High intensity fitness methods becoming popular across UAE

Pilates, Yoga, Zumba emerge as fast-growing fitness fads among young population, says new research

Dubai, UAE, April 27th, 2014: Young residents across the UAE are increasingly turning to high-intensity fitness workouts such as Yoga, Pilates and Zumba in order to de-stress and rejuvenate themselves after a hard day's work, according to new research released this week.

The annual survey, conducted by the Dubai-based Lifestyle Yoga, polled more than 1,500 people across the UAE and found that the younger respondents were becoming increasingly conscious of the importance of a well-balanced diet and exercise to ensure all-round fitness. The survey is conducted every year by Lifestyle Yoga through its online and offline channels.

“This year's research shows an interesting trend among UAE residents to take control of their lifestyles and ensure that they have access to quality nutrition and fitness routines,” says Sumit Manav, Founder of Lifestyle Yoga. “The reason for this huge jump in awareness levels could be attributed to the growth of social media channels advocating overall fitness for both body and mind and also as a result of new workout programs being introduced in the region.”

Over 36% of the respondents comprised young working adults of different nationalities in the age group of 21 to 30 years. Awareness about obesity and other lifestyle-related conditions has jumped by 22% over that of last year, while around 38% of the respondents were aware about the dangers of sedentary lifestyles on their well-being. Awareness about fitness was especially high among European expatriates, with over 16% saying that they had turned to exercise over the past one year to remain fit.

Approximately 29 per cent of the respondents believed that high-intensity workouts such as Yoga, Pilates and Zumba, along with running, could help in maintaining a fit lifestyle while 24% were confident that only nutrition and dietary control held the key to well-being.

Manav added that while it was fashionable among young people to take to body-building up until a few years ago, an increasing number of people are now exploring options for complete fitness, with emphasis on body, mind, strength and stamina.

“Our hectic lifestyles and eating habits eventually take their toll on our bodies and minds, resulting in modern conditions such as stress, obesity, backaches, diabetes, cholesterol and even heart attacks,” he pointed out. “The huge interest in overall fitness is driven largely as a result of people seeking avenues to de-stress themselves and allow the body to heal itself from all modern ailments,” he pointed out.

Now in its fourth year of operation, Lifestyle Yoga continues to advise people about maintaining a fit lifestyle and incorporating all elements of wellness, including workouts, nutrition, meditation, and breathing techniques.

The event also saw Lifestyle Yoga unveiling its new branding and logo. The re-branding, undertaken by Aladin Advertising, one of the leading UAE branding and advertising agencies, builds on the sacred teacher-student relationship and seeks to highlight the importance of learning authentic Yoga under a well-trained teacher.