ABU DHABI // Fitness fanatics, health enthusiasts and those just looking to become more active were among the thousands who worked up a sweat at Zayed Sports City on Friday.
Break-dancing, rock climbing, boxing, tennis, circuit training and body attack were among the events on the third day of Abu Dhabi Alive, aimed at fighting flab and encouraging a more energetic lifestyle.
The event also invites visitors to try a range of physical activities to find those they enjoy most and to pick up health advice.
In the fitness area, music pumped from the speakers as stay-fit enthusiasts joined in for a range of classes including body combat, body jam and Zumba.
“Group exercise is a great way of getting fit while having fun,” said Liz Duco, the head of group exercise at Gold’s Gym in Al Wahda Mall, who was one of the trainers working the crowd.
“Classes like these help improve fitness and strengthen muscles and bones.”
David Crocker, a personal trainer at Original Fitness, also helped to get the blood pumping.
Mr Crocker, 27, an Australian, led a series of high-intensity workouts designed to get the optimum results for short bursts of exercise.
They included obstacle courses, planking and a challenge where competitors had two minutes to do the most burpees, which are a combination of squats, push-ups and vertical jumps.
“We are here to promote health and fitness,” said Mr Crocker. “Exercise improves the quality of life and allows you to live healthier for longer. Eat healthy and keep active.”
Fasih Uddin, 15, of Al Alamana school in Sharjah, travelled to Abu Dhabi on Friday as part of a class trip to Abu Dhabi Alive.
“I have tried the basketball and pool. Pool was definitely my favourite,” said the Pakistani schoolboy.
Fasih was joined by his Egyptian classmate Mohammed Kishk.
“I did a lot,” said Mohammed, 15. “I have played billiards, pool and basketball and I am really excited about playing in a football match later on. It is definitely my favourite sport.
“Exercise is good. It keeps you fit and healthy.”
Their teacher, Rasheed Ali, 29, also challenged his balancing skills on the tightrope.
“It has been a good day,” Mr Ali said. “The students are having a great time.”
Maei Jeneidi, 33, took her daughters Sama, 8, and Masa, 4, to try a host of activities including tightrope walking, throwing rings and tennis.
“Fitness and health is important,” said Ms Jeneidi, a Jordanian who had a facial and visited a dietician at the event.
“We currently eat a lot of junk food and salt and we want to change that. Maybe by coming here we will make it our New Year’s resolution.”
Eurmeet Singh, 40, an Indian employee of Aldar Properties, attended the event with his wife, who tried rock climbing.
“It is very important to do exercise,” Mr Singh said. “It goes a long way to keeping you healthy.”
Visitors to Abu Dhabi Alive, of which The National is a sponsor, could also take part in cooking demonstrations.
Organisers have said the overwhelming response to the inaugural event leaves little room for doubt that Abu Dhabi Alive will return next year.
“We will definitely make it happen,” said Hayete Jemai, the exhibition director. “It has been a really fantastic response. Better than even expected. The exhibitors are really happy.”
Ms Jemai said about 4,500 people attended the opening day on Wednesday while, on Thursday, families made the most of a spontaneous public holiday, on the back of Dubai’s Expo 2020 win.
She said the range of activities, which also included a ladies-only fitness tent, quizzes, giveaways and free entry and car parking, proved a winning formula.
Ms Jemai said event organisers were also planning to launch Al Ain Alive in autumn next year.
“Daman, our principle sponsor, are really concerned about getting everyone in the community healthy,” she said.
“I think there is a real need for people to have an event like this where you can learn about healthy lifestyles in a fun way.”
Saturday is the last day of Abu Dhabi Alive, which is open between 11am and 8pm. The event is free to enter but costs Dh5 if people wish to take part.
jbell@thenational.ae
The specs
Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors
Power: 480kW
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh359,900 ($98,000)
On sale: Now
Fitness problems in men's tennis
Andy Murray - hip
Novak Djokovic - elbow
Roger Federer - back
Stan Wawrinka - knee
Kei Nishikori - wrist
Marin Cilic - adductor
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Company profile
Name: GiftBag.ae
Based: Dubai
Founded: 2011
Number of employees: 4
Sector: E-commerce
Funding: Self-funded to date
Cry Macho
Director: Clint Eastwood
Stars: Clint Eastwood, Dwight Yoakam
Rating:**
Company%20Profile
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The specs
Engine: Long-range single or dual motor with 200kW or 400kW battery
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Max touring range: 620km / 590km
Price: From Dh250,000 (estimated)
The specs: 2018 Maxus T60
Price, base / as tested: Dh48,000
Engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder
Power: 136hp @ 1,600rpm
Torque: 360Nm @ 1,600 rpm
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Fuel consumption, combined: 9.1L / 100km
The specs: 2018 Peugeot 5008
Price, base / as tested: Dh99,900 / Dh134,900
Engine: 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Power: 165hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 240Nm @ 1,400rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 5.8L / 100km
OPINIONS ON PALESTINE & ISRAEL
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Basquiat in Abu Dhabi
One of Basquiat’s paintings, the vibrant Cabra (1981–82), now hangs in Louvre Abu Dhabi temporarily, on loan from the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
The latter museum is not open physically, but has assembled a collection and puts together a series of events called Talking Art, such as this discussion, moderated by writer Chaedria LaBouvier.
It's something of a Basquiat season in Abu Dhabi at the moment. Last week, The Radiant Child, a documentary on Basquiat was shown at Manarat Al Saadiyat, and tonight (April 18) the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is throwing the re-creation of a party tonight, of the legendary Canal Zone party thrown in 1979, which epitomised the collaborative scene of the time. It was at Canal Zone that Basquiat met prominent members of the art world and moved from unknown graffiti artist into someone in the spotlight.
“We’ve invited local resident arists, we’ll have spray cans at the ready,” says curator Maisa Al Qassemi of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi's Canal Zone Remix is at Manarat Al Saadiyat, Thursday April 18, from 8pm. Free entry to all. Basquiat's Cabra is on view at Louvre Abu Dhabi until October
Moon Music
Artist: Coldplay
Label: Parlophone/Atlantic
Number of tracks: 10
Rating: 3/5