(MENAFN - Khaleej Times) Take good care of your health and have fun while doing it. This was the central idea behind the Health and Fitness Fun Day, organised by the Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ACTVET).
At the opening of the two-day show on Sunday, Halls 3 and 4 and the atrium of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre turned into a large health and fitness arena beckoning spectators to learn the best way to get in good shape.
In its second year, the show attracted 86 exhibitors in health and fitness-related institutions offering free consultations, medical checks and a wide-range of fitness activities and sports for different age groups, interests and abilities.
Visitors at the show can also receive advice on healthy cooking and eating habits and can take advantage of the relaxing back massage and reflexology therapy while the children can have fun with various physical and mental activities. Features at the Fun Day include self-defence and Jiu-Jitsu demonstrations, horse riding, karate, football and various fitness exercises. There is also a bicycle track and mini golf for beginners while fitness enthusiasts can try his/her muscle on Thai boxing and body combat. For the more adventurous, wall climbing, is an option.
"I don't usually exercise, but I challenge myself to do it here," said Louie Catacutan, Grade 9, from the Philippine National School.
The Filipino student was encouraged by trying his skills in his favoured sports - basketball and football - and testing his strength in Thai boxing. At the Dhabian Equestrian Club area, spectators were eager to try the horses. According to Tina Al Qubasi, president of the club, horse riding is good exercise.
"The movement with the horse, helps work your abs and legs as it goes up and down and forward. We have a lot of people who have lost a lot of weight, horse riding," she stated.
The Get Moving Fitness stand, meanwhile, saw very little traffic despite a signpost promising to burn up to 545 calories in just 55 minutes. This is probably because this workout is not just for anybody. It involves high intensity martial arts (inspired cardio), moving in sync with hard-hitting tunes, aimed to inspire heavy workout that would tone and shape one's body while increasing strength and endurance.
Held under the patronage of Shaikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and Head of the General Women's Union, the Health and Fitness Fun Day is open to the public today until 8pm, with 9am to 12pm dedicated to ladies. Entrance is free.
By Olivia Olarte-Ulherr
