UFC Gym to open its first MMA-inspired Abu Dhabi branch

Plus, sign up for a pound workout, spin alongside the Burj Khalifa, or get fit with your better half in tow

UFC Gym is opening its first Abu Dhabi branch in March 2021. Courtesy UFC Gym

You may remember being introduced to the Ultimate Fighting Championship through Monica's billionaire boyfriend Pete in Friends, but the Mixed Martial Arts contest is a go-to for many fitness buffs around the world and has a massive fan following in the UAE. The affiliated UFC Gym, which offers MMA-inspired workouts, is opening its first branch in Abu Dhabi on Mohamed Bin Zayed Road, in March.

The 1,600-square-metre space will stretch over three levels, and offer everything from a multifunctional freestyle fitness area and UFC’s signature Daily Ultimate Training to Brazilian jiu-jitsu, MMA, boxing and kick-boxing, plus a private coaching studio for Zumba, yoga, spinning and barbell conditioning. Ladies-only classes and children’s programmes for those over the age of 12 will also be available. Fee structures are yet to be announced.

Run across a new city every day with Technogym's MyRun smart treadmill

If your home workouts are getting a bit stagnant, wellness company Technogym has launched a smart treadmill designed to transport you to the great outdoors. The Technogym Myrun is a compact and silent home treadmill that makes customising your running or walking programmes easier and more fun.

Simply place a tablet on a Myrun console to get access to a library of guided one-on-one sessions and training routines for athletic performances, tailor-made workouts and virtual paths set in nature or in your favourite city.

The treadmill's compatibility with apps such as Zwift, Strava, Garmin and Rouvy allows sport enthusiasts to compete online with others in the community. The treadmill can be used without a tablet too, with the quick start button and joysticks controlling speed and gradient. The Technogym Myrun is priced at approximately Dh16,950 and can be purchased from www.technogym.com

OCR Park offers Valentine’s Day membership package for couples 

Valentine’s Day may be over, but there’s always room to surprise your loved one – especially if it’s with an offbeat gift that mixes fitness with fun. OCR Park, the obstacle course race park that opened at Abu Dhabi's Hudayriyat Leisure and Entertainment District in 2020, is offering two six-month memberships for the price of one until Wednesday, February 24.

The package, which works out to savings of Dh1,999 per couple, includes access to the 1.5 kilometre obstacle course track, boot-camp-style fitness classes that run seven days a week, two personal training sessions, on-site parking and changing room facilities, and an additional guest pass once a month. It's the perfect incentive to get fitter together. For details on how to redeem this offer, visit www.ocrpark.com/valentines-2for1

Sign up for Storm Cycling's sunrise spin class with Burj Khalifa views

Want to make the most of Dubai’s current misty morning weather? Storm Cycling, a Mirdif-based studio that specialises in spin classes, has launched outdoor cycling classes with Burj Khalifa views and a soulful soundtrack. Available every Friday at 7.30am and 8.30am, at Zeta at the Address Downtown hotel, the classes include an upper body and arm toning session while sitting on the bike.

Ivana Bruic, co-founder of Storm Cycling, says the sessions aren’t just about physical well-being, but also to give participants a break from daily distractions, and allow for self-reflection to help them start their weekend on the right note. The 45-minute session will be followed by light breakfast, and is priced at Dh260. Bookings can be made by contacting [e-mail] and 04 436 8755.

Go with the flow in hour-long yoga session at Koko Bay

Sun, sea, sand and yoga: Bali-inspired restaurant Koko Bay at West Beach Palm is hosting a one-off session that has it all. The yoga and meditation class is on Friday, February 26 at 7.30am, and promises scenic views, fresh air and a serene start to the day.

Yoga teacher Benedicte Alice and wellness coach Varun Kapur of YogiMovement will take participants through the flow yoga movements and poses. The hour-long session is priced at Dh100, which includes a range of healthy drinks after the work out. Participants need to bring a yoga mat and towel, wear comfortable clothing and make a booking via www.kokobay.co.

Get fit while having fun with a pound workout at Metrofitt Gym

Metrofitt Gym, which has branches across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has launched a workout designed to get the heart thumping. The high-energy pound workout involves the use of ripstix, lightly weighted exercise drumsticks, and repetitions for intense calorie-burning.

An average class sees participants go through about 15,000 reps, with the ripstix reinforcing and helping movement. Pound workouts are a combination of light resistance, stimulated drumming, pumping music and making noise with the ripstix, so a fun way to get fit all round. Metrofitt members get free access to the sessions, with memberships starting from Dh199 per month. For details, visit www.metrofitt.com.