Did you know the gym isn't the be-all and end-all of physical wellbeing? Here are some gymming substitutes you're sure to love.
So you're fed up with going to the gym, huh? All those hours spent sweating it out on the treadmill while your eardrums slowly lose their hearing power (thanks, mp3 earplugs) and your mind thinks up all the new ways to curse and swear at whatever it is that made you get on the treadmill in the first place.
But that's the key to physical wellbeing, you tell yourself. How else will you keep mind and body in harmony?
Well here's now. There are so many ways, and none of them involve either a gym or a treadmill.
TRADITIONAL YOGA
This ancient Indian practice is one of the best routes to mental and physical wellbeing. Rhythm Yoga Centre, Karama, a Dubai-based health centre, teaches the knowledge of yoga and its applied sciences to bring good health and relief from various psychosomatic ailments that modern man is subject to. According to owner Sanjeev Krishnan, the human brain has infinite power to tackle any type of pressure and problems, but the individuals concerned need to know the intricate aspect of his powerful brain and physical capacity that can cater to any circumstances in this highly competitive world. The Rhythm Of Life, a 10-day programme, provides a sure antidote for any type of physical and mental health concern. That surely beats dragging yourself to the gym in mind-numbing boredom.
- Where: Rhythm Yoga Centre, Karama
- Contact: 04 3348955; 050 5158488
- Where: Oriental Yoga Sanctuary, Umm Sequeim
- Contact: 04 3956066
HEALTH SPAS
We tried and tried. And then we tried some more. But we just couldn't think of any route to achieving total physical and mental wellbeing, which is more relaxing and pleasureable than a health spa. At the SensAsia Urban Spa there's a host of treatments one could try out that would definitely beat dragging yourself to the gym to lose that cellulite.
The ultimate in spa treatments that work as a replacement for the gym would have to be the 90-minute Body Lean which assists in slimming with the use of the spa's specially blended range of body conscious oils. Mind you, this treatment, although far more pleasurable than going to the gym, isn't exactly the most relaxing spa experience you'll ever have. The masseuse with magic in her hands will begin by brushing you down, scrubbing you thoroughly, working all those muscles in your problem areas (read bums 'n' tums) and finally relax you with a tingling mini massage. And while you'll soon be able to slip into those skinny jeans, your muscles will hurt as they have been exercised thoroughly.
Alternatively, try the Thai Yoga Stress, a dynamic stretching and stress-busting 60 mintues that leaves you feeling fresh and invigorated. Another substitute for the gym is the Just Beat It treatment. It's an hour dedicated to breaking down all your fat deposits while you just lie there and enjoy it – sorta. It is quite a physical treatment. But it beats the treadmill any day. No sweat, no cramps, no boredom. The slightly more adventurous could try out the Chi Nei Tsang. It's an ancient form of belly massage, aimed at giving you that flat tummy minus the stomach crunches. Word of advice though: It's less stressful than gymming it, but still not for the faint-hearted. How much cooler is that as opposed to sweating in out in baggy sweatpants at the local gym?
- Where: SensAsia Urban Spa, in The Village on Jumeirah Beach Road
- Contact: 04 3498850
KICKBOXING
If you're looking for a total body workout that totally kicks butt, while also increasing your stamina, flexibility and strength, this is the way you wanna go. Thailand's national sport, kickboxing has slowly become a very popular way to let off steam while also being an excellent physical sport. And while all the moves tone every inch of your body, your mind is at peace too, as one has to learn to focus, to concentrate, but also to detox the mind of all negativity. It's a sport that uses martial arts-style kicks and western boxing-style punches to defeat an opponent in a way similar to that of standard boxing.
- Where: Colosseum Muay Thai Health & Fitness Club, Zabeel Road
- Contact: 04 3372755; 050 8841778
PHARAOHS' CLUB
So here's something strenous, physical, but exciting as well: Rock Climbing. And before you moan about the weather in Dubai being unsuitable for such daredevil forms of exercise, relax. The Pharaoh's Club at Wafi offers indoor rock climbing on the highest climbing wall in Dubai. Instead of the routiness of the gym, enjoy the thrills of climbing and reap the benefits of cross-training flexibility, strength and co-ordination.
Oh and in case you're wondering how to relax after all that strenous stuff, the club also offers a steam room, sauna, jacuzzi, lazy river, an outdoor pool and a host of other facilities. Trust us when we tell you your body will love you for it. So will your mind – for not boring it to death.
- Where: Pharaoh's Club, Wafi
- Contact: 04 3240251
BIKRAM YOGA
The only place in Dubai that offers this unique style of yoga is Club Stretch. And while most of us know all too well the concepts and how-tos of traditional yoga, Bikram yoga is a different ball game altogether. You see, it's a sequence of 26 classic Hatha yoga postures and two breathing exercises designed to scientifically warm and stretch your muscles, ligaments and tendons in the order in which they should be stretched. It's a 90-minute session created for everyone, regardless of their fitness level. The unique bit about this type of yoga is that it is performed in a heated room, so as to heat the muscles prior to starting. Heat takes the trauma out of stretching, heals and helps prevent injuries. It also promotes sweating which helps flush toxins from the body, giving a wonderful glow from head to toe.
- Where: Club Stretch, Mina Road
- Contact: 04 3452131
PILATES
The gym, with all its traditional aspects of toning, firming and bodybuilding is so passé. And also superficial to an extent. It often changes the bits we don't like when we look in the mirror, but fails to touch upon the real and lasting physical change which involves strengthening the deeper muscles of the body, creating correct alignment and functioning of the joints through an intelligent, scientific approach to movement. Enter Pilates, Hollywood's favourite exercise regime. Pilates is a system of movement and exercise incorporating Eastern and Western philosophies of physical and mental conditioning. It promotes maximum strength while increasing flexibility, coordination and stamina. Plus, it's pain-free and fun.
SLIMMING PROGRAMMES
Ever wished for a fairy godmother who, with the wave of her magic wand, will wave all your wobbly bits away? The folks at Maha Slimming Centre come as close to that fairy godmother image as you'll get.
Instead of having to go to the gym for months on end just to lose a few extra pounds, try any one of the centre's various weight-loss programmes. From giving you a diet plan to muscular massages to control your cholesterol, these guys will have your weigh issues under control. Some of the other treatments include anticellulite therapy (now who doesn't need some of that?), heat therapy for detoxification, stress management, detox massage, electro-cosmetic therapies for muscular fat reduction and firming of the body, ayurvedic herbal powder massage to remove superficial fat and control cholesterol levels and a dry cupping massage therapy which reduces stress, appetite and obesity.
- Where: Al Maha Slimming Centre, Karama and Sharjah
- Contact: 04 3965111, 04 39677901
