Abu Dhabi: A fitness revolution has taken over Abu Dhabi in the run-up to the city’s biggest sporting event – Formula 1 Grand Prix running from November 25-27.
As part of the Get Driver Fit (GDF) challenge, a hugely popular feature of the racing season, residents of all ages and nationalities are participating in fitness activities at various venues such as the Corniche, Zayed Sports City, hotels, university campuses and malls.
The seven-week citywide high-level fitness programme, that started on October 2 and runs till November 27, includes free zumba classes, yoga, boot camps and boxing fitness sessions. The grand finale will be held from November 17 to 19 at the Abu Dhabi Corniche and will include a triathlon-style obstacle fitness course challenge, including body board paddling, fat bike cycling and obstacle course running.
So if you are planning to join the fitness frenzy, here is a quick guide on how to hit top gear in fitness before the F1 races.
GDF Zone - Corniche
Crawl and climb your way to fitness and enjoy the thrill of the obstacle course challenge at GDF zone on the Corniche. A favourite for many, the activity is open to everyone from 4pm daily.
Team Challenge
You can form a team and register at www.yasalam.ae to participate in some of the most gruelling obstacle team challenges happening every week from 6 to 8pm.
GDF Uni
To rope university students into the fitness drive, this year sees the introduction of GDF Uni, a programme across various university campuses in Abu Dhabi which runs until November 17. Students can freely take part in a host of fitness events including boot camps, zumba and aerobic classes, yoga.
Muscle Beach
Fitness freaks can head to the Muscle Beach in the GDF Fitness Zone to enjoy a workout along the picturesque Abu Dhabi Corniche from November 17 to 27. It is an outdoor gym on the beach with supervisors to guide you through your workout.
Haddins Fitness
Box your way into fitness at the Haddins Fitness at Zayed Sports City. The centre will be hosting free boxing classes every Sunday between 6 and 7am. Or better try out the H.I.I.T (High Intensity Interval training) on Wednesdays from 11am to noon.
The centre also holds special GDF benchmark fitness sessions on Saturday evenings from 6 to 7pm and Functional Fitness on Sunday and Thursday from 7 to 8pm.
Yas Mall
Yas Mall will host an open workout session in the Italian Boulevard on November 5 from 10 to 11am.
Bodytree Studio
Enjoy free yoga sessions every Tuesday from 6 to 7am at Bodytree Studio. Ladies can try body toning sessions on Mondays from 11am to noon.
St Regis Resort
Residence by St Regis Resort is hosting a beach circuit fitness programme every Friday from 8 to 9am.
Umm El Emarat Park
If yoga is your thing head to Umm Al Emarat Park for free yoga sessions on Fridays from 9 to 10am and H.I.I.T on Monday from 7 to 8pm. On Wednesday evenings at the same time, the park will host free circuit training sessions.
Yas Marina Circuit
You can also head out to Yas Marina Circuit every Tuesday and put your fitness to test at the Driver’s Bootcamp between 8 and 9pm.
More information available at www.facebook.com/GetDriverFit
