Browsing Tag

pilates

Fitness

Testing Out: Define Body

Posted on May 8, 2017

I though all barre classes were the same, that there was some governing body that decided which exercises best assaulted all your teeny-tiny muscle groups in one area of the body, at any one given time… and I wasn’t totally wrong. Barre is the name given to a stationary handrail that provides support for people during various types of exercise. Barre work is essentially any and all exercise that uses one, from ballet to booty.Define Body

So why is Define Body so different?

Well not only is their morning class taught by a 7-months-pregnant teacher, who will put all of you to shame working out just as hard as you are in the studio, but it also focuses on a much more cardio-based rhythm of movements. Defined as a “one-stop shop for the tone and length you’ve been looking for”. It’s very much a combination of pilates, yoga, ballet to form a bit of a HIIT workout. Also suitable for the boys…Define Body

The class aims to get your heart rate right up, whilst aiding the toning process with weighted exercises, standing work, and of course seated movements dedicated to working your core. It doesn’t, thank god, require too much dance, i’ve very little rhythm and almost 0 ability to follow direction too. It will however leave you swearing and sweating your way through a 1 hour session.

What does it help:

Develop proper alignment & form
Target all major muscle groups
Create leaner and longer muscle
Improve strength and flexibility
Get and stay in shape

Fitness

Testing Out: SUP Yoga

Posted on March 7, 2017

Now I think of myself as a fairly fit person, with relatively good balance, but all of that went out the window when I was asked to Vinyasa flow through a downward dog on a moving SUP, out on JBR’s early waves. What a great workout!

SUP Yoga is one of those awesome classes where you feel challenged but don’t quite realise just how much your core is working to help keep you upright (dry) until the next day’s ‘doms’. A total mixture of yoga and pilates (yogalates if you prefer) this class is a fantastic way to wake up your weekend. SUP Yoga

Situated off the shoreline of the Doubletree Hilton in JBR, the class is run by their in-house centre Watercooled, where dancer Sophie will take you through a tailored program under the early sunshine. The idea is not to fall in, but I did and in all honesty it wasn’t that bad… bring a towel with you just in case, but on the SUP during the class, all you’ll need is some sunscreen and sunglasses. SUP Yoga

From some strengthening V-sits to shoulder testing side planks, the toughest part of your workout here is to remain on the board itself. Never before have I been so aware of staying ‘grounded’ throughout my practice, which of course is totally ironic as we’re floating around on inflatable boards. SUP Yoga

Fitness Recommended

Core Pilates Review

Posted on June 22, 2016

It was my first time trying Real Pilates and it’s a full class…

The instructor joins and starts us off with some fairly easy, low level warm up stretches. So far so good. I’m quite competitive so I’m automatically looking for someone in the room to vibe off, someone who’s going to make me push myself harder. The instructor was great, not what I expected I have to admit (I’m used to young lululemon branded ladies whose abs are my fitspo goals), but don’t worry about not feeling ‘worked out’ he was incredibly welcoming and very attentive to posture (which is what I need).
Real Pilates
The core pilates session was a complete mix of nationality and age (all women in my class), so I didn’t really expect to be the first to struggle… he made everything look so easy!
Although the work out is slow in pace and simple in understanding, the difference in posture, alignment and pulse made me sweat. From the spiderman – esque plank formation (which I collapsed in even though my normal planks are strong), to the squat workout that still stings now… it was a great class.
Real Pilates
I’ve realised (with the full range of aching muscles) that there’s no benefit to doing just one workout over and over, you need to change it up constantly to work all the muscles… Here’s to the next challenge 🙂
Real Pilates

Hotspot yoga

*Healthy Hotspot* Life’N’One

Posted on May 19, 2015

Nestled in the backstreets of Jumeirah 1, hidden behind institutions like Magrudy’s and Spinneys, a graffiti wall hides a new hotspot that transports you across the sea to the breakfast bars of Sri Lanka or Goa.  A villa that is one part cafe, one part yoga studio and one part pop-up shop.

Life'N'One Dubai

If you haven’t heard of or visited Life’N’One yet, I urge you to head down there before the weather makes sitting outside on their luscious green grass, around a gorgeous long reclaimed wood table a tad too unbearable.

Life'N'One Dubai

It’s simple, yet oh-so-detailed, everything from the food (a vegetarian’s heaven), and the freshly squeezed power juices… to the straw seating and ceiling recipe’s in the kitchen!

Life'N'One Dubai

It has all the charm of an exotic back garden at yoga retreat in Bali, and mix in Dubai’s favourite wellness trends like barre, yoga and reformer pilates, you’ve got a hotspot that literally has everything (including a massage centre) you need for a morning of pure bliss!Life'N'One Dubai