Lost Your Fitness Spark? How I Reignited My Fitness Journey!

For as long as I can remember, movement has always been part of my life, but it wasn’t until later that I truly fell in love with exercising. There were times when I was extremely committed, hitting the gym six times a week, engaging in personal training sessions, and sometimes even doubling up on workouts in a day. However, anyone who’s taken a break from regular exercise knows how challenging it can be to jump back in. It’s as if the progress you built over months evaporates in few seconds – frustrating!

Last year, for a long time, I wanted to reestablish my regular workout routine. I experimented with various tactics: tracking my exercise routines, creating reward systems, and even publicly committing to my goals on social media. But, despite these efforts, nothing seemed to have a lasting impact.

Early Attempts

One day, my friend told me about a place she was regularly exercising at and convinced me to check it out! If you’re thinking I went there and that was it, I will have to disappoint you. It’s never THAT easy 😉

She mentioned a trial package that offered two classes at a lower rate as a way to testing the waters.

This got me thinking: why not explore different fitness venues in Dubai? The great thing about Dubai is that there is a wide range of first comer offers available – from free day passes at gyms to discounted rates for boutique fitness classes.

We all like a good deal, but what excited me more was the thrill of discovering new places, checking out their unique vibes, and trying out various workout styles.

Over the years I learnt what type of exercises I like more but I also understood what I needed in a fitness routine: a welcoming environment, motivating trainers, and (reasonable) quick, visible results.

Exploring New Options

As I visited various fitness studios, I had a mix of experiences. Some places had fantastic classes but facilities were not up to my standards. Others were too cramped and I didn’t feel I have enough space to exercise comfortably. However, amidst these trials, I found spots that felt just right, places where I felt motivated and eager to commit.

Finding the Community on Your Fitness Journey

For me the best places became:

CRANK

Crank is the place I’ve known for a long time now and been going regularly. It has become a go-to place when I’m returning to my fitness regime after a break. The community vibe here is something different, and the energy is simply infectious. The instructors seem to enjoy the sessions as much as the participants, making every workout feel even more fun. If anyone is asking me for recommendation, this is the place on top of my list.

Their two main offerings, ‘Ride’ and ‘Shape’, deliver a party atmosphere while indoor cycling and functional training that’s as effective as personal training, respectively.

PLATFORM STUDIOS

Discovering Platform Studios Barre classes was a game-changer for me. It took me a moment to find the right instructor for me, but once I did, it even transformed my outlook on Mondays. I am now looking forward to 7 am Monday classes as they set the positive tone for the entire week. 

Their diverse range of classes means there’s always something new to try, which I will be doing.

REFORM ATHLETICA

Reformer Pilates was something that fascinated me for some time. It looks easy, but it is not. During the classes you get to workout the muscles you didn’t know you had! It’s essential to find an instructor who challenges you and helps you progress, and I found it at Reform Athletica. Although I’ve shifted to Barre, I plan to revisit Pilates periodically.

Reflection on My Fitness Journey and Advice

Finding the right class or instructor that resonates with you might take time, but it’s worth the effort. My advice? Don’t give up too early. I went to the same type of class several times to try out different instructors until I found those with similar vibes to mine.

If I can recommend something, choose a place that’s convenient – either close to home, work or on your commute. Going to the gym is already difficult for most, therefore put systems in place that help eliminate excuses and make maintaining a routine much easier.

Remember, what works for one person might not work for another. So, I encourage you to explore and experiment until you find the spark that reignites your fitness journey!