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The GuavaGuy Review - Voyoga
DubaiSweat

The GuavaGuy Review – Voyoga

written by Simon Bower

When we wanted to challenge a guy to try out GuavaPass, Simon was the right man for the task.

Many men we talked to before, mistakenly think group classes are all about dancing. We wanted to prove them wrong.

So it seemed right to throw the task to someone with a slightly above-average interest for fitness, who’s not scared of change but likes to spend weekends at Club Vista Mare. After some convincing, Simon accepted the challenge to review a few GuavaPass Studio Partners in Dubai.

We told Simon to try classes that he normally wouldn’t have signed up for if it wasn’t for GuavaPass. For the coming few weeks, Simon will be our dedicated GuavaGuy and share his stories here on our blog and through his Instagram (@sibower). Enjoy the show!

The Review

As many of my previous posts suggest, I tend to have a hate-hate relationship with yoga. Despite some good and bad experiences over the last several months, I have yet to find a regular yoga session that I’m willing to attend. Could this latest challenge from my friend be the one?
Usual yoga classes tend to result in a few poses which involve me sweating, losing balance, and cursing under my breath. This class did have a few poses, but a lot less. Many of the poses were standard ones I’d done in previous classes, but the difference this time was the swings, which provided support (both literally and morally). They allowed me to ease into the poses and control how much I pushed my ever-rusting joints. I had a slight hamstring injury at the time, and the swings allowed me to comfortably control how much I exerted myself. However, as a typical male, I pushed myself a bit too much and was struggling through the poses.
The GuavaGuy Review - Voyoga
A lot of the class was focused on the hips and the lower back, which was great for someone like me, who sits at a desk all day and likes to deadlift. The fumbling about with the swing gave the class a more friendly vibe compared to some other yoga classes I’ve attended which felt a bit like a prison exercise yard.
The last 15 minutes was the definite highlight of the workout, where we hung upside down from the ceiling. I know it sounds ridiculous, but I thoroughly enjoyed this because it made me feel slightly child-like. There’s also something quite calming about hanging upside down for a few minutes (this may just be all the blood rushing to your head), but I certainly felt de-stressed.
The GuavaGuy Review - Voyoga

Conclusion

A nice chilled experience, which was great for the lower back and ideal for anyone sporting an injury or two.

Our GuavaGuy

Name: Simon Bower @sibower

Age: 31

Civil status: Single

Nationality: British

Favorite Yoga Pose: The Slug

Strongest muscle: Tongue

Favorite fruit: Beef

Watch the Dubai GuavaPass Facebook for more stories and reviews from our GuavaGuy!

Read the rest of Simon’s reviews here!

Want to attend classes with guys like Simon? Click here for our current GuavaPass promo!

March 16, 2018 0 comment
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The GuavaGuy’s tips on balance: Drinking vs. Deadlifts
LivePlaySweat

The GuavaGuy’s tips on balance: Drinking vs. Deadlifts

written by Simon Bower

Like most fairly normal, 30-something year-olds, I tend to find I have an angel on one shoulder and a big old devil on the other. Despite the fact I train 3-5 times a week, I often find myself going out a similar number of times. Slamming medicine balls usually precedes slamming tequilas, and I’m as proficient (if not more) at lifting pints as I am at lifting weights.  

Getting up at 6am after going to bed at 2am can be a real stinger, and yet it’s something I force myself to do. People often ask me how I do it, and the honest answer is, it’s a real bloody challenge.  

The truth is, if you’re aiming to see some fitness results, the party lifestyle is going to hinder progress.  But it doesn’t mean you can’t make progress. For me, it’s about a healthy balance of the devil and angel. Whether you’re trying to reach your fitness goals, or simply training to maintain, I have a free round of advice from my extensive experience of burning the candle at both ends.

Image source: @sibower

Staying moist

The GuavaGuy’s tips on balance: Drinking vs. Deadlifts

Such a boring first point, but super important. Booze dehydrates you, so try and squeeze in a few glasses of water throughout the night. You’ll be thankful for the 15 trips to the toilet when you wake up in the morning feeling a little less shit. Also, try and down a pint of water and some painkillers before you go to bed.

