Keeping fit for less in the UAE

Exercise equipment and trainers may be pricey, but the country offers plenty other options.

DUBAI // The UAE offers those who can't afford a personal trainer or expensive gym equipment many cheap options for staying in shape.

In the capital, the Yas Marina Circuit is open to the public from 6pm on Tuesdays for two hours. Joggers and cyclists can use the track free of charge.

Those interested in martial arts can try Ninjutsu at free Friday morning classes. Shohei Emman runs the 10.30am class at the Tourist Club's Muay Thai Studio in the International Cinema building.

"I was training for 12 years in Japan before I came here and I couldn't find any place to continue training so created the class myself," said Mr Emman. "In Japan, traditionally, we don't charge our students for martial arts because it is considered something sacred," he said.

"Once I find a student who proves to be a good person, I do my best to teach him all the techniques I know."

Dotted across Dubai are numerous public parks that give people the chance to jog, cycle and play sports for free - or at a tiny fraction of the cost of a gym.

Al Barsha Pond Park opened in 2010 and features a 2.5km jogging and cycle track as well as tennis courts and football pitches. The park, situated behind Al Mawakeb School in Al Barsha, cost Dh22 million to construct and is open seven days a week. It also has two free gyms for men and women, with equipment that uses the exerciser's own body weight as resistance.

Dubai Municipality opened Nad Al Sheba Park in 2007. It too features tracks for runners and cyclists that visitors can use free of charge.

*For more information on Mr Emman's Ninjutsu classes, call 050 445 7095