DFC OFF TO A THUNDEROUS START
Residents participate in the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) at the Kite Beach Fitness Village on Friday. The fourth edition of the 30-day fitness fest got off to a flying start with the participants following social distancing norms amid the pandemic. The DFC, which will run until November 28, features three dedicated fitness villages at the Kite Beach, Al Khawaneej and the Dubai Festival City Mall. —
dubai — Saying yes to the 30x30 challenge, residents on Friday came out and joined Day 1 of Dubai’s socially distanced fitness fest.
The Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) 2020 kicked off as early as 7am. Fitness villages and hubs bustled with residents who were all game for the exciting mix of virtual and physical activities lined up for the day.
Apart from wearing their usual sportswear and gear, participants — young and old — were all masked up, which was an entry requirement at fitness hubs.
One of the first expats at the Kite Beach Fitness Village was Indian national Hafnas Hamza. He planned an early start to avoid the rush and inspect the place before signing up for a programme.
“Although I was excited to participate in this year’s fitness challenge, I was initially unsure how safe it would be in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. But coming to the fitness hub has helped dispel all my doubts and hesitation as the periodic sanitisation sessions and safety measures were mindblowing,” Hamza said.
“Dubai places utmost importance to the safety and security of its residents and I feel much more positive and confident now after seeing the world- class arrangements made at the fitness hubs.”
He said he had been avoiding the gym due to Covid but, with the DFC, he was convinced that he could now safely get his workouts done. “Here I am getting to train with the best coaches in a very safe environment and free of cost. I have registered for different activities and I intend to make full use of these 30 days of fitness.”
Getting fit to fight virus
Bulgarian expat Gabriella is joining the DFC for the first time. Ironically, it was the pandemic that pushed her to focus on her fitness, she said.
“Although I have been in Dubai for six years, I never really could find time to participate in DFC but, this year, it was the pandemic that forced me to take out time for fitness and boost my immunity.
And I am grateful to the Dubai government for giving us the opportunity to transform our lifestyles through various fun activities that we may not have ever gotten a chance to do on our own,” Gabriella said.
“I have booked a fitness class where I would learn how to do a 180-degree split, something that I have been wanting to do for a very long time but never found the right opportunity.”
Justin Xavier, another expat, has been a fitness buff for a long
time. But this year, he wanted to introduce his wife and nine-yearold daughter to fitness and DFC, he said, is the best way to do that.
“I want my daughter and wife to get into fitness, especially during the pandemic. We have now pledged to make use of these 30 days of DFC by participating in various physical and virtual fitness sessions.”
This year, prior booking is essential for all events on www. dubaifitnesschallenge.com. However, those who go straight to fit
ness venues are given the option to register on the spot.
All physical classes are limited to a certain number of participants to ensure that physical distancing will be maintained. They also have to wear face masks at all times.
All fitness equipment and arenas are sanitised after every session. Exit and entry points are segregated, temperature checks are done, and sanitisation tunnels set up at venues.
I am grateful to Dubai for giving us the opportunity to transform our lifestyles through fun activities.” Gabriella, expat
The periodic sanitisation and safety measures were mind-blowing. I’ll make full use of this 30-day fitness.” Hafnas Hamza, expat
I want my daughter and wife to get into fitness, especially during the pandemic, DFC is the best platform.”
Justin Xavier, expat