The busy man’s guide to choosing a gym

It’s not too late to revive the now-forgotten new year’s resolution to get fit. Any time of year is a good time to join a gym and here are a few pointers for finding the best place to work out – even if you reckon you don’t have time.

February 2008

As a busy professional you are constantly on the go and have little time for anything else, including keeping up with your exercise regime. Often times, with good intentions, we plan on getting up extra early on Saturday to take that run or get some exercise in, however, we fail to realise just how tired we are and likely never make it out of bed that early.

However, there is now a solution to the problem. Many gyms exist now days that specifically cater to busy professionals. Established gyms have even gotten wise and have begun offering special deals for those who work hard, with little time for exercise.

The following tips will help you in determining what gym works for you and your schedule. It is important to remember that before you sign anything, that you check out the place, then read and understand the terms of membership.

Timing

Look at the schedule of the gym. Gyms are now finding it economical to remain open 24 hours. For busy professionals, this could be the answer they have been looking for. While exercising at three in the morning does not specifically appeal to you in general, it does appeal to many others who have hectic schedules. It is important to compare of the schedule of the gym with your own schedule. It is recommended that you avoid exercise of any sort in the three hours prior to bedtime. This could create problems with sleeping, so when it is time to exercise you will want to think about this aspect.

Facilities

To some people the facilities the gym offers far outweighs the times they are open. However, there are some things you should be looking for that every good gym should have. For example, a fully equipped weight lifting room is essential. Be sure to check the machines and ensure that they are kept in the best condition possible. Check out the area designated for cardio classes, this area should be spacious and provide adequate room for the exercises. Furthermore, the gym must provide separate locker rooms for women and men, plus a swimming pool for other exercises.

Classes

Depending on what you are looking for check out the classes offered by trained experts at the gym such as yogalates, spinning, or weight training. Additionally, if it appeals to you find out if they have massage services or a sauna.

New in town

The Monarch Hotel has just opened a health club that’s as regal as the hotel’s name

A combination of the time of year and Dubai’s fast paced lifestyle involving work, play, caffeine and eating out tends to lead to new year’s resolutions, while made with the utmost faith, often being bent, broken or outright ignored.

The Monarch Dubai’s newly opened health club, Quantum, and its manager Devon Graham, are providing an executive fitness and wellbeing facility aimed at creating a balance in people’s hectic lives and bringing a healthy lifestyle to its guests.

“We’re offering a totally personalised service focusing on enhancing the wellbeing of our guests and members,” he says. “Most other health clubs will give you a quick body-fat test on joining and be off with you. Here we work together with the client, as a team, to achieve the goals we’ve set out on their very first visit.”

Part of the more personalised service involves a complete health check with a cholesterol and glucose assessment, movement analysis, body composition analysis, nutritional counselling and physical therapy.

Quantum fitness professionals work constantly with guests and members to maintain the team spirit and keep guests motivated to achieve their final goal and overall “wellness”.

“Our goal here is to help people be the best they can be, beyond physical appearance it incorporates both the mind and body,” says Mr Graham. “It’s what I refer to as wellness, mind and body functioning totally and together to create positive results.

“People come to hotels either for business, leisure or entertainment; they need a place where they can relax and maintain their health. Sometimes they just need to move their body.”

All of Quantum’s cardiovascular machines and some of the strength training machines come from Italian manufacturers TechnoGym, while the majority of the strength training machines are by German company Gym80.

There is also feature equipment specific to individual consultations incorporating a body composition analysis.

Quantum is also home to the Middle East’s only Kinesis Vision machine – a total body work out machine which allows the user to perform an infinite variety of exercises and movements, ensuring strength, stability and flexibility.

• For membership information, call +971 4 5015260. Gym opening hours are currently 6pm-9pm.