Fitness Archives - Undefined Declarations

UD Insider: Dubai School Children Get Fit at the First Ever Kids’ Run

Dubai kids from the 9 to 12 age group category getting fit at an outdoor race at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre.

Under the patronage of HH Sheikha Al Jalila Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Etisalat sponsors the first ever Dubai Kids’ Run

In an effort to educate the UAE’s youth on the importance of healthy eating, regular exercise and an active lifestyle, the first ever Dubai kids’ run was launched.

The two-day event – which took place over the weekend – was organised by CPI Media group, and the UAE Athletics Federation. The UAE’s telecommunications company, Etisalat sponsored the race that was held at Dubai Media City’s outdoor Amphitheatre.

The race brought together the kids of Dubai in a social and fun activity that embodies a strong community spirit.

The 2 kilometer-long race catered to two groups of children. The first race started at 9:30 am and was for kids between the ages of nine to twelve. Children from ages four to eight years old ran straight after that, accompanied by their parents.

Liesa Euton, Race Director says: “We wanted to have a smooth course for the children – not too long and not too short – because we want to give them just a little bit of a challenge.”

Collectible medals were given to all the participants at the end of the adrenaline-filled race.

The first-place winner from each race category received an IPad Mini and a hamper including a variety of gadgets, gift certificates and a three-month gym membership.

The top five winners from each category have also received goody bags worth over 3,500 AED.

The event attracted more than 5,000 people, amongst cheering parents and active children.

With more than 2,000 kids participating in the race, the Etisalat Dubai Kids’ Run will be an annual event in the Dubai calendar.

Ahmed Kamali, President of the UAE Athletics Federation says: “We put this run in the calendar, so that it’s going to be like any of the future races; like Dubai Marathon for 17 years, and Dubai Women’s Run for the last 6 years. So hopefully, we are planning to have this forever.”

11 year-old Raedan Chettiar came in second place in the boys 9 to 12 years old 2KM Solo category.

“He plays football with his coach, who trained him for two weeks only.” Raedan’s mother says.

“He’s a very active boy; he plays football and cricket.”

Raedan’s coach trains a group of kids at Dubai’s Zabeel park as a part-time hobby. The kids run around the spacious park and play football two or three times a week.

The Etisalat Dubai Kids’ Run proved to be a successful initiative to promote healthy living and fitness amongst the tech-savvy and modern Dubai kids.

An even bigger step forward can be taken by eliminating the unhealthy snacks and sugar treats that were served at the fun fair after the race.

Hopefully, future events will include a variety of healthy snacks, treats and smoothie stands.

Photo Slide Show link:

Click Here.

Link for Etisalat Photo Slide Show:

Gwinn Steens, the first prize winner in the Girls 9 to 12 years-old 2KM Solo Category running towards the finish line at the Etisalat Dubai Kids’ Run.

Six and a half year-old Sasha from France after receiving his medal, at the end of the first-ever Dubai kids’ race at Dubai Media City’s Amphitheatre.

Sasha’s parents, younger sister and grandmother (not in the photo) were all present at the race venue in Dubai Media City to support and cheer him at the inaugural Dubai kids’ run, on the morning of Friday, March 20, 2015.

Shriyash, 6 (left) and Shrinya, 3 (right) pose proudly with their medals after the Dubai Kids’ Run on Friday. The siblings’ mother admits that while her son is very active, her daughter is a little lazy.

The first ever kids’ run was sponsored by UAE’s telecom company, Etisalat.

UD Review: Sri Sri Harmony with Yoga Ashram

Great views at Yoga Ashram Dubai studios

I have a confession to make: I had leftover bean nachos and some guacamole dip for dinner (recipe will be shared soon on the blog). I feel bloated, extremely guilty and very uncomfortable. As if eating a 2-days old leftover mash of beans, corn chips and tomato sauce – that now looks like play-doh – isn’t enough to make anyone feel an ultimate surge of guilt and self-loath…I also just saw a recent photo taken of me at the Zeta restaurant and lounge opening at The Address Downtown Dubai, where I have an obvious bulging belly!

And to top all of this unhealthy diet phase and low workout lifestyle, I am now overwhelmed with University projects and assignments that I need to spend a lot of time working on. This means that I won’t be able to do any proper physical exercise until the term ends sometime in mid-December!

