Get fit in Dubai's great outdoors (while the weather's playing ball)
Ditch the gym for the winter and try everything from ladies-only bootcamps to rooftop yoga and paddleboarding right beside the Burj Al Arab.
Bootcamps
BActive ME
A perfect choice for parents, the BActive ME bootcamps run by personal trainer Emma White are timed so you can get your workout right after the school run. Popular thanks to its effective training methods and supportive, friendly vibe, expect a mix of circuit training, high-intensity interval training and even boxing. Morning classes are ladies only, while the evening classes are mixed, and take place in the Meadows, Umm Suqeim Park and the Springs. Your first class is free.
Umm Suqeim Park, Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah, Dubai, Mon and Wed 8.30am to 9.30am, Sun and Tue 6.30pm to 7.30pm, Dhs75, Dhs480 eight monthly sessions, Dhs600 12 monthly sessions. Tel: (050) 5576877. Taxi: Umm Suqeim Park. bactive.me
Chiselled Chick Bootcamps
This ladies-only bootcamp led by personal trainer Lisa Dee takes place three times a week at sunset on Jumeirah Public Beach. The combination of circuit training, nutrition advice and group camaraderie all but guarantee results, especially as you sign up for a transformational eight-week course.
Kite Beach, Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah, Dubai, Sun, Tue and Thur at 6pm, Dhs1,500. Taxi: Kite Beach. facebook.com/lisadeefitness
Original Fitness Co
This self-described ‘old school’ workout combines easy to follow circuit training moves with pumping tunes in an outdoor setting. Designed to accommodate all levels, it’s perfect for those new to bootcamps as well as more experienced fitness buffs. Classes take place mornings and evenings in Dubai Marina and Downtown Dubai.
Skydive Dubai, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Sun, Tue and Thur 6am to 7am, 7.30pm to 8.30pm. Also Downtown Southridge Park (in front of Building 6), Downtown Dubai, Dubai, Mon and Wed 6am to 7am and 7.30pm to 8.30pm, Dhs50, Dhs300 eight sessions, Dhs450 12 sessions. Tel: (056) 115 0848. Taxi: Skydive Dubai or Southridge Park. ofc.ae
Elite Aesthetics
No list of Dubai bootcamps would be complete without the Elite Chutecamp, a regular fixture down at Skydive Dubai. You’ve probably seen these early morning classes, a mix of strength training and high intensity intervals that include unconventional moves from sprinting with a parachute to pushing and pulling a 4X4.
Skydive Dubai, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Sun to Thur 6am to 7am, Dhs70 or Dhs700 per month. Tel: (055) 5367718. Taxi: Skydive Dubai. eadxb.com
Ignite Military Bootcamp
Commit to a month of workouts with Ignite Wellness and see real results. Their four-week course includes up to 12 sessions that incorporate strength training, cardio and mobility moves. Choose from eight sessions per month at The Park JLT or Skydive Dubai or Dhs700 for 12 sessions at Palm Jumeirah.
Al Ittihad Park, Golden Mile, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, Sun to Thur 6am to 7am. Tel: (04) 4562482. ignite-wellness.com
Yoga
Take your asanas outside with our pick of Dubai’s outdoor yoga classes.
Rooftop Yoga
Every month, Urban Yoga teams up with Talise Fitness to offer outdoor yoga classes on the roof of Emirates Towers. The open sky, bright lights and city views provide an unbeatable backdrop to the flow, which varies depending on the teacher. Mats and water are provided – be sure to sign up ahead of class for a discounted rate. Visit the Urban Yoga website for the most up-to-date schedule.
Talise Fitness, Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 7.30pm, Dhs50 pre-paid or Dhs70 pay on the day for Urban Yoga members, Dhs85 pre-paid or Dhs99 pay on the day for non-members. Tel: (04) 3697882. urbanyoga.ae
SUP Yoga
Ignite Surface offer SUP yoga classes, where you’ll get bendy and challenge your core by following a yoga flow while floating on a paddleboard. According to SUP Yoga instructor Emily Bodhi, it’s the perfect way to combine a challenging workout with a spiritually nurturing activity. Pre-booking is essential. If you love the SUP life, they also do ladies only SUP fitness classes on Friday mornings at 8am.
Riva Beach Club, Shoreline Building 7, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, Sat 8.30am to 9.30am, Dhs125. Tel: (04) 4562482. Taxi: Palm Jumeirah Shoreline Building 7. ignitesurface.com.
Watersports
Feel the burn and still keep cool with these challenging, water-based workouts.
Surf and SUP
If you haven’t yet ticked “stand up paddleboard in front of the Burj Al Arab” off your bucket list, now would be a good time. The calm waters make this the perfect way to soak up the sun while getting a good workout. Rent a board from the Surf House Dubai – if it’s too windy to SUP, maybe you can catch some waves instead.
The Surf House, Sunset Beach, Beach Road, Dubai, daily 7am to 7pm, Dhs75 for an hour, Dhs100 for two hours, Dhs200 for the whole day. Tel: (04) 3211309. Taxi: Sunset Beach, Beach Road. surfingdubai.com
Aqua Yoga
As if yoga wasn’t low impact enough, now you can try it underwater. Held in an infinity-edge swimming pool in one of the show villas at Al Barari, the workout involves flowing through a series of poses and meditation exercises while submerged in water, which allows for optimum stretching and relaxation. Morning and evening classes are available; visit Al Barari’s Body Language website for the latest timetable.
Body Language Health Club, Al Barari, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Nad Al Sheba, Sun to Thur 6am to 10pm, Fri and Sat 8am to 8pm, free for members, Dhs70 for non-members. Tel: (04) 3207350. Taxi: Al Barari. bodylanguage.ae
Fahrenheit Beachsports
Not sure which watersport is right for you? Visit Fahrenheit Beachsports and try pretty much all of them. This new venue located at Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa offers the largest range of water activities in the region, including flyboarding, SUP, surfing and snorkelling. They also have activities for children – you can even book a birthday party.
Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, Sun to Thur 9am to 6pm, Fri to Sat 9am to 6pm. Tel: (04) 3048161. Taxi: Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa. fahrenheitbeachsports.com
– For more about Dubai straight to your newsfeed, follow us on Facebook.
Images: Supplied
Warning: Undefined variable $wo_tag_name in /var/www/html/whatson.ae/public_html/wp-content/themes/whatson-grow/template-parts/post/content-single.php on line 728