We can say that CrossFit is somewhat
new in the UAE (it's been 5 years, maybe?), and already we have someone
representing the UAE in the CrossFit Games in California (we're proud of you
Hesketh!) and regional competitions! UAE is all about development, whether it's
property, technology, culture, sports, fashion...you name it! our leaders have
that embedded in the country, anything that is growing and is successful in the
world, will make it's way to the UAE...of course, it hits Dubai first, then
starts spreading across the other Emirates.
I've met some "sports
enthusiasts" that predict that CrossFit is just a fad, and will die
out...hold on there...! and I think ignorance is leading them to this
prediction. Many of them, when CrossFit is mentioned, quickly reply:
"yeah, it's just intense cardio" ...ummm, no? intense cardio is just
a portion of CrossFit.
Anyways, enough of that!
Here are some points why I believe that
CrossFit is here to stay in the UAE; these are just general points, not really
trying to cover everything because that would just be endless:
CrossFit is a regimen that evolves: Every year CrossFit Inc. will introduce
a new move/exercise to be incorporated in the CrossFit workouts. It cherry
picks whatever science says it will develop fitness! years back, we did not
know what an AirDyne/Assault bike was, and recently it was introduced, now
every box is urging to have aleast 1. Also, the recent non-motorized treadmill
got the OK from CrossFit, and was in the Games this year. So, just as it's
WODs, CrossFit by itself is constantly varied.
CrossFit is a channel to socialize: Citizens of the UAE are socially
active, especially the locals. Gathering together to do a workout?! oh hell
yeah, then you sit there talking about? ok maybe that is a bit extreme. No more
recruiting gym partners to help you stay motivated and go through the boring
reps of isolation workouts day in and day out, you will find plenty of people
that will boost your motivation in a CrossFit class.
CrossFit is a school of fitness: the knowledge in the UAE about fitness
and training is alarmingly low...that's why we see lots of half-assed personal
trainers in Dubai selling people rubbish as workouts...and thats why we see gym
rats still dont know how to do a proper deadlift! it's sad. In CrossFit, you
will learn the how to workout...and if your box doesnt teach you proper form
and technique, then by all means find another box that educates you and not
just gives you a workout only Hercules can do, then the coach just cheers you,
when you're soul is about to come out of nostrils!
Royalty got it's back: H.H. Shiekh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al
Maktoum is a great supporter and endorser of CrossFit! woohoo! he sponsors an
annual fitness competition which a huge cash rewards.
Constantly varied: nobody likes routine, not at work, and
not in the gym. every week doing the same bench press, same process, sets of 3,
10-12 reps...BORING! in CrossFit, it feels like a fight, it's like an arena and
everyday you are up against a new competitor. you.cannot.lose.
It serves all targets: you wanna get big? sure, you wanna lose
fat, get leaner? no problem. Oh you just wanna stay fit and move your body, be
healthy? CrossFit will help you, whatever you target is...all you have to do,
is find the right program. Each box, according to the coach, will program the
workouts as he sees fit, some coaches design workouts that has more cardio than
lifts, promoting more weight loss (for example) and some keep it balanced,
other boxes target different workouts daily dividing them in to different class
times. Know your target, and choose your box wisely.
Obesity Epidemic: Many out of shape young people around,
going to a conventional gym has proved for these desperate youngsters failure,
because they are uneducated and unaware. So they do the general workout the gym
provides, see no results, get bored, quit. CrossFit gives you results,
especially in shaving off that extra fat (intensity baby!)
Expatriates: many westerner CrossFit coaches are on
the look out for a job in the UAE, the pay is good, they enjoy the sun and have
time to focus on their own fitness and experience. Competition is low in the
CrossFit industry in the UAE.
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