But, at least I have Yoga Ashram just across from my building. If you still haven’t read my previous posts about this lovely yoga studio, then you are missing out big time. I’ve been trying out a couple of their classes, and I must say that each class they offer is distinct and different.

My latest review was of their Hatha Yoga class. This time, I tried a class called Sri Sri Harmony. Which is also very different in essence from the Sri Sri Fit class – which I reviewed earlier.

What is Sri Sri Harmony?

The session is comprised of a combination of breathing exercises and basic yoga postures. Sri Sri Harmony is more of a therapeutic type of yoga, as opposed to a fitness one.

Why Sri Sri Harmony?

The main aim of this type of yoga is to bring back the awareness and balance to the body. This is done by performing a sequence of postures that are done with gentle and repetitive yogic breathing.

How difficult are the postures?

I must admit that the postures and breathing techniques for this class are fairly simple and easy to follow for all levels. This is a great class for beginners to yoga, as the postures are very basic and don’t require much effort.

Who should attend this class?

Anyone who is looking to meditate, release tension and destress should give this class a try. It’s a great way to let go of all the stress and negative emotions, and to bring more awareness and presence to the body in a very relaxed and casual environment.

What are the benefits of this type of yoga?

At the end of the class, you will notice that your breathing is more deep. You can take longer inhales and exhales, and you start to breathe correctly. You will feel as if the lungs are more open and that you are more relaxed and less stressed.

I personally felt that the blood circulation in my body has improved greatly – as I always have cold hands and feet. I also could feel that my abs have toned and that feeling continued for two days after the class!

Of course, with all the stress from my University school work, meditating with Sri Sri Harmony surely helped reduce my stress and anxiety levels.

Whenever you visit Yoga Ashram, you will feel as if you have entered a new space – full of positive and peaceful vibes. That is also made more powerful with the help of the extremely friendly and genuinely kind staff.

In a nutshell:

If you’re looking for a way to find peace and presence in the midst of a busy, fast-paced and hectic lifestyle, then you won’t regret trying Sri Sri Harmony. The session offers a simple and effective way to re-energize the body and soul with basic breathing and yoga postures.

Note: When we breathe, we only use up to 30% of our lungs. Sri Sri Harmony helps us make use of 90% of our lungs’ capacity.

Honestly, I can’t wait till I’m done with my University course so that I can become a regular at this authentic and blissful yoga studio.

The next time you are in JLT, give Yoga Ashram a visit and you won’t be disappointed.

Yoga Ashram is located in Cluster X – X3 tower (1504).

Tel: +9714 – 3609028
Email: info@yogaashram.com

Web Site: http://yogaashram.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yogashramJLT

I can’t wait for my next Yoga Ashram class, not only to shed off some of the weight that I’m accumulating and tone up, but also to see the lovely and warm team at that studio – who make it a truly one of a kind fitness and well-being center.

Rebellious Diva Signing off X

UD Review: Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi Waterpark

UD visits Yas Waterworld waterpark in Abu Dhabi!

I can’t believe it took me this long to visit Yas Waterworld waterpark in Abu Dhabi! I think the main reason was the fact that I don’t drive, and so the idea of venturing out of the city requires some sort of planning and transportation arrangement.

The best part was that I got to spend my Friday doing something completely new, fun and exciting! Plus, being an outdoorsy person and a cancerian, means that walking around barefoot on grounds made cool with water sprays and splashing in water for a full day is my ideal definition of the word leisure!

If you need an instant boost to your mood, an intense dose of adrenaline rush, or simply a unique and fun way to spend a weekend, then Yas Waterworld should be on the top of your list 🙂

The park is open from 10 am to 7 pm daily. And there are clear directions for how to get there on the waterpark’s web site.

UD is excited about visiting Yas Waterworld!

What’s unique about this waterpark?

