10 Places to work out in Kuwait
It’s that time of year again. We are five months away from New Year’s resolutions that never came to fruition, and our bathing suit reminds us every time we head to the beach. Many of us have tried to get into shape but have either been bored by the mundane workouts at the gym, or just don’t have the time to make it there.
We’ve put together a list of 10 ways you can get a workout in Kuwait, that’s not just your average gym, so there are no excuses! From rock climbing to running, innovative fitness trends and even home workouts there’s something for everyone on this list.
1. 20Seven Fitness
This small studio packs an intense workout in just as little as an hour a week. Their innovative Electrical Muscle Stimulation workout will have you too sore to walk, but more fit than you have ever been in your life. The technology is simple, a suit sends the same electric pulses to your muscles that your brain would, and forces your deep tissue into work. Just a few reps and you’ll be sweating like a marathon runner. It’s a get fit quick program that we can definitely get behind.
Check out our experience with the EMS technology at 20 Minutes to a New You.
20seven Fitness Studio can be found in the Sirbb Circuit. For more information and to book your free session call 2226 1908. Follow them on Instagram @20sevenkw.
2. CrossFit
CrossFit seems to be all the rave these days, but it can be intimidating with the huge tires and all those squats. Yet, judging by the fitness levels of those who try it, you won’t regret joining, and you’ll never be bored. Every day is different at CrossFit and the benefits are incredible. From amazing cardiovascular conditioning, to increased joint mobility and the incredible blast of calories (20% more than your typical treadmill workout), CrossFit is a surefire way to transform your body. Plus, you get to meet new people, and be part of a team.
Check out our story on Kuwait’s Crossfit965, and their journey to the championships held in Dubai. Crossfit965 Kuwait Takes on the Regionals
Want to join a CrossFit team in Kuwait check out the Instagram accounts @crossfitflare, @crossfitfdt, @crossfit965 and @CPCF.
3. Mall Walking
As the summer heat descends on us and creates a fog of dehydration, indoor activities are looking cooler and cooler. Strap on your sneakers and your favorite outfit and head to…the mall! Yes, you heard us right. You don’t have to go on an intense program to get into shape. This walking track is free from sweat stains, dirty walking tracks and no weather constraints. Mall walking is a fitness choice that is centered on our concerns, curiosities and comforts.=
Check out These Malls are made for walking, with a bazaar writer who has tried this fun fitness experience.
Want to get more out of your walking? Check out Every Day Health’s 9 ways to exercise at the mall.
4. SWAT Fitness
Abdallah Aldawsari’s time as an undergraduate in California showed him how important outdoor activities are. People worked out everywhere, from the streets to the beaches. Today he has brought this same enthusiasm to Kuwait with his group SWAT Fitness. They meet every day of the week at a different location each time. Through the hour they do a series of fitness sports from Crossfit to bootcamp, swimming and running and of course, strength training. They meet rain or shine, hot or cold. Now THAT’S dedication.
For more information about Swat Fitness Outdoor call 9988 9450. Follow them on Instagram @swat_fitness_outdoor.
5. Vie Fitness Studio
Vie Fitness Studio offers a break from the regularly scheduled gym session with one of the hottest trends in physical conditioning: functional training. The idea is simple, rather than work specific muscles such as your triceps or quads, the exercises are designed to help your body work in unison to help you perform every day movements better. Imagine all the physically demanding activities you have to do throughout the day: when you pick up your toddler, carry the groceries, reach high up for something or even just get up out of your chair. Each of these actions needs strength, posture, and balance training, all readily available at Vie.
Check out bazaar’s review of Vie Fitness Studio: A New Training Approach As Old as Mankind .
Vie Fitness Studio is located on the 32nd floor of the Panasonic Tower in Kuwait City and is open Saturday to Thursday 7 AM – 11 PM. Call 2227 9365 or visit vfitnessstudio.com for more information. Follow them on Instagram @vfitnessstudio.
6. Run on the Corniche
One of the greatest things about living in Kuwait is our proximity to the beach. So why not use the long walkway to run beside it? Pop on your iPod and get your Nike Fitness App going to see how far you can go. If you need a little more inspiration, check out the Imaginactive App that will have you running away from zombies!. Looking for running buddies? Look no further than Marina Crescent at 7:30 am every Friday. There you will find Q8 Foot Soldiers, a group that will help you get running and possibly change your life.
For more information on the Q8 Foot Soldiers check out our writer Ayman Nassar’s experience with the group at bazaar.townnew: Q8FootSoldiers.
7. Yoga
Yoga classes are being offered in parks, at beaches and new yoga studios all over the country to fit every budget. Kuwait is experiencing its own yoga boom reflecting the international rise in the popularity of this ancient practice. Local teachers are getting their teacher training certifications and studio owners are getting creative with licensing their spaces. Check out our article this month on The Rise of Yoga in Kuwait. For all you Yoga enthusiasts check out the The Living Yoga Festival at the end of this month.
You can visit www.livingyogakw.com to buy tickets and for more information or follow Living Yoga on Instagram @jivamukti_yoga_kuwait and Facebook for news, images and updates from the team.
8. Kuwait Climbing
There may not be many mountains in Kuwait, but that hasn’t stopped climbing enthusiast Ali Abulkarim. The Kuwait Climbing group meets every Tuesday for a climb at EMall, or when the weather permits, outside at Jal Al Zour in Khiran. Abulkarim and the team have plenty of experience and welcome newcomers to the sport to their group. They’ll teach you the fundamentals, get you focused on using your lower body strength and even give you equipment to start with. For more on the benefits of rock climbing check out Up, Up and Away: Bazaar Fitness from our fitness guru Mike Campbell.
Follow Kuwait Climbing on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @kuwaitclimbing.
9. Parks
Kuwait may seemingly not offer a lot in the way of outdoor activities, but when it comes to fitness, the government does have every area in the country covered. This completely free fitness option gives you the chance to use many of the same pieces of equipment you find at the gym, like the chest press and the shoulder press. There are even non electric machines that will help you with your fitness. Find them in places like the Rumaythia Mamsha, Seif Mamsha and the Mishref Walkway.
10. At home
Last but not least, why not try a quick morning workout at home? All you need is some space, and a lot of dedication. Commit yourself to just half an hour every day to do core strength exercise. Not sure where to start? Check out Ace Fitness Organization’s Top 25 At Home Exercises, and create a workout plan that works for you. If you want to spring for a piece of equipment check out our fitness guru Mike Campbell’s tips to using Kettlebells for strength training. Strength in Kettlebells: Bazaar Fitness.