Dubai residents get hooked to fitness challenge

dubai - Dubai has answered a call from Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, in an overwhelming fashion with 35,000 people registering for the first-of-its-kind Dubai Fitness Challenge.

And more than 10,000 people made their way to Al Safa Park for the Opening Weekend Carnival. There are many more lined up until November 18. But the 30x30 challenge is not restricted to carnivals alone. The Dubai Fitness Challenge has inspired many people to get fit and active.

And that meant various health clubs and sports outlets around Dubai are reporting more numbers, clearly showing that the emirate and its people have embraced Sheikh Hamdan's unique initiative.

Gold's Gym, one of the famous fitness centres, has had people trickling in at its Al Barsha Mall outlet.

"There have been more people enrolling in our gym ever since the Dubai Fitness Challenge was announced. There have been good numbers and there has been a substantial increase. We now have 2,500 members compared to 2,100 previously," Malen, front desk manager, told the Khaleej Times on Saturday.

FitRepublik Fitness Center at The Academies, Dubai Sports City, said it was normal as it was the weekend but expected more people to join over the course of the week.

"It has been normal but that's because it was the weekend and most people were at the launch of the Dubai Fitness Challenge. But we do expect it to pick up over the week," a spokesperson for FitRepublik said.

Sun & Sand Sports, one of the leading sports goods outlets, said they were doing brisk business when it came to training gear. They are also offering a generous discount with the tagline: 'The Challenge is on. Let's make Dubai the most active city in the world'.

"Friday was a good day as there were more people than usual coming in. We expect more over the coming days," said Khalid, store manager at their outlet in Ibn Battuta Mall.

Sandeep Mohan, store manager at Oasis Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, said that their outlets at Deira City Centre and Al Ghurair Centre have seen an upsurge since the challenge was announced.

"It was normal for us as we deal more in heavy training equipment. But our other outlets, especially Deira City Centre and Al Ghurair Centre, have had more people coming in," said Sandeep Mohan Ponnath.

Meanwhile, some residents have found a spark, following the announcement of the challenge.

Ali Asgar Sehrawala, owner of the food outlet Katti Express, said the initiative has motivated him to restart gymming. Ali, who had enrolled at the Etisalat Sports Academy, had used the facility only for four months, but now plans to return.

"The Dubai Fitness Challenge has inspired me to start again. It is a nice initiative and it has also given me a spark to do some physical activity. The important part is not about losing kilos. The important thing is doing a physical activity and feeling good," said the 37-year-old Ali.

Ali also indulges in football twice a week - on Tuesdays and Saturdays - to try and keep fit.

Even time hasn't deterred some. Some of the staff at a hotel in Al Quasis go jogging and do exercise after working late-night/early morning shifts.

Former England and Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand was left awestruck by the response and said that other cities could take a leaf out of Dubai's book.

"I can't believe the response, the people. There are so many people who want to be fit, they want to be able to stay healthy. We in England, we would love to have something like this. I think it is a unique idea and event," he said.

Source: Khaleej Times

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