Choosing your weapon

The GuavaGuy’s tips on balance: Drinking vs. Deadlifts

I often feel like a kid in a sweet shop when I’m at the bar, and more often than not, work my way through a variety of drinks throughout a night. When it comes to choosing the lesser of many evils, try to stick to drinks with fewer calories.  Skinny bitches (vodka, soda and lime) are probably the best. Generally speaking, try and avoid beer and sugary cocktails/mixers.

Mixing it up

The GuavaGuy’s tips on balance: Drinking vs. Deadlifts

For starters, mixing every drink under the sun usually ends in tears/embarrassing dancing/texting the ex/etc.  A few different drinks here and there is fine, but working your way through every possible drink throughout the night will end badly. Granted, it usually makes for some funny stories, but trust me, any form of movement the next day may result in vomit.

Go home

The GuavaGuy’s tips on balance: Drinking vs. Deadlifts

If you’re anything like me, you absolutely have to be the last man standing at the end of every evening out. On approximately 1% of evenings, this has been a non-regrettable decision, the other 99% there has been no point. If it gets to that stage where your friends have bailed, and you’ve lost the power of speech, go home. Nothing (usually) good happens after 1am, and the extra hour’s sleep will work wonders.

Fight your crippling disease

The GuavaGuy’s tips on balance: Drinking vs. Deadlifts

FOMO is my most frustrating and crippling diseases, and I’ve slowly started to realize that it’s mostly placebo.  While I’m a believer in the eternal phrase “this could be the best night of your life”, it never is. If it’s just a normal night out on a Friday night, try giving it a miss every now and again. I guarantee you’ll miss absolutely nothing, and better yet, your presence will probably become an event in itself!

Zzzzzzzzz

3 guesses why we sleep. That’s correct, to recover. Whether it be from drinking, dancing, or deadlifts, your body needs its sleep to recover. Make sure you get a minimum of 6 hours, which is substantially easier if you don’t suffer from the crippling effects of FOMO.

Food, glorious food

The GuavaGuy’s tips on balance: Drinking vs. Deadlifts

At the stage of the night where your friends are beginning to bore you, and you haven’t met the love of your life, there is only one thing left to do.  And it’s my favourite…

Food.  If you’ve been drinking a lot, it’s always a good idea to get some serious stodge in.  This will soak up the booze and pay dividends in the morning. However, try and avoid fried food and calorie-filled sauces (this will be the hardest thing you have ever done).  Try swapping that fried chicken for a chicken shwarma wrap, and those standard fries for some sweet potato goodness.

Bars vs clubs

Anyone that knows me can testify that I’m more of a talker than a dancer.  You’re more likely to find me at a bar chewing someone’s ear off, than in a club imitating my dad dancing at a wedding.  However, dancing can be a serious workout. If you haven’t done your cardio this week, it may be time to think about hitting the club instead of the bar.

Breakfast of Champions

Whilst nausea might be a big issue the morning after (not related to my previous point I hope), it’s super important to get some food in the stomach first thing.  Eggs, toast, oats and bananas are all good, so don’t use the hangover as an excuse to guzzle down unnecessary sugary or fried food. Stay disciplined peeps.

Isotonic drinks, coconut water and fruit juice also helps, but avoid orange and tomato juice as the acidity can play havoc with your stomach.

Turns out smoking isn’t cool

As someone who occasionally smokes when they‘ve had a few drinks, I can testify that this is more prohibitive to physical progress than drinking.  It’s also usually driven by those around me, so if you have a choice of going out with a friend who smokes vs one who doesn’t, bin off the smoker.

Finding that balanceThe GuavaGuy’s tips on balance: Drinking vs. Deadlifts

Any progress you’re aiming to make with your fitness goals will be slowed down by the party lifestyle.  But that doesn’t mean you can’t make progress. For me, it’s about having a “healthy” balance, and hopefully some of the above points will help you keep the devil and the angel playing nicely with each other.

