Health and fitness fun for everyone

Next week's Health and Fitness Fun Day promises fun and good health.

Visitors at the Health and Fitness Fun Day at Adnec last year. Courtesy of Actvet

The event

It’s a chance to begin a healthier lifestyle. The Health and Fitness Fun Day, run by the Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (Actvet), is a free two-day event held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec) on Sunday and Monday.

More than 80 exhibitors will showcase health and fitness products in addition to conducting workshops and -demonstrations.

Have fun

That’s the message from the Actvet deputy director general Mubarak Al Shamsi. “That is very important,” he explains. “This is not a health day but really a fun day with lots of activities for the whole family. I think everyone can go there and find something to enjoy or benefit from.”

Al Shamsi says the annual festival, back for its second edition, increased its Adnec floor space by 30 per cent to accommodate the growing number of exhibitors, which grew this year from 75 to 86. “This is clear evidence of the success of the festival,” he says. “It is proof the festival is welcomed by the greater community.”

The activities

Take your pick, since there is something for everyone. The activities are divided in streams dedicated to youth and adults. The former will have a wide range of activities to choose from including the climbing wall, bicycle challenges and self-defence -demonstrations.

Those wanting mental activities can go over to the golf-putting challenge or play games of chess. The older set will have a chance to undergo a series of voluntary free health checks.

The event will be a good time to examine diabetes and cholesterol levels as well as receive check-ups for glaucoma. Experts will also be available to consult on a wide range of treatments for asthma and respiratory allergies and the benefits of Chinese medicine. But not every adult activity is that serious, with massage and reflexology treatments also available. Foodies will also benefit from seeing local favourite dishes given a healthier spin courtesy of cooking demonstrations by leading Emirati chefs. Nutritionists will also be on hand to help you launch your new diet with tailor-made healthy eating plans.

The message

Despite the activities on offer, Al Shamsi hopes the festival can act as a turning point for local families. “The whole point of it all is to send that message that we all have to look after our health,” he says. “We want to encourage everyone to exercise and eat better and, at the same time, come out and have a fun day with the whole family.”

The venue

Adnec is destined to be a hive of activity with the event hosted in Halls 3 and 4 in addition to the atrium. On Sunday, doors will be open to all from 10am to 8pm. While women will be only admitted the following day from 9am to 12pm, the general public can join in from 12pm until 8pm.

• For more details, go www.healthfitness.ae