32 August 21 – September 3 2019 timeoutabudhabi.com
Indoor workouts
Vogue Fitness
CrossFit seems to be one of those things
that you either love or hate, and judging by
the fact that CrossFit studio Vogue Fitness
now has three branches across the city, it’s
fair to say that Abu Dhabi has gone a little bit
mad for it. Consisting of fast-paced functional
movements, Vogue Fitness Yas or CrossFit
Yas is a bit of an institution in Abu Dhabi. The
members are super dedicated, and there’s
a real sense of community. Meanwhile, the
studios in Al Raha and the recently opened
one in Marina Mall offer a variety of high-
intensity workouts, including the infamous
Mayhem, which is so full-on that they only put
it on the schedule once a week. It might sound
and look intimidating, but it really isn’t. It’s
suitable for everyone from CrossFit beginners
to the very experienced, and the regular
opens or ‘showdowns’ let you indulge in a bit
of friendly (or semi-serious) competition and
have a go at beating your mates.
O Various locations, including Yas Marina, Yas Island
(02 583 2380).
YogaOne
If all this CrossFit and functional training
business sounds a bit much, you can always
head for the more serene environment of
yoga studio YogaOne. But while it might be
calmer, it doesn’t mean that the workouts
are easy. The hot Áow classes take place in
rooms heated to between 35 and 37 degrees,
and the extra sweating will really make you
feel the effects. The schedule also includes
power vinyasa, Pilates, yin and meditation and
more. It also hosts special classes from guest
teachers, and if you’re really into it you can
even sign up to take part in the studio’s yoga
teacher training programme, which will start
at the end of August. This is a brilliant place to
learn more about yoga.
O Mangrove One Compound, Khalifa Park area
(02 562 1217).
PUNCH
This is without a doubt the coolest boutique
boxing studio in the capital. With stylish
branding and merchandise, it’s all very Insta-
friendly and it’s compulsory to post a least
one selÀe in your PUNCH gloves every time
you go. The classes take place in what is
basically a nightclub, complete with Áashing
colourful lights and pumping motivational
tunes. The PUNCHIIT classes mix boxing
techniques with a series of high intensity
interval training exercises like burpees,
push-ups and mountain climbers, while the
PUNCHARD workouts are more focused on
mastering boxing techniques. Whichever
one you do you’ll come out buzzing and
feeling signiÀcantly less stressed. Funny how
attacking a punching bag for 45 minutes can
do that, isn’t it?
O International Tennis Complex, Zayed Sports City
(050 754 8474).
Sweat
This boutique studio is ran by the same
people who own healthy eating café Nolu’s,
and Raw by Nolu’s is conveniently located
just next door for when you want a post-gym
smoothie or salad. But before you get to that
stage you need to try out one of the awesome
workouts. There are 45-minute spin sessions
which are joined by upbeat tunes and glitter
balls, intense Tabata sessions, challenging
strength classes and a variety of ladies-only
sessions too. As the name suggests, you’ll
literally come out dripping.
O The Walk at Al Seef Resorts & Spa By Andulus,
Khalifa Park area (050 232 8733).
The Room
This one of the friendliest studios in the
capital, and no-matter how nervous you
are about joining a group Àtness class
(there’s really no need, but just in case), the
welcoming staff will make you feel totally at
ease from the moment you walk through the
door. The Room started off specialising in
spinning classes before it expanded to include
other workouts like boxÀt, Pilates, yoga and
body pump. The soundtracks to the spin
classes are on another level of awesome,
and the studio also hosts classes by guest
teachers, special events like healthy eating
seminars and open days where people can
come along and try the sessions for free.
O International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City
(02 444 4945).
The Room
PUNCH
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