Top indoor sports activities to try out in UAE this summer

Traditional gym or the boring treadmill are not the only options to keep yourself fit during the summer. Going out for jogging or a stroll in the park with your dog is unthinkable, agreed, but there are plenty of fun activities you can indulge in the UAE. What's more, you can do so in groups, with friends and family. There are enough sporting facilities all around the UAE, pick the one next to your home or office. Please consult your doctor before you start, if you have any health concerns. And remember to drink plenty of water during the activity!

BADMINTON: Played indoors, all you need are two payers to begin the game. And two racquets, a net and shuttlecocks. It can also be played between two teams of two players on each side. A good brand of racquet will cost upwards of Dh100, while a dozen shuttlecocks can be bought for Dh80. Invest in a good racquet if you plan to stick to the game. Any shoes worn for indoor sports are generally good for badminton. Get a good pair of non-marking shoes with good cushioning. Basic fitness is required and remember to warm up before a game. Badminton improves your overall fitness, athleticism, reflexes and stamina.

SQUASH: This fast-paced indoor sport is regarded as one of the most athletic. The only equipment needed to play is a squash racquet and ball, making it a highly accessible game. A good quality racquet will cost roughly Dh120, and a box of three balls will cost Dh50. You can play this sport in singles and doubles formations, and even practise it alone. Due to the simplicity of a squash court, there are now many local sports facilities, clubs and commercial buildings that provide courts to play the game. Some of these venues need a membership, while others simply being a pay-to-play arrangement. The game is equally beneficial to the mind and the body. Additionally, it can help in maintaining general fitness and losing weight.

TABLE TENNIS: To play this sport all you need are a paddle, a ball, a net and a table. A pair of standard TT racquets along with 3 pieces of balls and 1 retractable net set would approximately cost around Dh200. All the additional pieces of gear are entirely optional. The sport commonly referred to as 'ping pong' is played in singles and doubles formats. It is fun to play but challenging. Tables to play the game is available here at affordable rates at many sports centers, clubs and hotels. Your mental agility and alertness, as well as your muscles and reflexes, are all improved by playing the game.

FUTSAL: Futsal is played with just five players on each side on a small indoor hard court. The courts are available here at several local sporting venues for affordable rates. Compared to soccer balls, futsal balls are more durable, smaller, and have a lower bounce. The majority of the balls come in 3 sizes for various age ranges. For adults, a nice one would cost roughly Dh80. The game is quite similar to football in that you can improve your ball handling and technical skills and tackle, though slide tackles are not permitted. This FIFA-approved activity is typically practised by outdoor football players to enhance and maintain their control and touch skills. The incredibly quick-paced game can boost your foot speed and agility as well as your strength, endurance, and overall fitness level.

INDOOR VOLLEYBALL: Indoor volleyball is a fantastic alternative if it's too hot outside to play team sports. It is a simple game that only needs a ball, a net and a level playing field. Many of the local sporting venues include courts that can be rented out on an hourly basis. A good brand of volleyball will roughly cost Dh100. A good pair of volleyball shoes is an essential gear to play the game. However, there are many other equipments such as ankle braces, finger tape, elbow pads, knee pads, etc. that can enhance the quality of your game. Volleyball is played among two teams of six players each. Playing with a group of friends, colleagues or family members can bring out a lot of fun. It also helps you stay physically active while enhancing your reflexes, balance and hand-eye coordination.

INDOOR CRICKET: Whilst the outdoor game requires a large open field, indoor games are compact and faster-paced and played in an enclosed area covered with nets. An indoor cricket ball, cricket bat and collapsible spring-back wickets are the main equipment needed for playing the game. Besides, wearing turf shoes or anything with rubber spikes and grips will be good while playing the game. Generally played by two teams of eight players, the sport focuses heavily on bowling and batting while fielding is largely absent as scoring is based on ball placement inside the indoor nets. The game demands agility, precision and endurance. Both focus and perseverance are being tested in a typical indoor cricket game.

INDOOR BASKETBALL: Indoor basketball is an enjoyable sport that suits many skill levels and ages, making it accessible to a wide range of people. A typical basketball team consists of 5 players on each side. You can also play 2-on-2 or 3-on-3 games, or even on your own. The only equipment you need to play the game is a basketball and a pair of supportive, comfy athletic shoes. Optional safety gear includes mouth guards, knee and elbow pads, and ankle and knee braces. There are several ways to begin playing the game. For playing competitively, join a team or league near your home or office. Or check out the many local athletic or basketball clubs or sports organisations which provide high-quality indoor courts at reasonable rates. It can also be played for fun. In either case, it’s a fantastic way to develop muscular endurance, coordination and strength. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to be a part of a team and a larger community.