UAE summer fitness: Advice for staying safe while exercising in the summer heat in the UAE
As the temperature rises, people are turning off water heaters and using air conditioning more frequently as summer approaches. Just like the British complaining about cold and rainy weather, we too tend to gripe about the oppressive heat and humidity, using it as an excuse to stay indoors and avoid outdoor activities.
However, don’t give up on fitness just because it’s hot outside. Even if you dislike going to the gym, there are still plenty of opportunities to stay active during the summer months with a few adjustments to your routine. So, instead of being a couch potato, it’s time to explore alternative fitness options.
The timing plays a critical role
During the height of summer, outdoor activities can be tolerable before sunrise when the temperatures are still moderate. Although it is not recommended to exercise in complete darkness, the period before 8 am could be an excellent opportunity to engage in activities such as jogging, walking briskly, or swimming. According to Sue Gibson, a freelance swimming instructor in Dubai, people of all ages should incorporate swimming into their daily routines. She emphasizes that swimming is an excellent way to stay active without causing harm to your joints, and it can be done in a pool or the sea before 8 am when the crowds have yet to arrive. To ensure that you remain hydrated, it is important to bring drinking water and drink it before, during, and after physical activity, even if you are taking a leisurely stroll.
Indoor sports
Getting active indoors doesn’t require being a fitness enthusiast. In the UAE, several sports centers have been set up by entrepreneurs to promote fitness throughout the year. For example, in Dubai, you can enjoy playing football on air-conditioned pitches at locations like Ahdaaf Sports Club in Al Quoz, which also offer additional services such as children’s birthday parties and corporate events.
Indoor trampoline parks are easy to find in the UAE, including Flip Out, Jump Boxx and other parks in Dubai, Bounce in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Dubai and Jump World in Sharjah. These places provide a great workout and fun for people of all ages. You’ll know the excellent benefits of jumping around for even just 10 minutes on the tarp at any of these parks.
In addition, Ski Dubai offers the ultimate escape from the summer heat, with plenty of physical activity available in subzero temperatures.
There’s an app for that
According to Lloyd Chapman, a 28-year-old ex-pat, he can get all the exercise he needs without leaving his spare bedroom. He uses the Seven Minute Workout app, which involves 12 high-intensity exercises such as jumping jacks, planks and lunges, push-ups, and abdominal crunches, and only requires a chair and a wall. By following the voice instructions on the app, he gets a full workout experience that takes only seven minutes and uses the benefits of high-intensity training without any gym equipment. Chapman has lost a lot of weight using this app, and the best part is that it can be done anywhere, even while on vacation. Thousands of fitness-related smartphone apps are available, from yoga and mindful meditation to walking, running, weightlifting, Pilates, cycling, and more. All you need to do is use them.
Use your energy, not your money.
The UAE has no shortage of massive shopping malls, and most people need to realize that these malls are open long before the stores inside are. This means that you can have an early morning meal before the crowds arrive while the shopkeepers prepare for the day. Alternatively, you can take advantage of the air-conditioned space and go for a brisk walk around the mall nearest to your home. Some malls, like Abu Dhabi Mall, have mall-walking clubs that require membership before you can walk around (be careful not to slip on the marble floors). Other malls, like the Mall of the Emirates in Dubai, encourage residents and visitors to use the space for an active lifestyle.
Immersed in music
Earlier this year, a study conducted by researchers at Texas Tech University was presented to the American College of Cardiology in Florida. The study investigated how music could affect our workouts. The findings showed that, on average, the 127 patients who participated in routine electrocardiogram treadmill tests exercised for an additional minute if they listened to music. Amit Dhar, who is a regular runner around Dubai Marina, finds that listening to music helps to take his mind off physical discomfort while running. He has various playlists on his phone and can select one depending on his mood or energy levels. Listening to music helps him push through discomfort and motivates him to do more, even when the weather is hot, and he is drenched in sweat.
Author Bio: Mark Edmonds is a professional writer and content creator who works at Academic Assignments, a company that provides assignment writing services. With years of experience in the field, Mark is well-versed in creating high-quality content on a wide range of topics. He specializes in providing top-notch university assignment help in Dubai, catering to the needs of students who require assistance in their academic endeavors. In addition to his work, Mark is passionate about fitness and encourages people to stay active even in the scorching summer heat of the UAE.