As the official arrival of summer is marked this week, residents in the Middle East, particularly in the United Arab Emirates, have already been grappling with soaring temperatures for weeks. For many, the summer symbolizes a season of rest, travel, and indulgence. However, for fitness enthusiasts striving to maintain their physique while enjoying holiday festivities, the focus often shifts towards sustaining a structured workout regimen. In light of this, we spoke with five pioneering female founders of fitness studios across the UAE, delving into their perspectives on effective workout classes, the discipline required for a consistent fitness journey, and the soundtracks that inspire their summer routines.
Cardio Effect at Barre Effect
Nora Hameidani, the founder of Barre Effect, emphasizes the importance of both strength and cardiovascular fitness during the hotter months. At her studio, the Cardio Effect class employs an innovative mix of exercise props, including long bands, mini bands, Y-bells, and weights, designed to engage all muscle groups effectively. “Our approach is meticulously crafted to induce muscle fatigue across all key areas of the body,” Hameidani explains.
She highlights the dual benefits of the Cardio Effect class—it not only augments muscle tone but significantly enhances cardiovascular health. “The fast-paced nature of the class elevates heart rates, ensuring that participants enter a cardio zone, which is essential for effective cardiovascular fitness,” she adds. As someone who leads by example, Hameidani advocates for the importance of maintaining physical activity during holidays. “You don’t always need a structured workout; something as straightforward as a brisk 30-minute walk can drastically improve your mental and physical wellness,” she suggests.
Drawing on her own experiences, Hameidani urges families to engage in outdoor activities together while traveling, whether that be by exploring a new city on foot or renting bikes for a unique sightseeing adventure.
For the summer, Barre Effect is offering the BE Summer Ready package: AED 1,400 for 20 classes, valid for 30 days. Hameidani’s choice of summer workout music is a reflective remix of “Lately” by Rufus Du Sol, providing an upbeat rhythm to fuel motivation during workouts.
Movement at Synkro
At Synkro, founders Mariam Sawadeg and Brittany Small have harnessed the liberating power of movement through a combination of dance, yoga, and meditation. Their approach creates an immersive experience as participants don headphones and synchronize with an energetic soundtrack curated for the class. “The practice embodies a holistic experience that engages the entire body—think of it as a full-body sculpting session steeped in high-intensity movements inspired by the vibrant energy of 80s aerobics, yoga, Pilates, and functional training,” they share.
Sawadeg and Small emphasize that their offering transcends mere physical activity; it taps into mental and spiritual wellbeing. “It’s about reconnecting with your body, mind, and energy through movement,” they articulate, indicating a trend in contemporary fitness where emotional and mental alignment is as critical as physical training.
Amplifying Community Engagement
The fitness landscape in the UAE, particularly in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has evolved significantly over the past few years, with an increasing number of individuals recognizing the benefits of congregating for fitness journeys. As the warm months pose their own unique challenges, these fitness studios facilitate not only personal growth but also foster community ties among participants.
Even during summer travel, the momentum can be preserved through simple activities that promote an active lifestyle. Incorporating enjoyable family outings like biking, hiking, or nature walks can help mitigate the sedentary downtime often associated with travel. Furthermore, fitness experts recommend exploring local outdoor workout classes or group activities as a way to meet new people while keeping health and wellness at the forefront of one’s summer agenda.
In conclusion, the summer season presents both challenges and opportunities for maintaining a consistent fitness regime. For those in the UAE, engaging with female-led fitness studios in the region not only supports local entrepreneurship but also allows for meaningful exploration of various workout methodologies tailored to individual needs. With dedicated routines, encouragement from fitness leaders, and the collective spirit of community, achieving summer fitness goals can become an enjoyable and rewarding endeavor.