Yas Waterworld is not your ordinary waterpark. It’s a waterpark with an Arabian theme and concept.
There are water sprinklers on most of the spaces in the park. So you don’t have to worry about walking barefoot in the UAE summer heat.
There are even members of staff spraying water on you at different locations – just to cool you off while you walk to your next ride.
The whole atmosphere in this waterpark is so lively, upbeat and full of a strong zest for life and happy times 🙂
There are professional photographers scattered around the park to take your picture in the water, in front of the slides, or even at the roller-coaster ride.
There is underground irrigation, which helps keep the ground cool at all times. This makes it easy to walk without flip flops throughout the park.
There are dance competitions for kids with passes as giveaways.
There was a pearl diving show for both adults and kids. Which is great for expats to learn about the pearl diving culture and heritage in the region.
There were performers all across the park on the day I visited. As it was the first day of the start of the 100 family days – an event which will go on until the end of the year.
The park has a wide range of food and drink options. The ice-cream is not to be missed! super delicious!
There are different levels of the rides. So whether you just want to slide down a river in a floater or go down a vertical drop slide, there’s definitely something for everyone.
There’s a good number of rides and activities for kids too.
There was music all over the waterpark. And my favorite radio station – Channel 4 FM – were at the park on that day 😀

Here are some of the photos from the rides that I went on (mind you, my friends and I went on all of the rides twice and three times on one of them!):

The Bandit Bomber is a super cool roller coaster ride – only more fun since you’re in your swim wear! This ride gives you a full tour of the waterpark with crazy detours and turns that will blow you out of your mind 😀 in a good way though….it’s also very breezy up that ride!

Bandit Bomber ride at Yas Waterworld in Abu Dhabi

This ride had different speeds and you can choose the one that matches your fitness level 🙂

Slither's Slides at Yas Waterworld waterpark — Slither’s Slides at Yas Waterworld waterpark

waterpark fun at Yas Waterworld in Abu Dhabi

The “beach” or “waves” pool is great for chilling out in between rides. This is me doing poses in the “beach” pool 🙂

UD at Yas Waterworld "beach" pool — UD at Yas Waterworld “beach” pool

Great fun at Yas Waterworld in Abu Dhabi

Being the coffee addict that I am, of course I had to look for a place that serves iced-coffee. And I’m glad to say that I wasn’t disappointed because Yas Berry Cafe serves up a variety of drinks from smoothies to coffees to all things refreshing and delightful…

The surf pool seemed cool, maybe I’ll try it next time 🙂

The surfing pool at Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi

They even have body drying machines at the park! which come in handy when you forget to bring your swim suit wet bag like I did…

There’s no end to the leisure activities, top quality service and upscale facilities that Yas Waterworld has to offer! Read on to find out more:

Private cabanas.
Sun loungers scattered all around the park and at the area by the “beach” pool.
DJ playing cool tracks near the “beach” pool.
River with floaters that takes you from one side of the park to the other. We used the river to get to the next ride location 🙂
Waterfalls, water splashing at you from random places, and all sorts of water park fun.
Friendly and helpful staff. The general atmosphere at this waterpark is highly positive and refreshing. Everyone is happy to be there and to do their job at their best level.
Professional picture taking – you can choose to buy your photos at the end of the day. I had mine saved on a USB stick.
Good way to stay fit in a fun and cool environment.
Great options for food and drinks. I must try the coconut drink at my next visit. The quality of the food was excellent too.
A range of activities and things to do for kids. As well as exciting competitions.
Events for families. The “100 family days” event will go on till the end of the year. But there will also be other events throughout the coming months.
Upcoming events include: festival of lights, music events, and winter activities.

Result?

I honestly woke up with an unusual high the next morning after my Yas Waterworld adventure! I guess it was the adrenaline rush from going on all those fun and exciting rides. I think everyone should head out to this original and vibrant waterpark every once in a while. It’s a truly refreshing and invigorating way to spend a Friday. One that’s suitable for the whole family too. Everyone from the babies to the elderly and all ages in between were having a blast at this cool waterpark.

Here are the prices that I took a picture of at the ticket booth on my way out…

Note: If you’re visiting the park on a weekend, you might want to go for the premium admission passes. The premium admission tickets allow you to access the rides through the fast lane/track. This means that you will avoid waiting in the long queues for some of the popular rides on a Friday.

For more information, check out Yas Waterworld’s web site or Facebook Page.

I can’t wait to visit this lovely and magical waterpark again. Have you visited Yas Waterworld? If so, what did you think? 🙂

Love,

The Rebellious Saudi Diva

UD Review: Pilates with Tribefit ME!

It was my second time to visit this fitness center which brands itself as a “Fitness and Social Club”. My first visit was during an outdoor yoga event organized by the “Mother, Baby and Child” magazine. Needless to say, it was a highly rejuvenating and relaxing experience to do yoga at a terrace, when the weather was breezy and cool. This time, I was back to Tribefit to check out their Pilates class.

