Abu Dhabi: Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi is becoming the new fitness hotspot in the capital.
Since April 2016, this iconic sports venue in the emirate has been hosting a unique vertical climbing training event, TrainZSC as part of the Daman’s ActiveLife campaign that aims to build a healthy community. The event is the latest addition to Daman’s popular nationwide brand, which includes TrainYas, GoYas, iTrainSaturday, TrainDubai, and TrainAlAin.
On the last Thursday of every month, fitness enthusiasts from all age groups have been climbing up and down the 850 odd steps in the multi-purpose sports stadium – the biggest in the UAE with a 43,000 seating capacity and built way back in 1979.
Britsh Stewart Berkwood who has been a regular at TrainZSC with his whole family says it is a refreshingly different experience at the stadium.
“Sometimes you get bored doing the same fitness routine. But the ambience at the stadium offers a different and all the more fun experience,” said Berkwood.
“My wife Claire, two sons Zak, 9 and Josh 13, really enjoy running and for us it a great thing that we do it together as a family,” said Berkwood, general manager of Le Meridien Hotel, Abu Dhabi.
According to the Zayed Sport City management, 1,547 people have so far climbed a total of 786,371 metres at the stadium, collectively burning 248,112 calories in the process.
Speaking to XPRESS, Bary Bremner, General Manager at the Sports city said they wanted to open up the stadium that has hosted sports stalwarts from all over the world for community members.
“Bringing the community together with the single goal of improving health is probably the most important thing we will ever do. There are some real challenges facing the capital and the country that stem from poor lifestyle choices, and it’s really important that we find unique and inspiring ways to get people moving.”
“People here have such a connection to the UAE – nationals and expats alike – and bringing them to a venue with such a strong legacy is motivating for everyone” he said.
Peter Pastijn, owner of the fitness club The Room Abu Dhabi, who has done four laps up and down the stadium in one go said the vertical training is suitable for people of all fitness abilities.
“It is more like a social event with no pressure attached. People can climb the stairs in their own pace and the atmosphere will keep them going,” said Pastijn.
He said his team of fitness instructors are at the venue to help people go through the climb smoothly and offer any support needed.
TrainsZSC happens between 6pm to 9pm on the last Thursday of every month. Registration is open at www.TrainZSC.com
