10 Places Where You Don't Have to Workout Alone
As the colder weather creeps upon us and our days become longer and darker, maintaining our fitness motivation levels can seem like a hopeless task and working out the recommended 3 times a week sounds easier said than done. After all, a brief visit to your local gym or a jog around Aspire park may not seem that taxing, until you realize you're on your own and no earth-shattering levels of self-motivation can get you to put your running shoes on.
We all come up with never-ending excuses not to work up a sweat, many which can be semi-legitimate, what with social functions, work, house errands, kids, and just general headaches of life getting in our way. And by the looks of it, most of these things are going to stick with us for the rest of our lives, so we might as well making the best of it. Sometimes, an extra dose of encouragement is all that's needed and preferably with a friend or support system. That's why we've compiled a thorough list of our favourite 10 places where you don't have to workout alone so that you can now sweat collectively. So, grab a buddy or make new ones as you engage in less-demeaning group exercises!
It’s hard to by these days without hearing or seeing yoga related things. Those who practice yoga, swear by it and don't let you forget it. Although it may seem a little mundane and perhaps intimidating from the outside, the only way to really know is to get involved in this madness. Yama Yoga Studios offers a variety of classes that might be suitable for your foray into the world of child poses and downward dogs.
Studios that involve group sessions are always the best places to start as a beginner or intermediate as they offer classes that cater to your specific level of ability and you don't have to feel like you're alone. They have beginners yoga, Vinyasa, Astanga, aerial yoga and plenty more daily sessions to check out. Boasting over 100 classes a week, you can unwind at a level that suits you, no matter what your age is. If you want to switch it up, they also have dance including salsa, Bollywood and ballet as well as pilates that cover five different levels of intensity.
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Pilates machines may look like proper torture devices, but they were actually designed in the 50’s by Joseph Pilates, a physical trainer, who made them specifically for prisoners to do resistance training in constricted spaces. Although if the current usage of them in jail is far out of our knowledge; what we can tell you is that there’s plenty of studios who offer classes around them outside the capacity of correctional facilities. Our favourite one is Encore Pilates - it is the ultimate hub in Qatar to improve your core, balance and cardio capacity.
They offer different classes with varying levels of intensity to ensure positive core-strengthening results. They have some straightforward beginner, intermediate and advanced classes, as well as more intricate ones. The latter classes offers sessions catered for specific results, such as their ‘Spinal Stability/Back Rehab’ which focuses on improving your posture, and bouncing back from a back injury by teaching you how to exercise smarter. They also offer things like the ‘Cardio/Trampoline’ class which includes being attached to a trampoline in order to challenge coordination and cardiovascular fitness with complex jumping intervals. So whether you want to begin or challenge yourself to something new - they definitely have something for you!
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The benefits of yoga are undeniable, as they are well known to lower stress, improve moods, aid in digestion, increase flexibility…and the list goes on. NiYa Yoga is another bright and welcoming yoga studio and holistic healing centre in Qatar. They offer a peaceful environment where guests of all levels are encouraged to dabble into the power of yoga.
The classes are made for varying yoga goals, meaning your performance anxiety will be knocked down as your entire group practices at the same level as you. They offer an interesting variety of classes ranging from peaceful meditation to Tibetan Singing Bowls for deep introspection. They also offer teaching opportunities for those interested in pursuing the practice and becoming certified instructors or for leisurely purposes.
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If you've heard of SoulCycle, well Ride Tribe is Qatar’s version of that. Indoor cycling has become a fixture in popular culture and is extending its way here. RideTribe is a full body, fat-burning workout that incorporates certain repeated movements with interval training to maximize results. It implements choreography on a stationary bike so you can sweat it out to top hits.
The exercise moves vary from crunches (dropping your elbows and supporting yourself with your abdominal muscles while riding) to tap-backs (thrusting your hips backwards while riding away from the seat) and are designed to work every muscle in your body so that you're exercising more than just your legs. The main objective of the class is to never stop pedalling against the resistance of the bike. The lights are low, the beats are bumping, and you are most likely sweating -perfect opportunity to grab a buddy!
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F45 Training may leave you gasping for air, but at least here you won't be doing that alone. With the company of equally gasping teammates, you can reach an impressive level of fitness with continuous visits (and overflowing levels of determination). F45 is undoubtedly one of the most innovative, challenging and systemized team training workouts in the world. This latest fitness craze has swept the world, due to its standing reputation of achieving results as a multidisciplinary exercise programme, that incorporates various elements such as weightlifting, gymnastics and cardio.
F45 at The Pearl has plenty of classes for varying goals all throughout the week, lasting around 60 minutes each and can easily be registered for through their website. If you really want to work on your fitness levels, this place is truly the ultimate challenge for you!
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If you couldn’t so much as complete a lap around a track without sensing your impending doom, then you NEED Crossfit T23. T23 Qatar and T23 Unloaded are designed for people like you to help you become a stronger, healthier and better version of yourself. They are community-driven with comprehensive coaching that focuses on each individual in a group setting.
Essentially, the exercises work every part of your body, honing a variety of skills and muscles. The workouts are constantly varied with repeated high-intensity functional movements and every time you go, expect the workout to be different than the last - which is an excellent way to shock your body and keep your fitness levels at a maximum. Due to the nature of this, it also allows quick results in a short span of time!
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Dancing can come in handy anywhere, on your way to work, in the shower, or of course, when you want to bust some serious moves on the dance floor. The great thing about hip-hop dancing is that it could go with almost any beat and with just enough practice you can freestyle your way through life. It also works as an enjoyable exercise routine, as you are constantly moving your body and working all your major muscles.
At MFEC Hip Hop Dance Academy, you could earn yourself some cool life points whilst actually getting in your weekly exercise. Dance is a remedy and an outlet to express yourself and connect with your body. It's a remedy that is often recommended by physicians as a form of meditation and letting off steam. Along with the incredible fitness levels that you will achieve, its been proven to be a great remedy for anxiety and depression. So dance away!
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Aspire Zone is part of one of the biggest sporting facilities in Doha offering a wide range of athletic services. They offer plenty of group classes for leisure and health purposes, that span out throughout the day, so you are doubtlessly going to find something that sparks your interest and fits into your schedule. Some of their classes include Indoor Aquatics, Les Mills Body Combat, Zumba, Body Shape, Pilates and much much more.
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Driven by strong ideologies, Evolve focuses on the improvement of the mind, body and soul and offers customized training and nutrition for individuals and groups. Classes take place all over town in places like the Four Seasons Hotel, Diva Lounge, Westin Hotel and Warwick Hotel among others. This makes accessibility easier as you can find classes near you. Classes span out throughout the day, so you don't have to plan your schedule around it. They offer a wide variety of classes including Power Yoga, Muay Thai, HIIT and Body Rock - which are all perfect reasons to not work out alone.
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Another place where you can dance and sweat it out! This new spot just recently opened up at the Pearl Qatar and they offer plenty of dance classes for various age categories, including contemporary dance, hip-hop, Broadway and salsa. If you've often wondered what its like being a Cirque de Soleil performer, Brava Studio also offers you that chance to be suspended mid-air as they have aerial hoop and aerial silk classes for all ages. These classes are an excellent core-strengthening workout as they mostly focus on improving your mobility, flexibility and strength. Their classes are available all throughout the day and can easily be booked for online.
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Have you tried any of these classes? let us know what you think in the comments below.
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A nice bundle of ideas to be tried during holidays .......... ..................