Sports 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: 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: 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 Review: Yoga Ashram

How I found out about Yoga Ashram:

It’s the beginning of a new year, we all want to eat more healthily and get in shape. But I personally never had that as a new year’s resolution myself! I think my resolutions mostly revolved about realizing goals of bringing in more independence and freedom into my personal life. This year was a bit different though…I had been spending one too many evenings writing blog posts, checking e-mails or working on the blog and my next plan (yes, more like what I’m doing now), and so this year’s resolution involved my decision to put my University degree first, exercising and taking care of my health second and lastly working on my blog.

How am I doing so far? well needless to say it’s 6:32 pm local time and I’m staying in this evening to write this blog post and check e-mails and other “professional network” messages! But guess what, now I actually get to merge the fitness plan into my blogging routine. In other words, I get to do yoga and other fitness classes and review them on my blog! Good way to start the new year? I think so 🙂

How did I find out about this newly opened yoga place? As I was leaving the grocery store under my building, for some unknown reason, I decide to check out the bulletin board for the first time ever! Yes, the Universe does work in mysterious ways. I spot the flyer for Yoga Ashram and immediately tell my yoga-lover friend Olivia about it. I told her that we should check it out one day. But before we got a chance to do that, I randomly meet a lovely lady and fitness instructor (who I will introduce in another post) and we speak about the new yoga place and later walking over to check it out together. Yes, all of these events happened by chance 🙂

What types of yoga do they offer?

The center offers a variety of yoga classes; hatha yoga and vinyasa yoga to name a few. I got to take a “power yoga” class the other day. And I must honestly say that I was extremely satisfied with the way the class was given. Our instructor that evening, Munishwer is an experienced yoga trainer. He has several degrees in yogic science and study. What I liked mostly about his method of teaching was that he took the time to correct our postures throughout the one-hour class. He would also explain to us the right way that each yoga move is done. As well as talk us through the benefits that each specific posture has to our bodies and health.

“Yoga postures are designed to circulate the blood flow to the specific body organs.”

…That was one quote from our expert yoga trainer Munishwer. Munishwer gave us great insight about the many advantages of the various yoga postures to our health and different body organs. His words were also necessary to add even more value to the yoga session. As imaging the blood flowing through the body helps achieve the right results from the class.

How did I feel after the class?

Honestly I felt rejuvenated, more relaxed, and in an overall better mood. My body also felt more toned and my muscles (even neck and shoulder) stretched and worked out. The trainer even asked us about our personal outcomes from the session. While most students mentioned weight loss and toning, I just wanted to relieve some stress after a long week at University. So that class was the perfect ending to my hectic week.

The Space and Location:

You will be impressed by the spacious studio at this yoga center. The main studio where we had the class is so spacious and open. The walls are basically glass windows that have an outstanding view of the Emirates Golf course and the rest of JLT.

Located in Jumeirah Bay X3 Tower, this studio is just a hop away from where I live! Do I have an excuse for not exercising now? Hmm, very unlikely…

Note: Yoga Ashram offer other types of fitness classes as well. Such as Pilates, Belly Dance, and Moms & Tods Yoga!

I’ll leave you with some images from my “power yoga” class to get you inspired. Next week, I try out “Belly Dancing” so watch out for that 🙂

Some Upcoming Yoga Classes:

How do I contact Yoga Ashram?

Call: 04-3609028

E-mail: info@yogaashram.com

Facebook Page: facebook.com/yogashramJLT

Location: Apartment 1504, Jumeirah Bay X3, JLT, Dubai

Strike a Pose at the World’s Richest Horse Race ;)

I wasn’t feeling at my best on the day of the world’s richest horse race – The Dubai World Cup. Mainly because I had started to experience all sorts of symptoms of a cold and have been taking echinacea supplements for a week or so to help prevent further developments of my sickness. But since I was running around all weekend getting ready for the concerts and the Dubai World Cup and dancing the night away at the various indoor and outdoor venues of Dubai, I barely had any time to rest and let my body regain the energy it needed to go on.

But as I have completed three years living in Dubai on this very day (April 1), and have not been to the Dubai World Cup ever since I moved to this city, I knew that I couldn’t afford to miss out on this highly acclaimed and significant event.

So there I went dragging my extremely exhausted and dehydrated body to the lush green race courses at Meydan hotel in Dubai. Where I had been for my social dinner with Jack Canfield. Only this time, I got to spend a whole day outside at the apron views section of the event doing one of the following things:

Trying helplessly to snap good pictures of the speeding horses that passed (flew) by at the course, while standing in a front row next to all the photographers and who knows, maybe there was a blogger or two in the crowd!
Watching the people in the surrounding area and studying their outfits, hats/hair pieces, shoes, hair styles, and everything else that caught my attention. While at the same time making mental notes of what I should be wearing next year at the World Cup!
Pretending to be high society (which I believe has nothing to do with material wealth) and not really enjoying it that much 🙂 Yes, I’m a simple girl who likes to do fun things and random activities. But a change is good every once in a while!

After the final race, the champion was announced: American-based Animal Kingdom won the race. You can read all about it here. A number of acrobats and performers made an appearance after the race was over. Then there was an extravagant display of fireworks ending the ceremony, before everyone headed over to the stage area where Seal would be performing for the after-race party. Unfortunately, my friends had to leave and I was also too tired to stay, so I wasn’t able to see Seal perform.

I will leave you with some random pictures from the event, in addition to some thoughts and tips in case you planned on attending the Dubai World Cup next year. First, I would try to get VIP tickets, or any other type of tickets. As they would offer a better view of the race course and a more enjoyable experience. Especially if you don’t like busy crowds like me. Another tip would be to invest in a unique outfit and hat for the event and enter the Jaguar Style Stakes competition where you can win amazing prizes such as a Jaguar for a year!

Check out the competition details on this link:

http://www.dubaiworldcup.com/jaguarstylestakes