A #Dubai30x30 motivation
dubai — A Filipina resident in Dubai has been struggling with her weight for years now, which took a huge toll on her confidence and self-esteem. However, she wants to turn over a new leaf with the newfound motivation she has received from the 30x30 Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC).
Dez, 42, was one of the many residents who turned up at Safa Park for the group exercises that are part of the DFC launched by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council.
Three residents, who have been struggling with their weight for years, opened up to Khaleej Times on their battle with their health and how they plan on changing for the better through this challenge.
“I was active but when I moved to Dubai, I gained a lot of weight because I couldn’t afford to pay for a gym and I didn’t want to run in the heat. My confidence went away when I gained weight,” Dez said. “But with this challenge, I feel motivated to start losing weight again. Seeing all these people here is encouraging me to get fit.”
Another Filipino, Renato, who is struggling with weight loss, said he has developed “insecurities” because of his body. The 45-year-old said it has become more important now than ever for him to get fit. “I would admit that I have insecurities because of my weight. It’s reality, but at the end of the day it’s how you view yourself. Now, it’s become more about losing weight for my own health reasons because I’m getting older. I’m not getting any younger, so I need to be healthy,” Renato said. “I’ve always been a bit big. When I moved to Dubai, I joined a gym and I lost a lot of weight. But then I stopped because of work and personal life. A month ago, I wanted to lose weight again because a friend from the Philippines challenged me to. And the DFC came along exactly at the right time.”
An Indian expat, Ash Nind, 30, said the fitness challenge exercises at Safa Park are a great opportunity to lose weight. “I have struggled with weight constantly throughout my life. So, this initiative has been a great step for me to start my weight loss routines again. The group exercising sessions at Safa Park will go on until November 18, every Friday and Saturday.