ABU DHABI: Here is a shout-out to all teenagers in Abu Dhabi who want to attain fitness in a functional and safe environment. Studio Two is the first teens-only gym in the capital which offers children between the ages of 10 and 15 not only training but education on effective ways to apply the various fitness techniques and exercises.
State-of-the-art
Studio Two is part of The Club which is a multi-award winning private club located in Mina Sadiyat. It boasts state-of-the-art equipment like Technogym Omnia 3 that provides creative training in ways that help the teens in their day-to-day life.
“Unlike adult gyms there are no fixed exercise machines in Studio Two. All classes are based on functional exercises and Tabata training [a high-intensity interval training workout] to support their strength, stamina and fitness levels,” says Elisha Udoh, assistant recreation manager, The Club. “We educate, build confidence and try to make fitness fun for teens. Our aim is to find that balance of fun and fitness, and help them lead a healthier and more active lifestyle,” adds Udoh who is also a fitness trainer.
Eleven-year-old Indian Aryana Kumar is a regular at the club. Besides helping her stay away from gadgets, the training sessions have greatly improved her stamina and made her strong.
“The gym has helped me to gain strength and flexibility. I have also attained stamina which has helped me in my swimming and netball (performances),” says Kumar who is in Grade 6.
Briton Lea Fanek, 11, another Grade 6 student, says that working out in the gym has made her stronger. “It makes me believe I can do anything,” says Fanek.
Studio 2 offers structured classes and a positive learning environment which creates an opportunity for teenagers to try new things and build self-confidence. There are four instructors guiding the young fitness enthusiasts through a range of classes like Box Fit, Circuit Training and supervised gym sessions. The gym currently has 206 active members.
Get fit: Studio 2’s five top fitness tips for tweens
-Stay positive and have fun. A good mental attitude is important. Find an activity that you are more likely to keep. A lot of people find it’s more fun to exercise with someone, so find a friend or family member to train together.
-Take it one step at a time. Small changes can add up to better fitness. For example, walk or ride your bike to school or to a friend’s house. Get on or off the bus several blocks away and walk the rest of the way. Use the stairs instead of taking the elevator or escalator.
-Get your heart pumping. Whichever way you choose, make sure it includes aerobic activities that make you breathe harder and increase your heart rate. Basketball, running or swimming are good sports you can take up to increase your fitness level, make your heart and lungs work better and burn off fat.
-Don’t forget to warm up. Some easy exercises can help warm your muscles up and protect against injury. Stretching makes your muscles and joints more flexible too. It is also important to stretch out after you exercise to cool down your muscles.
-Variety is key. Always try new things to keep you engaged and focused. Mix your routines and attend new classes, always keep your body guessing what is next!