Our GuavaGuy

GuavaGuy

GuavaGuy

Name: Simon Bower @sibower

Age: 31

Civil status: Single

Nationality: British

Favorite Yoga Pose: The Slug

Strongest muscle: Tongue

Favorite fruit: Beef

Watch the Dubai GuavaPass Facebook for more stories and reviews from our GuavaGuy!

Want to work out with more guys like Simon? Check out our exclusive GuavaPass promotions to get started!

March 9, 2018 0 comment
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DubaiSweatWorking Out

The GuavaGuy Review – Fairmont the Palm

written by Simon Bower

When we wanted to challenge a guy to try out GuavaPass, Simon was the right man for the task.

Many men we talked to before, mistakenly think group classes are all about dancing. We wanted to prove them wrong.

So it seemed right to throw the task to someone with a slightly below-average interest for fitness, who’s a scared of change and likes to spend weekends at Club Vista Mare. After some convincing, Simon accepted the challenge to review a few GuavaPass Studio Partners in Dubai.

We told Simon to try classes that he normally wouldn’t have signed up for if it wasn’t for GuavaPass. For the coming few weeks, Simon will be our dedicated GuavaGuy and share his stories here on our blog. Enjoy the show!

The Review

I felt like I was in the movie Tron.

99% of the time when I train on a Friday morning, I’m hungover.  But before this session, I was in a particularly bad way.  I had done a savage legs session the day before, and I was in the deep dark depths of one of those emotional hangovers when you feel like you’re in an alternative dimension. Hell.

When I walked into the Prama studio, I immediately had flashbacks from the night before. The dim setting. The flashing disco lights on the walls and floor. The disco music. The scantily clad women. Had I gone back in time 6 hours and found myself in Studio Arcade? This flashback combined with my bullish hangover, and the fact I was just told the session would be focused on legs, resulting in a lonely tear rolling down my booze-soaked cheek.

You might also like The GuavaGuy Review – Round 10 Boxing Club

The format of the circuit was simple. There were 8 stations, a minute on each station, 2 circuits, then a break, then 2 more circuits. But before all this, we had the warm up.  Yes ladies and gentlemen, at long last, a proper warmup.

Stations for the circuit included squat jumps, lunges, mountain climbers and much more, all simply outlined via a projection on the wall showing the full circuit and all exercises.  A great way of saving people having to ask that standard question “what exercise is next?” All of the exercises were simple to follow and guided by luminous lights on the floor, giving the whole session a weird Tron-like alternative reality feel (that might’ve just been the hangover though).

The element I enjoyed about the circuit, was that all exercises had lateral variations, i.e. jumping and moving in different directions. As someone who falls into the trap of running, squatting, jumping and lunging in a straight line, my lateral tolerance is piss poor, and even turning a corner on the street can leave me unable to walk for a week (not actually true, just an exaggeration for comical purposes).

After the circuit finished, we did a few team games using the flashy numbers thing on the wall (I don’t know what the official name is). It’s basically the technique they use for F1 drivers to improve their reactions (see my super slow hungover reactions below).

This was a great way to finish the class. It was fun, social and actually quite hard work when you mix in some sprinting on the spot. We also actually did a cool down, lead by the trainers. Can you believe it? A warm up and cool down in one session.

You might also like The GuavaGuy Review – Bespoke Ride

The Verdict

For more experienced exercisers, this session was a bit of a novelty.  However, if you’re someone who needs a bit of guidance when doing circuits, or (like me) enjoys something a bit different and random, then give this one a go.

Make sure you park your Tron bike outside though.

Our GuavaGuy

GuavaGuy

GuavaGuy

Name: Simon Bower @sibower

Age: 31

Civil status: Single

Nationality: British

Favorite Yoga Pose: The Slug

Strongest muscle: Tongue

Favorite fruit: Beef

Watch the Dubai GuavaPass Facebook for more stories and reviews from our GuavaGuy!

Like this post? Share below!