From my personal experience and after two visits to this hip and contemporary fitness club, here’s what I think makes this club different from others and why you should consider visiting:

They offer classes at a professional fitness level, for intermediate to advanced trainees, by highly experienced and motivational instructors.
The club is spacious, with funky and cool interiors, and a number of studios for the different group exercise classes they offer.
There’s an organic food specialty cafe inside the club.
The club regularly organizes social and fitness events for both its members and non-members.
It’s located within short walking distance from the JLT Metro Station (Marina side). Which makes it perfect for those who don’t drive (like moi), or who prefer to take the metro for its convenience.

Now, from my personal point of view, how did I feel about Tribefit’s concept and venue?

The yoga studio where we had our Pilates class had floor to ceiling glass windows, with a view of the Marina-JBR bridge. So it felt like I was in the heart of new Dubai, surrounded by life – as pedestrians walked by over the renowned bridge. It also made me feel nostalgic to my London days! Everything about that studio, the view from those huge windows, the people passing by…all of my surroundings at that moment in time could only translate to one thing: a trip down memory lane to my days in London town 🙂 So if any of you readers are going through some kind of nostalgia for your London days, then I would suggest a simple trip to Tribefit 🙂
Anyone who has lived in Dubai as a single person might have gone through the process of endlessly looking for a compatible partner, only to be left hopeless and disappointed. Well, guess what? there’s a secret place where you can get fit, have fun while doing it, AND get to meet new people who share your interests, love for fitness and positive outlook on life! I believe that anyone who is single and looking for love in the city of Dubai, should give Tribefit a try and see where it goes.

How was the Pilates Class?

The instructor was very friendly and she encourages you to work hard in class, in a very motivational and friendly way.
The class is like one big family. Everyone was so friendly – including the trainer – Kate. The ambiance of the class was very social and friendly.
You will definitely experience the difference in this Pilates class from others. It’s designed for advanced students, with some of the moves being too challenging for not-so fit people like me! However, I was told that the level of difficulty increases as the week goes by. And since I was there on a Thursday, the class was quite intense!
Since some of the postures are too advanced, Kate would guide us on the alternative move for beginners. Which was great. So she would demonstrate the move for the various fitness levels of the students in class. That way, no one has an excuse to lay around on the mat and do nothing!
As this is an advanced form of Pilates, you are certain to feel the results after the class. It is more of a fitness/strengthening/calorie-burning exercise. And not your typical Pilates class.

Check out these two experts in their best headstand split pose! P.S. They are loyal Yoga and Pilates students 🙂

Anna and Tariq doing the headstand split!

Extra Points:

The Yoga studio was beautifully dimmed during our class, with color-changing lights in the ceiling. The ambiance was so relaxing and soothing.
The music playlist was excellent during the class, and it helped in synchronizing the moves to the song beats. Cool factor: high 🙂
Mats, towels of big and small sizes, and lockers are provided to all students. So are showers, sauna and changing room facilities.
Being a big fan of Elken Cafe, I must admit that having a branch of that cafe in my fitness club does score high in my books 🙂
As I mentioned earlier, the location is key for folks who don’t drive – like me. So being able to walk a few steps to the club from the Metro station is a huge plus for me!

Hip and Modern Interior at Tribefit Marina

Who should join Tribefit?

If you’re looking to meet new people and make new friends while socializing in a casual, friendly and positive environment.
If you’re single and are looking to meet new people in a different setting to the typical bar/club scene.
If you live in or around the Marina area, and don’t drive!
If you’re sick and tired of going to your building’s gym, the neighborhood gym, or of walking on the treadmill at your home.
If you can’t stand walking, jogging, or running in the midst of Dubai summer. And are fed up of doing the rounds at the Marina Promenade.
If you hate the loneliness that comes with using the gym equipment and working out on your own.
If you need highly experienced and professional fitness trainers to motivate and guide you to achieve those new year resolutions which you can never seem to reach with every passing season, or year!
If you want to work out in a hip, contemporary and upbeat environment. Where you can meet a friendly and positive crowd.

