Exercising during summer doesn’t leave us with too many options, but here at Time Out, we know how to make the best of what we have. So we’ve put together five fun indoor workouts to take you through the long, hot, summer months and help you stay active all season long.
Aqua aerobics
There aren’t too many options for aqua aerobics in Doha, but it’s an absolute winner when it comes to full-body workouts. An hour of approved splish-splashing promises to be good for your arms and legs and even your mind. Fun fact – you even get to swim with dumbbells.
Be Fit Centre. Membership from QR1,500 (per month). Open Sat-Thu 8am-9pm. Aqua aerobics classes on Mon and Wed at 4pm. Al Dafna (4481 8183).
Pilates
Pilates ensures your heart rate doesn’t significantly elevate, focusing on conditioning, and is a fun and healthy way to get your quota of calories off for the day without completely exhausting yourself. It is also a great way to maintain your core strength. You can also get a session of reformer Pilates in at OX Fitness Lab.
Strongbox Qatar. From QR80 (per class). Open daily 6am-8pm. Ibn Manzour Street, West Bay (4029 3720). OX Fitness Lab, West Bay (4020 6430).
Indoor Sport
As long as you don’t overdo it, sports like basketball and table tennis are apt indoor activities that will break out a sweat, but not dehydrate you. Instead of going all out, just shoot a few hoops, or score a few goals. Join a recreation club to access a range of indoor activities. Aspire Academy has indoor pools and lots of other sports and you can even catch a game of squash at the Radisson’s recreation club.
Cabana club. QR35 basketball court hire (per hour per person). Membership required. Open daily 7am-10pm. Radisson Blu Hotel Doha, Rawdat Al Khail (4428 1428).
Muay Thai
Muay Thai, which is basically Thai boxing, is a great way to not just burn fat but to build muscle as well. This combat sport uses stand-up striking in combination with various clinching techniques, so you’ll be throwing around a few kicks and punches with grace.What’s even more exciting than partaking in the ideal indoor workout, you’ll also be learning an ancient martial art developed over hundreds of years. Very fancy.
Free trial at Fitness First. Timings for classes vary from 9.30am to 9pm. Open Sat-Thu 6am-9pm, Fri 7am-9pm. City Centre Doha Mall, West Bay (4411 5999).
Walking or cycling
Head over to the gym and spend around 30 to 60 minutes on any light cardio exercise. Walking or cycling in a well ventilated space are the most recommended. If you’re looking for something a little more fun, try exploring the tunnel network below Souq Waqif. It’s air-conditioned and there’s lots of walking to do.
Gymmito Fitness Club. Open daily Sat-Thu 5.30am-11pm, Fri 8am-8pm. Qanat Quartier, The Pearl-Qatar (4036 0678).
Yoga
Yoga is a great way to relax your body and your mind while getting a good workout. As long as you stay away from the summer heat and find a decent indoor space that’s temperature-controlled, you are good to go. Besides, International Yoga Day is on Thursday June 21 and there’s no better time to learn that tree pose.
Niya Yoga. QR60 (community class), QR120 (single class). Open daily 6.30am-8pm. Qanat Quartier, The Pearl-Qatar (4468 2562).
