Fitness tops resolutions list for UAE residents

Dubai: As UAE residents resolve to get in shape this year, fitness clubs are expecting a major rise in clientele. “We are expecting memberships to rise by almost 30 per cent within the first quarter,” said Nitesh Seebran, chief of operations, Gold’s Gym.

Sanjeev Krishnan, founder Rhythm Yoga, said their new Rhythm for Life programme that starts this month is fully booked. “The interest is at least 30 per cent to 40 per cent higher at the start of New Year. In fact, this year even corporate houses are approaching us to host health awareness talks and fitness workshops for their staff,” he said.

it’s that time of the year

“We always expect a big influx around this time of the year. Looking at the numbers over the last few years, January is our biggest month, followed by February and then March,” said a fitness trainer at a gym in a five-star Dubai hotel. “The New Year always brings in a lot of fresh faces. While it’s good for our business, the rush could get aggravating for old members as their machines get taken by new newbies and they have to wait in a queue,” he said.

Fitness centres around the world see massive enrolments in January as people look for ways to deal with holiday bulges and honour their New Year resolution. According to Time magazine, ‘getting back into shape’ and ‘eating healthy’ are the hardest New Year resolutions to stick to.

Dubai-based fitness trainer Oliver Jessop reckons lack of motivation and boredom due to repetitive workouts are the biggest reasons why people quit their gyms after a few weeks. “To keep clients on target with their personal goals I keep changing their workouts,” he said.

Afshan Saeed, clinical hypnotherapist and well-being coach at Dubai-based holistic centre Miracles, says the key is to have realistic goals. “I have seen a lot of newbies setting out 10 goals and then getting disappointed after being able to achieve just two,” she said.

“You can’t expect results in two weeks. That’s not going to happen. You need to take baby steps first and work out at least thrice a week and you got to be consistent with it,” said another fitness instructor.

Seebran of Gold’s Gym said they will help members stick to their fitness resolutions. “Nearly 15-20 per cent of our members opt for personal training, which is one of the most effective ways to stay motivated and achieve goals,” he said.

Tips to stick to your fitness resolution

• Set realistic, attainable goals

• Goals should be measurable

• Work out the details of your plan. Don’t just resolve to get fitter, define how much do you want to attain in certain number of weeks and also how to do it

• Stay motivated

• Have clarity on reasons for your resolution