Contact:

Check out Tribefit’s web site, Facebook Page, or attend one of their social events! Their next event is on Tuesday, August 19. It’s a Bikram Yoga event at 7:30 pm 🙂

I personally look forward to visiting this uber cool and happening club sometime soon to try out another class. And at a future date, I would like to become a member and try out my luck in the Tribal love scene 😉

UD Review: Hatha Yoga with Yoga Ashram

So, I’ve been practicing Yoga and Pilates at this new studio in my neighborhood. It’s called Yoga Ashram and I must say that the classes they offer are as authentic as the name of the studio 🙂

The instructors are highly experienced and certified in yoga practice. And their passion and dedication for this meditative exercise is greatly reflected in their teachings. You will notice that from the first class that you attend at this spacious and relaxing JLT studio.

This time, I was glad to attend another class with Munishwer, who I took a “Power Yoga” class with earlier. You can read all about it here.

Class Name: Hatha Yoga

Trainer: Yogic science and study certified; Munishwer

What is it like?

The class involved a variation of basic yoga moves and postures, that are mainly aimed to enhance your flexibility and muscle strength by using stretching moves and postures.

The different moves also aid in health-related issues, such as digestion, internal organs health, and mental illness. What’s unique about Munishwer’s classes is that he really motivates you to perform at your best and put in the extra amount of effort to do the move properly – regardless of whether you are an advanced yogi or just a novice to the practice.

During the class, Munishwer also continuously shares with us his knowledge about the various poses and the benefits that each move has on both the physical and psychological aspects of the body.

Result:

You might feel a bit sore the next day, but rest assured that it’s a positive sign that you have done the moves correctly and got the most out of the class.
The practice will help tone your body muscles and make you look and feel more fit.
Yoga is a major stress-reliever. So the practice – which includes some meditation techniques – will leave you feeling more at peace with yourself and with everyone around you.
The rest of your day will flow so smoothly and you’ll be able to get more things done, since you experience more “presence” from this spiritual practice.
Yoga also aids in cases of insomnia, anxiety, depression, stress and incessant thinking…which are all too common in today’s busy modern society.

Here are a few images of the trainer (Munishwer) in his two favorite Yoga postures 🙂

Contact:

Check out Yoga Ashram’s web site, Facebook Page, or give them a visit if you live in or around JLT – they are a friendly bunch of people 🙂

Yoga Ashram JLT
1504, Jumeirah Bay X3,
JLT, Dubai,
PO BOX 261301, UAE
Tel: +9714 – 3609028
Email: info@yogaashram.com

It’s time for me to go and check out my Nikon D5100…so stay tuned to this blog for more professional images and exciting posts 🙂

See ya,

The Rebellious Saudi Diva xxx

UD Review: Sri Sri Fit Yoga at Yoga Ashram

I think when you live in a highly fast-paced city like Dubai, you find it challenging to take time off of your busy schedule to relax and simply do nothing. We’re always running to get to work or school, to our next meeting, to run errands…Our minds are forever occupied with thoughts of the next task or activity on our to-do lists. What I find ironic, is that even when I’m going out for a fun night or to catch up with friends, I find myself rushing while getting ready because there is never enough time for anything!

Luckily, I have Yoga Ashram located in the building right next to where I live 🙂 and if you live in the JLT or Marina area, then you can give them a visit too. What I like about this studio is its originality and authentic way of teaching classes. You’ll be able to tell that they genuinely care about their students and want them to benefit from the classes. These days, it’s very rare to find a fitness center who’s not only after profit and getting as many clients as they can to subscribe to their packages (I tend to run the other way from these kind of places).

I’ve been reviewing a couple of classes at Yoga Ashram before deciding which one I want to stick to. Here’s a link to the latest review.

Last Saturday, I went for a free meditation session followed by a Sri Sri Fit yoga class. The meditation session lasted for 35 minutes and it is offered free of charge for everyone. It was a guided form of meditation where we did some stress-releasing breathing techniques and listened to calming instructions from the instructor and a recorder.

Sri Sri Fit is a gentle form of yoga that’s based on breathing techniques and on holding postures for a short period of time.

It helps in relieving stress, anxiety and depression. And I can honestly say that the session was incredibly relaxing and regenerating. I even went into sleep mode for a few seconds in the middle of the session! What I mostly liked about this type of yoga was that its moves were gentle yet highly effective. All the stretching, lifting and even laughing out loudly to relieve stress made wonders to how we all felt after the class. Add to that, the fact that the instructor who teaches this class is one of the owners of Yoga Ashram. So you are guaranteed to a fun and enjoyable class from the experts at the studio.

