embody Fitness with one of our sports performance coaches and I take ice baths at Embody around three times a week for recovery. This is a relatively high volume of training a week but it is required to be able to compete at Ironman events which are long and races requiring a high level of endurance fitness. On the other hand, training twice a day for someone that is a complete beginner or hasn’t been training consistently for months isn’t the best of strategies. Let’s take an average client of Embody for example who lives a fairly sedentary lifestyle and doesn’t do any exercise but wants to get in better shape, lose body fat, and have more energy. If that sounds like you, you’re going to see incredible results just from strength training three days a week and being more active throughout the day. Over time you could start introducing more cardio on your non-training days but you’d never have to do more than one workout in a day to achieve those goals. I say this from experience and seeing thousands of clients who have been able to transform their bodies with our Embody Fitness transformation programmes.
How important is hydration?
Adequate hydration is crucial and often overlooked because of how simple the advice of “drink more water” might seem. But if you remember that our bodies are made up of 60% water then you’ll appreciate just how vital it is to be hydrated. From regulating our body temperature, lubricating our joints, and improving physical performance, mood, and cognitive function the benefits are countless. What’s the biggest roadblock in getting summer ready in a short timeframe? A lack of commitment and not having the right plan which will lead to results are often two of the biggest roadblocks to achieving results. This is why our clients at Embody Fitness do achieve amazing results… they are definitely committed when they sign up to us and we ensure they are achieving the best personalised programme for them that ensures they see the actual changes in their body on a weekly basis. We have recently launched our Embody Online training programmes which now means for clients who can not physically visit us they can follow our expert guidance in all areas themselves so now all they need is the commitment on their end and watch the amazing results take shape.
Do you work out on vacation and what would you suggest if you a) have a gym and b) you can only use your own body weight?
Holidays are important to unwind and relax and recharge so I tend to take a lot off my training schedule during this time. However daily exercise is important to me for both physical and mental wellbeing so even if I take a walk, go for a slow jog or do some deep stretching then this is still important to me. If I am on holiday somewhere quite remote or in the Swiss mountains where I spend a lot of my time in the summer I will do a lot of hiking, cycling and swimming and a few bodyweight “full body” workouts. You can always incorporate the use of bands or suspensioncables like a trx if you needed more variety in your exercise selection. However, I will always look to maintain my three strength sessions a week as this is a ritual for me and helps me maintain my strength and muscle mass on top of all the cardio training I do.
This is The Summer Escape Issue – where will you be escaping to this summer?
I spend two months in the summer in one of my favourite places in the world, Crans Montana in the Swiss Alps. I feel like I am in heaven when I am there with my family and I enjoy the outdoor lifestyle and freshclean air in some of the most beautiful nature the world has to offer.
July/August’s – The Summer Escape Issue with Tania Santos Silva – Download Now
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Supplied MoreConnie Ferguson’s Favourite Strength Training Workouts
When personal trainer Muzzi Zikalala first started training our July/August 2023 cover star Connie Ferguson, together with her close friends, the mandate was clear. Connie wanted muscle strength in her legs and upper body. “She already does boxing and skips regularly. Anyone who loves boxing needs to have muscle strength to be able to maintain a firm stand.”As a group, our focus at the moment is legs and butt,” says Zikalala. He adds: “The exercises vary. On some Saturdays, we focus on quads, glutes and calves and the next time we focus on hamstrings, glutes and calves. And on other days, it’s a round-off of everything.”
READ MORE: Get Cover Star Connie Ferguson’s Look
When it comes to exercise, and overall, fitness Zikalala says Connie’s mindset is already on point. “If we’re doing four sets, that’s exactly what she will do — even if it means taking a breather. But she never cheats an exercise,” he says. The point, he reiterates, is to always push past the pain point because that’s when muscles really start to get transformed.
“The one thing I enjoy about training sis’ Connie is that she never rushes an exercise. She takes things slowly, which is how you attack muscles. The slower you do it, the more painful it is, the more it burns and the more beneficial it is.”
Below, are some of the moves that Zikalala has curated as part of Connie’s strength training programme.
Donkey Kicks
[embedded content]
Fire Hydrants
[embedded content]
Hip Thrusts
[embedded content]
Leg Extensions With A Twist
[embedded content]
Leg Press With A Twist
(PS: this one almost always brings Connie to tears, warns Muzzi)
[embedded content]
Squats With A Ten-Count Pause
[embedded content]
Walking Lunges With Weights
[embedded content]
Also Worth Noting
When switching from a cardio-focused to a strength training programme, remember that it’s a different type of fitness altogether. “Fitness in its very nature is varied and wide. You could be a brilliant swimmer but struggle when you get to weight training because now you’re loading the weights on top of your own body weight. Because you’re now pushing with, probably, twice the force that you would when doing cardio,” says Zikalala. More
5 amazing ice baths in Dubai to keep you cool you this summer
Life
by Sarah Joseph
1 hour agoLooking to cool down during this extreme UAE heat? Here are five of the best ice bath spots to visit in the summer.