October 26, 2017 0 comment
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Dubai Fitness Challenge Tips
DubaiSweatWorking Out

Dubai Fitness Challenge – 30 Tips to Workout 30 Minutes for 30 Days

written by Simon Bower

The Dubai Fitness Challenge kicked off last weekend, setting out the simple goal of doing 30 minutes of daily activity for 30 days. You may be using it to make some serious gains, trim a little time off your PB, or simply to kick-start a more active lifestyle. For whatever reason you’re embarking on this journey, we hope our top tips will help you through it!

30 Tips for 30 Minutes for 30 Days for the Dubai Fitness Challenge

Dubai Fitness Challenge Tips

Dubai Fitness Challenge Tips

1. Warm up

I’m not talking about sitting by the fire here. Most classes I’ve been to in Dubai don’t have a sufficient warm up.  So if you’re like me, and made of wood, arrive 10 mins early and get a proper warm up in. This could be 5 min jog/cycle/row, followed by 5 mins of dynamic stretching (relevant to your training).

2. Drink water

Don’t drown yourself or make yourself sick by downing liters of just before your class. However, make sure you keep yourself hydrated (especially if you’re training outside). Always make sure you take a bottle of water with you, as not every class will sell water.

3. Eat at least 1 hour before exercising 

For me, this is actually more like 2 hours (anything less results in intense heartburn and some occasional mouth sick). It is important to get some carbs and protein in your system before you exercise.  Fasted workouts are ok if you know what you’re doing, but no-one wants to be the pale guy being dragged out of a class after fainting.

4. Streeeeetch

This is important when warming up, but even more important post-exercise. If you’re new to exercise or getting old (like me), this is even more important. Many classes don’t have any cooldown. Therefore, ensure you finish every session with a light walk/jog and some static stretches of the muscles you’ve used.

5. Mix it up

Making sure you’ve got a good soundtrack mixed up and ready is essential to my best workouts, but I’m talking about mixing up your exercise routine. Whether you’re new to exercise and not sure what you like, or experienced and a bit bored with the same old routine – this month will give you a great opportunity to try some new stuff.  Maybe your inner Zumba dancer is dying to get out…

Dubai Fitness Challenge Tips

Dubai Fitness Challenge Tips

6. Avoid midday heat if you’re not used to it

 I’m English, pale, and sweat a lot. Therefore outdoor training during the day is still a no-no for me. Be conscious of where you are training (outside vs inside) and what time of the day it is. We live in the desert people, it gets hot.

7. Wear the right shoes 

As someone who tries (and fails) to look cool, I’m a fan of overpriced branded trainers.  Whilst they might drive an additional 7 likes on your Instagram post, they might also cause you physical damage. Make sure you wear proper and relevant footwear when exercising, especially if you’re running.  Do some research and visit a specialist store if you’re not sure.

Other Dubai articles you might like: The GuavaGuy Review – VoYoga

8. Wear comfortable training gear

Nothing puts an end to a session quicker than unwieldily chaffing.  Believe it or not, tight training gear from the major sports brands is designed to be worn whilst training. Crazy right? You don’t have to pay a fortune either.  Visit Sun and Sand Sport’s outlet in Al Quoz, or the Outlet Village and pick up some cheap training gear. Some of it actually looks good as well (+11 Instagram likes).

9. Do it with a mate

Not what you’re thinking, you rascals. Arrange to train with a mate. Not only does it make the session more fun, but also gives you a kick up the arse to actually go, as you don’t want to let your mate down. Additionally, this means you’ve got someone to take that “totally caught off guard” Instagram pic.

10. Invite your friends and family

Another option is making it a larger event. Why not invite friends and family down to the beach for a game of footy? Make it an event, why the hell not?

Dubai Fitness Challenge Tips

Dubai Fitness Challenge Tips

11. Document it on Instagram, so everyone thinks you’re super cool

With my super engaged 332 followers, I consider myself one of Dubai’s hottest influencers, so why not follow in my footsteps. Whilst the benefits of looking super cool are obvious, adding pics to your social media is actually a great way of spreading the positive message around keeping active. Perhaps, it might even encourage someone to start exercising.

