Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone sees first Fitness club

Conceived and designed for busy, time-strapped executives of Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City and the growing academic community of staff and students at Dubai Knowledge Village Shapes offers 30-minute group fitness and wellness programmes. Members go through a variety of instructor-led programs ranging from group circuit training to yoga and tai chi to achieve their desired goals of fitness and wellness under the supervision of wellness professionals.

Recognising the benefits of instructor-led group programmes for both corporate and academic health insurance clients, several leading global and regional insurance industry companies have reached agreements with Shapes to support these programmes.

Spread-over a total area of nearly 20,000 square feet, Shapes Wellness & Spa is introducing new concepts like 30-minute circuit-training, dance exercises and golf fitness. Complimenting the wellness programs are all natural spa therapies from Thailand which is known for its spa treatments.

Endorsing the need for a facility like Shapes, Dr Abdulla Al Karam, CEO of Dubai Knowledge Village, said, "Both the education and corporate community is growing each year. Opening such a shared sport facility will further enhance the interaction between students, teachers, and professionals of the three entities: Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, and Dubai Knowledge Village. Also, a facility like this is important in our community as it creates a healthy environment for the mind and body."

Shapes fitness requires executives and students to be physically flexible, have a healthy cardiac activity and to keep their muscles toned through regular cross-training programs delivered in 30-minute slots. Ms Claudia Gallo, Recreation Manager, Shapes Wellness & Spa, said, "At Shapes we decided what programme a member should be part of. We are different in that individuals have to trust our experts to guide them at all times. And of course most programmes are group based. Students at Dubai Knowledge Village will benefit greatly from this and we also expect to see executives' stress levels decrease and energy levels increase with our programmes."