The Dubai Fitness Challenge is one of the most all-encompassing and longest-running sporting events around, with a sheer scope of offerings that can be a bit mind-boggling if you can’t find your way in. One essential element is the Dubai Fitness Challenge app, which not only helps participants track their activity, but provides access to more than 4,000 free classes at more than 250 locations across the city. It can be easily synched with other top fitness apps, too, such as Fitbit, Strava and Apple Health, and has deals and promotions, too.
But it’s the Dubai Fitness Challenge, after all, so once you download the app and figure it out, it’s time to get your head out of your phone and into some physical activity. Here’s some of the best stuff coming up, as well as a taste of what’s already happened.
Train: If you’ve ever wanted to be a Gatorade brand ambassador, here’s your chance. The sports drink is hosting an interactive workshop on Thursday, November 8 from 2pm to 4pm at Warehouse 4, Al Quoz. UK scientist Rebecca Randell will be in town to talk through fueling your fitness. Expect plenty of Gatorade samples too.
Eat: Brunch doesn’t have to be debaucherous. The health-focused group at FitnessInDXB have teamed up with Le Meridien Dubai to host a uniquely healthy Saturday feast. You can pop along this weekend from 1pm to 4pm for lean cuts of meat, fresh salads, loads of protein and more. You can also join the group’s outdoor beach bootcamp on Friday morning.
Bounce: Nothing screams fun like bouncy castles meets adventure races, and Dubai’s latest four-piece inflatable obstacle course is exactly that. This weekend they offer a new fun race, operated as part of the Dubai Pre-Owned Boat Show at the Dubai Creek Marina, where you can sweat in bouncy style. Expect to run, jump, crawl and compete over two laps. Winners get raffle tickets linked to prizes like dinners, airline tickets anywhere in the world, and access to another inflatable event in late November.
Sweat and win: If sweating is your goal, Fitbit has teamed up with Crank, the new fitness studio in Alserkal Avenue, for a serious workout on Tuesday, November 13 at 7.30pm. There’s the chance to win a Fitbit Charge 3. Book by emailing [email protected].
Dare: Thrill seekers can brave the XDubai Slingshot at Kite Beach. As the fastest human slingshot in the region, this temporary ride will fling you some 120m at up to 100km per hour. And if you miss it this weekend? Don’t stress – the slingshot is around until December 31.
Run: Runners have plenty of choices this weekend. On Friday November 9 The Dubai Festival City Half Marathon gives you the chance to jog along the waterfront, while the gruelling Reebok Wadi Bih Run brings more adventurous runners to Hatta. Families and color lovers can nip along to The Color Run on Saturday November 10, a race that claims to be the happiest on the planet.
Experience: Get a full-body workout with Motion cyclists Ivana Bruic and Nesa Rassouli on Saturday November 10. This energetic best-friend duo will lead a class on the Kite Beach main stage at 2pm. For body builders, there’s Dubai Muscle Beach this weekend. The show promises fitness competitions and fitness catwalks. Or if you prefer things a bit more serene, check out the Global Mala Project at JLT Park on Friday November 9. This non-profit event is all about bringing together the global yoga community.
And… the week that was
- Mo Farah was spotted in Dubai for Dubai 30×30. Dubai Fitness Challenge ambassador Lilly Sabri snapped a photo of herself with this iconic runner during his trip.
- Marcus Smith has continued his incredible goal of running 30 marathons in 30 days during the DFC. Ex-Men’s Health cover model Luke Morris ran his first marathon with Marcus earlier this week on just a banana and 10km experience.
- The Warehouse Gym has challenged people to do 30 seconds of an exercise while balancing an apple on their heads (#theapplechallenge). Co-founder of TheFitSquad Devinder Bains got a whole floor of Dubai Tourism participating.
- LA’s Urth Caffe has opened in Dubai, bringing plenty of healthy dishes with indulgent twists, like porridge with caramelised bananas, and coffees served in soup-bowl-sized mugs.
Featured photo FitnessinDXB’s Rob Donker (left) and Johnny Young. Courtesy FitnessinDXB