If you want to take a break from the busy and hectic modern city life, then I recommend that you give Yoga Ashram’s classes a try. These people truly know what they are doing, and are not in it for the profit only. Honestly, if I didn’t have tons of responsibilities and commitments, I would definitely make it a ritual to visit that studio regularly. Who knows, maybe once I’m done with my undergraduate journalism course, I will be a devoted yogi 🙂

Follow them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/yogashramJLT

Or contact them through the method that suits you best:

Address
Yoga Ashram JLT
1504, Jumeirah Bay X3,
JLT, Dubai,
PO BOX 261301, UAE
Tel: +9714 – 3609028
Email: info@yogaashram.com

UD Review: Back and Knee Yoga Workshop with Yoga Ashram

I’ve just gone back to University for the summer term…so my blogging activity might get effected by this fact. Especially since the only subject that I’m taking in the summer term requires a lot of work. Meaning that weekly assignments must be submitted, in addition to a “Media Audience” research project and a closed book exam at the end of the term!

Let’s see how it goes…and hope that the term flies by fast like the previous ones! yes, as you can tell I’m not a huge fan of going back to undergraduate school at the age where you should be done with your PHD :p

But I believe that everything happens for a reason, and we were all given different paths and destinies in life. So we should be grateful and try to stay positive and motivated as much as possible.

Today’s post is another review post. About a yoga studio which I have been frequenting recently to try out their different classes.

I’ve reviewed the following classes at Yoga Ashram:

Last week, I got to take a back, shoulder, neck and knee workshop with Yoga Ashram. The class included an hour and a half or so of yoga, followed by a presentation on common back issues and their prevention methods.

I was glad to attend the workshop with my dear friend and fellow blogger Araceli from What I just Love the Blog 🙂

Our instructor – Harsha – has a total of 15 years of yoga practice experience. She got her certification a long time ago as well 🙂

The class focused on the postures that focus mainly on the neck, shoulders, spine and knees. The moves included stretching exercises and flexibility moves. At the end of the class, we felt greatly invigorated and relaxed.

Araceli from What I Just Love the Blog :) — Araceli from What I Just Love the Blog 🙂

I plan to try some more classes at Yoga Ashram soon, but my next post will be a recipe post for a chickpea tomato soup that I made for myself to cure my cold…I guess that’s what you do when you’re single and living alone!

Sigh….still coughing though 🙁 Hope I get better by the next post!

Check out Yoga Ashram’s web site for more details about their location, classes and social media presence 🙂

Home

Till next time, stay safe and at peace….Namaste 🙂

UD Review: Pilates with Yoga Ashram!

If you’ve been following the blog, you must have read the previous reviews that I had done on this brand new studio located in my hood – well more like just across from where I live! Here are the links for the power yoga and the belly dancing classes’ reviews again.

For this specific class, we had two mat Pilates certified instructors – each gave us a 30 minute intensive workout. I’ve been doing Pilates for a while now, so this was not my first Pilates class. Most recently, I’ve been practicing therapeutic Pilates at Safa Park once a week in the evenings. I find that form of Pilates quite relaxing and invigorating. Mostly because of the earthy, peaceful and quiet park setting.

That’s not to say that practicing yoga or Pilates at Yoga Ashram is not relaxing….as a matter of fact, the spacious studio has a beautiful view of the Emirates golf course and a wide green area. As I mentioned in my previous posts, the studio has wide window walls that make for an open and relaxed space.

If you are trying to loose weight, maximize your fitness levels, tone up and feel like you’ve done a good workout session, then this class is for you. I would say that the moves covered all basic, intermediate and advanced Pilates levels.

It wasn’t too difficult to follow though, as the teachers gave clear instructions as to how to do each move.

What’s the benefit of doing Pilates?

Pilates is a workout designed mainly to tone up the core part of your body. This includes your abdominal muscles, which are the most challenging to tone up. I speak from my personal experience, as I’ve always struggled with that part of my body.

So Pilates is the only workout that solely targets that area of the body, and helps shape it up and tighten it. With the regular practice of Pilates, you will be able to achieve a much tighter ab, toner core and overall fit body shape!

