Dubai: From getting a babysitter so they can take time off to exercise to changing their diet to a healthier one, the five Dubai residents Gulf News is following are doing all they can to achieve their goals in the monthlong Dubai Fitness Challenge.
Five days into the challenge, Gulf News asks the residents how they are finding time to make exercise a part of their daily routine and how they are overcoming challenges along the way.
Anish Panicker and Anshu Anish, Indian
Goal: To be fit and lose 2kg to 3kg, and 5kg, respectively
“We’re still continuing our daily exercise and we haven’t missed a day yet. But honestly speaking, it’s a bit difficult to find time because I usually reach home by 10pm. After 10.30pm, we would go for an hour and a half to jog 4km and come back. My wife has been doing yoga at home and has now joined a professional group. We are also putting the baby in the day care so we can go out to exercise. It’s been five days and we’ve decided that we will not weigh ourselves every day because it is not a good practice and just do it probably after the challenge,” Anish said.
Joseph Wanyaga and Margaret Mandaine, Kenyan
Goal: To lose weight overall
“We’ve been doing different activities for the past five days to make it interesting and to work out different areas of the body. We ran at the park, went to the desert, cycled, and went to the gym. Our focus for the first week is cardio, then maybe our abs in the second week and weightlifting will be next. I got flu last night because of the weather but I took medicines so that it won’t deter me,” Wanyaga said.
“We’ve been pretty consistent so far. We do it usually in the evening, even on weekends because I’m not a morning person. So far, it’s not bad. I’m adjusting quite well. We’ve also changed our diet so we can maximise the benefits. For now, it’s too early to say if there is any difference,” Mandaine said.
Hiba Bawazir, Emirati
Goal: To build stamina and have more core strength
“So far so good. On the first day, I cycled for almost 30 minutes and after that we did some more activities like Body Combat for 15 minutes. I have been jogging in the part for 30 minutes for the past few days. I do it at 6pm after work. I get a suitable time, and adjust based on the weather. The cold breeze at night is suitable for running as well. Finding time for me is not a problem because it’s only 30 minutes and does not even make up a huge chunk of your waking hours. I will wait for the results.”