Embody FitnessEmbody Fitness offers state-of-the art recovery suites, Olympic standard gym equipment, sport therapy treatment rooms, luxury changing rooms and a healthy café. For expert sports therapy, customers can utilise the modern recovery suite including infrared saunas, ice baths and sports therapy treatment rooms to improve their performance to the next level. Located in ICD Brookfield, the session is priced at Dhs130 for 60 minutes and Dhs1,200 for unlimited sessions per month.
ContrastGuests can experience an immersive ice bath to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, aid muscle recovery and strengthen mental resilience, making it the perfect modality to complement the sauna experience. As a sanctuary for recovery, visitors can soothe, switch off, rest and recharge. With both hot and cold therapy, guests have the choice to promote relaxation and detoxification. Located at Golden Mile 6, Palm Jumeirah, the Ice Bath is priced at Dhs95 per 30-minute session.
ReFIVE SpaPlunge into the icy cool waters at the Ice Bath at ReFIVE Spa Palm Jumeirah. After quickly becoming one of the top wellness treatments, this cold-water immersion action has an array of epic benefits including faster muscle recovery, improved sleep patterns, stress reduction and even boosting immunity. With the assistance of the trained therapists, you immerse for as long as your body needs while coaching you through with breathwork and meditation exercises. Located at Five Jumeirah Village, the Ice bath therapy is priced at Dhs125 per session.
BoxicaGuests can opt for this regimented training technique to regulate the nervous system and train the vagus nerve which is linked to the parasympathetic nervous system. Beneficial to anyone, ice baths are recommended to be between 10 to 15 degrees Celsius. This experience is designed to improve mood, completemental clarity, reduce inflammation,muscle soreness and conquer fear. Located in Dubai Studio City, the sessions are priced at Dhs100 for Boxica members and Dhs150 for non-members.
LongevityLongevity offers a variety of wellness treatments focused on athletic recovery and performance, including infrared saunas, sports massages, yoga, stretching, and mobility treatments, in addition to ice baths. Founder Dani Afiouni is a passionate mountaineer with extensive experience in endurance sports and brought his expertise to Dubai to allow athletes and health enthusiasts to use cold water immersion to unlock their bodies’ recovery potential. Located at Umm Suqeim, Warehouse #S6, the cold dip is priced at Dhs115 per session.
July/August’s – The Summer Escape Issue with Tania Santos Silva – Download Now
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Supplied MoreREVEALED: Planet Fitness’ Supercharge Sweat Is Heading To Fit Night Out!
To get ready for the best workout party in the country, we’re showing you all the magic the trainers will be bringing to Fit Night Out. The Supercharge Sweat with Planet Fitness promises to be a high-energy routine that you’ve never tried before. “It’s a fun, engaging, non-stop, low impact, high energy, calorie-guzzling exercise to music class,” says Ceri Hannan, head of product at Planet Fitness. At this class, you can expect music-driven moves that’ll keep you pumped up all the way through.
Why we’re loving Supercharge Sweat
This class is made exactly for group classes, using the vibe from the crowd as fuel to go harder. “When it comes to ‘classes for the masses’ The Supercharge Sweat class is perfect,” explains Hannan. “Doable choreography is the name of the game, set to music from musical theatre to Michael Jackson!’” And this workout has pumped up the crowd the world over, from Iceland to India to Times Square. “For me, the magic is all about making the participants feel like the real rockstars,” says Hannan. Ready to rock?
What makes group classes so special
It’ll hold you accountable
Per a study in the Journal of Social Sciences, people gravitate towards the exercise behaviours of those around them. What that means? Working out in a group setting pushes you to work harder, since you’ll be with peers around you who are working hard, too.
There’s strength in numbers
When going it alone, you’re likely to stumble. But with a group supporting you, you’re more likely to push through and make it to the other side. Study after study shows that working out in group settings keeps you going for longer.
You’ll have fun
You’re more likely to be smiling your way through the workout, since you’re spending it in a group setting, with people around you. And Supercharge Sweat is going to be so much fun that you’ll forget how hard you’re working!
You’ll stay motivated
Last set of moves really getting to you? Being in a crowd setting pumps up your motivation – and positive vibes are infectious, permeating throughout the entire area, so everyone feels as good as the next person.
At Fit Night Out, we’re bringing tons of workouts from different forms of movement that’ll challenge and inspire you on your journey. “The magic of group exercise is super special and seeing thousands of people all connecting and moving as one is priceless,” says Hannan. Want in? Get your tickets to Fit Night Out right here! More
