As Dubai prepares for the 30×30 challenge, residents tell us their goals and how they plan to take on the event
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The month-long fitness event is back in the UAE, bringing together countless residents, encouraging them to live healthier lives, with a variety of activities on offer around Dubai.
Dubai Fitness Challenge, which officially started on Saturday, October 28 this year, will continue until November 26.
During the event, the city transforms into a fitness paradise, offering a wide range of free exercise options such as running, cycling, swimming, yoga, weightlifting and even padel.
Considered the flagship events of the month, the highly anticipated events are the city’s largest cycling event Dubai Ride, scheduled to take place on November 12, and the world’s largest fun run, Dubai Run, scheduled to take place on November 26. .
Thousands of people went to Sheikh Zayed Road to celebrate the occasion.
Adeeb Mohammed, one of the stewards (volunteer) of the upcoming Dubai Ride, is a fitness enthusiast like many. His 30-day goal is to complete 100 kilometers in total within the scope of running training. As a seasoned athlete and frequent sprinter, Adeeb said he aims to “encourage his colleagues to participate in the upcoming Dubai Fitness Challenge”. Additionally, Adeeb is preparing for two races in Dubai South and Fujairah, where he trains six times a week and runs an average of 6-7 km a day. She also participates in a long-term training of 12-15 kilometers once a week.
Hollie Singleton, another fitness enthusiast in Dubai, says: “This challenge has come at the perfect time for me to continue my fitness journey with additional support in the city.” The Dubai resident has been participating in a program to improve her overall health and strength for eight weeks, and as the city transforms into an outdoor gym, Hollie aims to explore fitness activities and connect with like-minded communities.
For the uninitiated, the event challenges people to complete 30 minutes of exercise each day for 30 days, turning it into a 30×30 challenge. This is an initiative that Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, first launched in 2017, encouraging millions of people to seek healthier lifestyles.
Andrea Wubben, who aims to be as active as she can because she works in the office 5 days a week, says, “For me, the Dubai Fitness Challenge is an opportunity to try new things and at the same time turn exercise into a social experience.” “I love how different fitness events bring people of all fitness levels, ages and backgrounds together for one big goal. My personal goal is to increase my step count every day. Working in the office 5 days a week, I can move very little so my plan is to increase that step count every day.” Going for a walk at lunch.”
Three fitness villages in Dubai will host free activities and classes throughout the month this year. Alongside the usual activities, participants can make history and take part in the Guinness World Record attempt for the world’s largest HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) class, held in the early morning hours on Sheikh Zayed Road.
Feva Fit, a fitness technology startup, offers a new activity to spice things up during the challenge. Co-Founder Badar Al Tamimi said, “As part of our commitment to the Dubai Fitness Challenge, we are excited to announce the launch of Outdoor Boot Camps. These boot camps will provide a dynamic and fun way for everyone to get active and make the most of this challenge. ”
So, are you ready for the upcoming Dubai Fitness Challenge? If not, don’t worry, we also have a few tips to help you prepare:
Set Clear Goals: Define your fitness goals. Whether it’s losing weight, gaining strength, or improving your overall health, having specific goals will keep you motivated throughout the challenge.
Plan Your Schedule: Make time for fitness activities in your daily or weekly schedule. Consistency is key, so having a specific time window will help you stick to your fitness routine.
Diversify Your Workouts: Mix up your workouts to keep things interesting. Try different activities like running, cycling, swimming, yoga and more as the city offers everything for everyone. This variety prevents boredom and exercises different muscle groups.
Get the Right Hardware: Make sure you have appropriate exercise equipment, such as comfortable shoes, breathable clothing and necessary equipment. Having the right equipment can make your workouts more effective and enjoyable.
Stay hydrated: It is very important to drink enough water to maintain your energy during exercise. Remember to stay hydrated throughout the day and carry a water bottle with you during your activities.
Warm-up and Cool-down: Do warm-up and cool-down exercises before and after each workout. Stretching and mobility exercises can help prevent injuries and improve your overall performance.
Healthy eating: Nourish your body with a balanced diet. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains in your meals. Proper nutrition plays an important role in your fitness journey.
Be Mindful of Your Limits: Don’t push yourself too hard, especially if you’re new to fitness. Listen to your body and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your exercises to avoid overexertion.
Participate in Group Activities: Participating in group fitness classes or activities can be more fun and motivating. It’s a great way to meet like-minded people and build a support network.
Track your progress: Keep a fitness journal or use a fitness app to track your workouts, nutrition, and progress. It’s motivating to see how far you’ve come and where you’re going.
Rest and Recovery: Make sure you get enough sleep and let your body recover. Overexerting yourself without proper rest can lead to burnout and injuries.
Stay Informed: Follow the official Dubai Fitness Challenge website and social media channels for updates, event schedules and fitness tips.
Enjoy: Most importantly, enjoy the process! Fitness should be an enjoyable journey, so choose activities you love and have fun staying active.