4 Ways to Stay Fit in Dubai for Free

How many times have you bought a gym membership as a New Year’s resolution only to forget about it a month later? Well, I’ve been there – and let’s just say, each year is no different from the previous one!

While many people believe that a personal trainer will change your life (and I attest to it – I can’t workout without mine!), the motivation, accountability and consistency you get because of them comes with a drawback – it’s not free.

The thing is, staying fit doesn’t have to be as complicated as we make it. If you really put in the work, you can stay fit when traveling, at home or at the gym.

It all comes down to your dedication. In this guide, you’ll explore some of the best fitness tips to be active and healthy in Dubai – for free!

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4 Fitness Tips To Get Active And Healthy In Dubai For Free

1. Train Outdoors

One of the easiest ways to leverage Dubai’s beautiful beaches, well-constructed parks and urban scenery is by training outdoors. What makes this so exciting is that you get different kinds of workouts done, all the while enjoying a different landscape, especially if you’re just starting your fitness journey.

• Hit The Track: You get safe tracks around the Al Qudra and Dubai Marina where you can run or cycle. This is perfect for people of all fitness levels, and it’s a refreshing way to enjoy the city!
• Head Into Parks: If you’re more of a strength and cardio type of a person, you can easily integrate some resistance training into your routine - all thanks to the equipment at parks such as the Zabeel or Safa parks!
• By The Beach: For a more serene and calming experience, go to one of the many beaches and do your Yoga, cardio, core or calisthenics routine – it’s all up to you!

For a detailed guide, check out this beach workout routine!

2. Utilize Free Sources

You don’t have to spend thousands on a gym membership when there are a lot of free sources that’ll help you get in shape. In fact, there are tons of free communities and fitness-related groups in Dubai that will not only help you get fit, but also meet like-minded people.

• Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC): One of the most sought-after events in the city, the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) is a 30-day long fitness event that consists of physical activities and fitness classes spread out at different spots in Dubai. It welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities and abilities to participate, making it ideal for everybody!
• Community Yoga Classes: Head over to the Al Barsha Pond Park and join the free, outdoor community yoga classes. Get a low-impact, flexibility-focused workout done in the nature and make some friends. Who knows, one of them could be your gym buddy down the lane?
• Outdoor Fitness Group: Nestled in Dubai Internet City Amphitheater, you’ll find a free outdoor fitness group called ‘dxb’. They arrange different kinds of physical activities for people who are passionate about health and fitness!

For more locations, check out the 6 outdoor workout spots in Dubai!

3. Indoor Workouts

While Dubai’s urban beauty is captivating, it is important to remember – this city’s heat is not for the faint of heart. In summers or during the afternoons, the temperatures can rise up to 49°C (120 °F), which is unbearable. This is when your free indoor workouts will save you!

• Home Workouts: Whether you’re looking for a full body workout or an intense leg and cardio day, you’ll find a variety of free, at-home workouts. These guides range from bodyweight to free weights and resistance band workouts, covering every area of fitness so you can customize your own workout plan. If you’re a complete beginner, you can also just start with some basic, bodyweight push-ups, squats, and core workouts to build stamina before deep-diving into these workout programs.
• Free Gym Trials: Who says you can’t go free trial hopping? We’ve all made free accounts on different websites to get our work done within the trial period. Well, you can do the same at fitness centers across Dubai that offer free trials. This way, you’ll get a feel of how that gym is before getting a membership.
• Indoor Classes: When the outdoor heat gets too much, bring the heat into your workouts with indoor classes. You can go for kickboxing, Muay Thai training and even gentler workouts such as a spinning class or studio yoga.

Check out these 8 home workout routines to build muscle – all for free!

4. Incorporate Healthy Alternatives

Staying fit isn’t all about the workouts you do – it’s also about the kind of lifestyle you have. With Dubai being the hub of all the buzz, there are many ways you can incorporate healthier alternatives into your lifestyle to get in shape and be active.

• Walk Instead: This is as simple as it gets – choosing to commute on foot as much as you can. Whether you’re heading to the metro or going for a quick grocery haul, walk instead of calling a cab. This will help you burn some extra calories without it really feeling like a workout session.
• Better Diet: There’s a plethora of dining options at Dubai – reserve them for your cheat day weekends. In your daily life, try to incorporate wholefoods, fruits, veggies and a high-protein diet so you’re nourishing your body the right way.
• Be Proactive: Easier said than done, we get it. But by being proactive with your lifestyle, you’ll avoid feeling trouble by fitness and nutrition. Start with meal prepping over the weekends so you don’t fall into unhealthy snacking or getting take-outs. Be flexible with your workouts and try to exercise anywhere between 3-5 times a week. And most importantly, don’t just focus on physical fitness. Meditate at least 5 minutes a day to invest in your mental health – it affects the way you feel about yourself and your life.

Check out these 5 healthy habits to build six-pack abs that allow you to design a healthy lifestyle for yourself!

Key Takeaways

When it comes down to staying fit in Dubai, it's all about being smart with your choices. You don't have to break your bank because this city offers several options including indoor and outdoor spaces to help you get in shape, no matter what fitness level you stand at. From leveraging the well-built and well-equipped parks to participating in community fitness events such as the Dubai Fitness Challenge, there's every kind of option to suit your active lifestyle. Just make sustainable changes into your routine to gradually transition to a healthier lifestyle!

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