English teacher and head of section at The New Indian Model School Abhilasha Singh has always been a fitness enthusiast. However, her decision to take up the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) is not just to attain personal fitness, but to encourage her students, parents, and network of teachers to lead a more active lifestyle.

"We have accepted the challenge as a team and are very motivated to excel," she told Khaleej Times. Abhilasha is a marathon runner, cyclist, and is part of several running and fitness groups in the UAE. However, she expressed her disappointment at how inactive young children are these days.

Since students lead extremely hectic lifestyles, they need to be encouraged to into doing more physical activity, she says. "I think it's the little ones who are most benefitted by this movement. It is delightful to see them take the challenge up so passionately. I see that they take the stairs more and are generally more active and upbeat," she added.

"As teachers, we face a lot of work pressure and it is a very demanding job. I also have high blood pressure, plus asthma. But running helps me soothe my senses. it's my me-time," laughs Abhilasha. "I took up running about 10 years ago. However, I could only run very short distances because of my health issues, but moving to Dubai gave me the confidence to run really long distances and now I am training for marathons," said the teacher.

Abhilasha started the fitness challenge by running the DSC Pink Run to raise awareness on breast cancer. She clocks a minimum of 30-minutes on the fitness challenge mobile app and is simultaneously training for the Dubai Marathon as well. "On weekends, I run with several running groups in Ajman, Sharjah, and Dubai, including the Sharjah Buheira Striders," she added.

She also routinely cycles at the Al Qudra cycling track in Dubai. "I have set personal goals and goals for the school," she said. "I have personally started running 5kms daily, and end my running session with a few minutes of yoga," she added. Her running community is committed to the challenge as well.
Top five things to do today

1-Calm start to the day with mindful yoga

What: Morning Mindful Yoga

Where: Yoga Ashram, JLT

Time: 6am; Duration: 60 minutes

Description: Begin your day with an early morning stretch exercises and relaxed breathing techniques. Open to all levels.

2-Test your skills with private lessons

What: Horse Riding Lesson

Where: Dubai Polo Equestrian Club, Arabian Ranches

Time: 7am;  Duration: 120 minutes

Description: Get a 45- minute private horse riding lesson that is open to all levels. Choose from either the 7am- 8am or 8am to 9am slot.

3-Be no holds Barre-ed with workouts

What: Barre Pilates

Where: The Platform, Dubai Marina

Time: 7.30am;  Duration: 45 minutes

Description: Experience the best of pilates and ballet with Barre's cardio intervals, core work, and functional exercises.

4-Show off on court with padel tennis

What: Padel Tennis Clinic (2-4 players)

Where: Tennis 360, Meydan

Time: 8am;  Duration: 60 minutes

Description: Get a handle on playing the padel in a coaching session for 2-4 players.

5-Box the negativity out of your system

What: Boxing session

Where: 2FIT2QUIT, JLT

Time: 7.30pm; Duration: 60 minutes

Description: Get a total-body workout using boxing techniques to improve your cardiovascular strength and endurance.

Source: Khaleej Times