Dubai Summer Fitness Options – with the kids!

Way back when (or more accurately almost 7 months ago) I started with a New Year’s Resolution Challenge at Dubai Fit Boot Camp and while I am so glad that I did, the last few weeks have been hard. Not because I’m not stronger and fitter, but because I’ve allowed excuses to make their way back into my routine and I will not lie I’m pretty disappointed in myself. However, I remembered a recent post I wrote where I discussed the “5 Second Rule” and how to use it to help you when you are NOT motivated so I took my own advice. When a friend suggested we attend a fitness class (with the kids?!), I quickly said YES, before the doubts and excuses had time to kick in – and guess what, not only did I feel better, but I discovered not one, but two ways to overcome the excuse of not being able to go to a class because the kids are at home!

Honestly, I think this may be a pretty common excuse during the holidays for us mums so I thought I would share with you two options for getting/staying fit during the holidays that will keep the kiddies busy too! Because

1. Pam’s Metro Fit

Fellow South African mum, Pam Marsh has been running fitness training in one form or another for the last 20 years so seriously ladies – she knows what she is talking about. She generally runs two types of classes at Impact in Motorcity, namely:

• Stretch & Strength which is all about targeting those issues we all have e.g. posture, pelvic floor and joints. These classes include light weights, resistance bands (the odd shower rail) and are in a relaxed atmosphere.
• NIA – Joy of Movement classes. The NIA fitness technique is mind/body physical conditioning which is relatively new to Dubai. Nia combines martial arts, modern dance arts and yoga in a workout set to music. Each class includes mindful movement guidance and somatic education; class cycles include warm-up, sustained non-impact aerobic conditioning, strength training, cool down and stretching.

Starting in July, Pam will be running dedicated Mummy & Me Mini workshops which a comprised of a 1,5-hour fitness class for mums (classes will include both floor and mat strength exercises and dance cardio). The bonus is that the kiddies will be kept entertained with arts, crafts, puzzles and general silliness while mums focus on themselves! For specific timings and pricing, it’s best to contact Pam directly either on mobile (055 447 2585) or via her FB page (Pams Metro Fit) and take it from me, you will not find a gentler soul or more one on one attention than Pam!

    2. Urban Energy

The second option and one I have only recently discovered is Urban Energy Fitness. They have a multitude of classes around Dubai, but the one that particularly interested me and especially during the school holidays is their classes at Kids HQ. You can choose between Fit Mums Sculpt, Boxing or Bootcamp classes and while you sweat it out the kiddies are in the Kids HQ soft play area (this included as part of the class pricing!). These classes work well for the more mobile and active kids who need to burn off excess energy and are a great way to meet new mommies and grab a coffee afterwards. I will not lie, mine spent more time sitting in the class waiting eagerly to have a turn with the boxing gloves and critiquing my push up

These classes work well for the more mobile and active kids who need to burn off excess energy and are a great way to meet new mommies and grab a coffee afterwards.  I will not lie, mine spent more time sitting in the class waiting eagerly to have a turn with the boxing gloves and critiquing my push up technique than running around, but the classes are very relaxed and they are free to roam in and out. If you are expecting, have a read about the Urban Energy Fitness Prenatal classes that Abbey from The Son and the Moon attended for some first-hand information.

Class schedules and pricings are available directly from the Urban Energy Fitness website and you can quickly plan and book the classes you are interested in via their online portal.

So that’s at least one excuse down and two ways to not only get some much needed Mommy Time Out during the Summer Holidays but to also get you and the kids out of the house and having fun!