Dubai: From workplace challenges to sibling rivalry or battling it out with friends for bragging rights, the 2023 Dubai Fitness Challenge has turned into a community playground to achieve the goal of a healthier life. Several options are available for those eager to join free events and activities at the seventh edition of Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC), running till November 26.
As the flagship fitness initiative of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, the focus is to get everybody moving for 30 minutes, every day for 30 days. Even for the most hardened of fitness fanatics and sports fans, 30 days of continuous activity can be tough. But by bringing competition into the equation, those training sessions can take on a greater focus, while the hours spent pounding the pavement or bashing balls across a net are given extra purpose with a fresh ambition to improve. Setting goals, whether to record a personal best or to beat that tricky opponent – or simply to triumph against a friend, family member or colleague - can be the perfect tonic for motivation and give an added edge to regular exercise.
Here are some of the ways you can rally your crew and be challenged at this year’s DFC.
Step It Up: Set a daily step goal and compete with a loved one to see who can rack up the highest step count. Encourage taking the stairs, lunchtime walks, or outdoor workouts in the city’s free workout areas.
Corporate Challenge: Why not set up a league in the workplace to challenge colleagues to reach new levels of performance? Sync your progress through DFC partner apps, and embark on a shared journey of motivation, competition and mutual encouragement.
Workout Buddy: Pair up with a friend, family member, or colleague and commit to regular workouts throughout the Challenge. Join in one of the 600+ fitness classes happening at DFC’s new venue Run and Ride Central or go for a bike ride at the new RTA Mushrif Park Cycle Centre.
Plank Challenge: Head to the Mubadala Health Gym at the DP World Kite Beach Fitness Village and challenge each other to see who can hold a plank position the longest.
Running Challenge: Sign up to Dubai Run, presented by Mai Dubai, and challenge yourself, family, friends and colleagues to complete either the 5km or 10km within a specific time frame. Track your run using DFC partner fitness apps and compare your progress.
Fitness Class Marathon: Participate in a variety of fitness classes or activities across the city during the month. Challenge each other to attend as many as possible and celebrate the top performer.
Outdoor Adventure Challenge: Explore the natural beauty of Dubai and challenge your friends, family, or colleagues to participate in outdoor activities across the city such as kayaking, golf or kitesurfing. You could even sign up to the iconic Dubai Ride, presented by DP World, or the brand-new Stand-Up Paddle event, presented by RTA, in Hatta – just a free bus journey away. Set goals for completing a certain number of outdoor adventures during the challenge period.
Team Sports Tournament: Form teams and organise a friendly tournament during DFC for sports such as padel – via the Dubai Padel Cup – football or basketball. Keep track of the scores and award the winning team at the end of the tournament.
Challenge In The Sky: Grab a friend and sign up for a pulse-racing triathlon at the iconic AURA Skypool in Dubai, where you will row 3km on a static machine, pedal 3km on a stationary bike, and finish with a mesmerising 250m swim around the 360-degree infinity pool, all from 200m in the air.
