When we first ventured into the ladies-only gym, Fitness First at Marina Mall, we couldn’t help but be surprised. The colourful gym was well equipped with all sorts of contraptions and exercise machines for the taking. Not only that, as we take a leisurely stroll around the floor we spy coffee machines, vending machines (stuffed to the brim with sports drinks and energy bars) and a computer bar for ladies to catch up on emails before and after working out.
And there certainly is a strong fan base. All the ladies we see exercising are smiling and enthusiastically putting themselves into the routines or training sessions being taught. We are here for the body combat class, so after stowing away our gear in lockers that are provided, we head to the group studio.
With the words “Endurance was not built in a day” emblazoned on the main wall for motivation, we spread out on the hardwood floor. The class we’re in is rather intimate, with around eight other regulars. Our lovely instructor, Aya, begins by explaining that this non-combat workout will keep us looking our best without pummelling anyone. Using a variety of moves from karate, kickboxing, muay thai, jiu-jitsu and boxing you’ll come out of the session a lean, mean fighting machine.
After the rather loud music switches on, we begin the first of our ten tracks with a vigorous warm-up that certainly gets our heart pumping. Already sweating (a sure sign of things to come!) we take a short break before beginning again. This time we are doing grapevines with uppercuts, jabs and hooks to boot. During some tracks, we’ve got our arms up to our chins like Rocky yelling out “Hey! Hey! Hey!” with each punch and with others where we struggle to do our best Bruce Lee impression with strong side kicks.
The one-hour session goes by surprisingly quickly. When we stop for breaks we find ourselves heading to our water bottles to recover, surprised at how much sweat seems to be coming out of us. We love the fact that we’ve cleared our heads and managed to de-stress from the busy workday. Not only do we feel stronger, albeit sweatier, versions of our former selves but we also feel refreshed and fully recharged. Now that’s what we call girl power!
Sawaiba Khan
Details
What? Body Combat Class
Where? Fitness First, Marina Mall (underneath Paris Gallery)
Cost: One day guest pass, AED 100 for use of all facilities and classes
Contact: 02 666 2116
