From changing their exercise timings to trying out new activities, UAE fitness enthusiasts are experimenting with their workouts this summer. As UAE summer temperatures regularly exceed 45°, some individuals have opted to run before dawn, while others participate in activities such as ice baths.
Former international sprinter Daniel Oderinde, an athletics coach and runner based in Dubai, has observed a significant shift in workout routines preferences during the summer. “I’ve noticed, both in my training and when coaching others, that the heat doesn’t mean people stop, it just means they change when and how they train,” he said.
He said that he often runs early in the morning or later in the evening. “I often move runs to early mornings before the sun is fully out, like the Grey Days 5K social runs hosted with New Balance or opt for evening sessions after work when it’s a bit cooler,” he said. “On days when the heat is unbearable, I take my runs indoors to the treadmill to stay on track safely.”
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He added that this shift during summer months required more planning. “An early morning run means prioritising sleep the night before and staying hydrated in advance,” he said. “Evening sessions require planning meals and water intake carefully throughout the day to avoid cramping and ensure my body is fuelled to perform.”
Marked shift in workout routine
According to Julien Khoury, founder of Dubai wellness centre Breasy, they have seen a “distinct shift” in workout preferences as the warmer months approach. “There’s a growing inclination towards early morning starts to fully capitalise on the cooler hours before the sun reaches its peak,” she said. “Also, as the day winds down, we see a strong pull towards later evening sessions.”
She said that Breasy had responded to this demand by adjusting timings and offering a relaxed schedule. “For our outdoor offerings like yoga sessions, gym workouts, and run club, we’ve moved to earlier morning starts,” she said.
“Our sunset and evening sessions now begin slightly later, always culminating with an invigorating cold plunge. We also understand that summer brings a natural ebb and flow with holidays, so we’ve adopted a more relaxed and reduced schedule. This flexibility ensures our community members can travel and return without missing a beat. For example, our popular floating breathwork sessions at Aura Skypool are now running bi-weekly through the summer.”
Workouts with ice
Fitness company GymNation took advantage of the summer months by offering a one-of-a-kind workout session at one of its branches. The “Coolest Class in Dubai” fitness experience, which was offered at the Motor City branch every Saturday in July, included workouts with ice and fans.
One of the activities, Blizzard Sprints, required participants to run on treadmills against giant fans. The Polar Push involved sledge pushes with ice blocks, and the Glacier Grip challenge included ice-bucket farmer carries.
According to Rory McEntee, the company’s Chief Marketing Officer, the response to these unique classes was “overwhelmingly positive” and the sessions may be extended. “Classes have booked out so quickly that we’ve implemented a ballot system to keep it fair and give as many people as possible the chance to participate,” he said. “Considering this demand, we’re already exploring options to increase capacity and run additional sessions to meet interest.”