I just love Pilates and it’s the only workout that I find myself sticking to! 🙂

If you have any further questions, check out Yoga Ashram’s web site here.

Signing off for now X

UD Review: Belly Dancing with Yoga Ashram

If you’ve been following my blog, you might have read my earlier post on Yoga Ashram’s “Power Yoga” class. If not, you can have a look here.

After being absent from the “fitness” and “social” scene for a while, I was glad to be back to this welcoming and homely studio situated right next to my building. My plan is to basically try out all their different classes before deciding which one to commit to. I figured I have no excuse not to stick to a regular fitness routine with this studio located just a minute’s walk from where I live!

What’s different about this belly dancing class?

I have tried a belly dancing class not a long time ago at a different fitness center in the same area, so I think my opinion will be considered quite updated and honest at the same time. What I liked about this class was the following:

It started right on time. No delays or changes in timings.
The class was small, so the instructor could pay attention to each student and correct if needed.
The instructor genuinely cared about the students and made sure that we left the class with results.
The instructor continuously corrected our moves throughout the entire class.
The instructor gave clear and detailed instructions for how to do every move.
The instructor told us which moves we need to practice at home and how to fit them into our daily schedule.

Who should attend this class?

If you’re an expat living in Dubai and was always curious to know more about the art of belly dancing, then this class if for you. Also, if you like to learn new dance routines or simply enjoy dancing as a form of working out, then this class will certainly tone up your body and add to your dancing skills.

If you want to learn how to do the “shimmy”, the “camel” and other basic belly dancing moves, then “Shaimaa” will make sure that you get the most of the class.

If you want to experience authentic Arab culture in a fun and interesting environment.

Finally, if you are simply into oriental dance, culture and would love to add more to your Dubai life experience.

Bonus: At the end of the class, “Shaimaa” had us to do a simple choreography dance that includes all the basic belly dancing moves. This was a great way to learn the moves, it also boosted our confidence and made us feel like real dancers 🙂

Contact:

Web site: Yoga Ashram

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yogashramJLT

Twitter: @yogaashramjlt

Stay tuned for my next Yoga Ashram review….coming soon!

UD Product Review: Nutridiet

What is Nutridiet?

It’s a meal replacement shake based on soy protein and low in calorie and fat content. It contains all the essential vitamins and minerals that the body needs and is also high in dietary fiber.

Each serving of Nutridiet consists of 110 – 117 calories.

How does it work?

You simply choose which meal you want to replace, mix the powder with ice-cold water, shake the mixture and drink the shake!

What flavors does it come in?

Forest fruit
Strawberry
Chocolate
Vanilla

What can you do to make it easier to switch to a meal replacement shake?

You must make sure to eat a maximum of three fruits a day, and you can have as many vegetables as you need.

Eating these in between the meals will make it easier for you to stick to the diet and feel healthy and energized. You will also beat the hunger pangs when you incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet.

What else?

Nutridiet has no lactose, no animal content, no milk content, gluten free, high in fiber, vegetarian friendly, cholesterol free, soy based, and only water is needed to make it a meal!

Who should take Nutridiet?

Anyone who wants to loose weight in a healthy way.
Anyone leading a busy lifestyle with no time to prepare meals or is tight on time and working towards a deadline.
Anyone who doesn’t want to worry about counting calories and checking portions and grams.
Athletic individuals who want to have a shake after a workout session.
Busy mothers with no time to prepare a meal, and who want to loose the extra baby weight.
People working in the creative industry with tight deadlines and busy schedules.
Anyone who is looking for a structured diet plan that they can fit into a daily schedule.

My Personal Tips:

Milk can be added to the powder instead of water for a thicker and richer texture. Which is exactly what I was doing!
Coffee can be added to the chocolate shake to give it a more distinct flavor.
You can experiment by adding strawberry milk to the strawberry shake for a change in taste.
Make sure to follow a healthy diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables.
Start by replacing dinner – as that’s the easiest for me…then maybe try replacing breakfast or lunch gradually.
Go for walks and try to keep fit to facilitate the healthy weight loss plan.

Where can I get Nutridiet?

Referral through your doctor or nutritionist.
By calling the following number: 04-431 6006
At UAE pharmacies; Bin Sina, Marina, Planet Nutrition, Planet Pharmacy, Holland & Barrets.
Lulu hypermarket pharmacies.
Check their web site for more information!