12. Try not to be hungover

I fail at this most weeks, but trust me, avoid it. Whilst it’s funny for everyone around you to point and laugh, it usually ends in tears. However, if you do find yourself hungover, water, water, water.

13. Be punctual if you’re attending a class

Nothing more annoying for a teacher than having to run through the instructions 3 times. Aim to get there 15 minutes early to get your warm up in.

14. Get your protein in

Whatever exercise you’re doing, it’s essential you get protein in your system. I’m not saying guzzle 14 protein shakes before and after your training, but just be conscious that your body needs protein to recover. A protein filled meal after training will suffice.

15. Push yourself

If you’re going to do it, do it properly. Whilst it might be hellish at the time, there’s nothing more rewarding than the feeling after you’ve properly pushed yourself. Set goals, and then smash them. 

Dubai Fitness Challenge Tips

Dubai Fitness Challenge Tips

16. Eat healthy

It’s not rocket science, but if you train everyday and then eat junk food, you’re not going to get anywhere. Regardless of what your goals are, take this month as a chance to properly focus on your diet, and get into good habits.

17. Get enough sleep

The 3rd pillar of making progress is sleep. This is when your body recovers and evolves. Regular exercise also improves sleep, so if you struggle to sleep, get out there and do your 30 minutes. Make sure you get a minimum of 6 hours a night.

Other Dubai articles you might like: The GuavaGuy Review – Yoga House

18. Train the mind

Whilst this month is about getting the body active, why not use it as an opportunity to train the brain? Start reading that book that’s been sat by your bed for months, or start writing that blog you’ve been chatting about. Healthy body, healthy mind.

19. Be friendly

The best thing about fitness is the community, so don’t be afraid to say hello to the sweaty monster beside you. I’ve met a lot of people through exercise, and if you’re single…well, I’ll say no more 😉

20. Provide feedback

The only way these classes improve is if you give feedback. Nonetheless, be positive. If the class is rubbish, tell them how it could be improved. If it’s awesome, tell them!

Dubai Fitness Challenge Tips

Dubai Fitness Challenge Tips

21. Commit

It’s only 30 days. I’ve had relationships that have lasted less time. Besides, 30 mins exercise could just be a walk, so even if you’re not feeling it, get out there and get it done. Trust me, you’ll feel awesome once it’s done.

22. Cut down on the drinking

I’m using the next 30 days to cut down on my drinking. I should really use it to quit for 30 days, but I’m not naïve enough to know that won’t happen. If you know you’re training in the morning, just keep it in the back of your mind when you’re out at 2am. The fear of a hungover exercise class is good motivation for reigning it in.

23. Stop smoking

A few classes should get the alarm bells ringing if you’re a smoker. Hence, why not use this month to see if you can cut down, or even quit?

24. Measure your progress

The best motivation is knowing you’ve made progress. Whether your goal is to lose weight, lift more or run faster, make sure you keep track of where you began and where you’ve got to. But don’t rest on your laurels, keep setting new goals.

25. Be positive, especially about yourself

Don’t be hard on yourself if things don’t go exactly according to plan. Focus on the plan moving forward, but don’t give yourself a hard time. I can occasionally be a negative Ned, but it’s amazing what a little bit of exercise can do to the spirit. Love those endorphins.

Dubai Fitness Challenge Tips

Dubai Fitness Challenge Tips

26. Wash your training gear

Sounds obvious, but no-one likes that smelly person in the class.

27. Don’t be a showoff

As a child who was sometimes sent to their room by their mum for “showing off”, I am occasionally guilty of this. No one likes that guy, so don’t be that guy.

28. Wear sunscreen

Pretty self-explanatory.

Other Dubai articles you might like: The GuavaGuy Review – Round 10 Boxing Club

29. Encourage others

If you see someone struggling, offer to help or give them some positive encouragement. After all, what goes around comes around.

30. Enjoy yourself

This is the most important, and imperative for continuing an active lifestyle. You might not enjoy it at first, however, I promise you will.

Now get out there and get it done! Make the most of out the 30 days of the Dubai Fitness Challenge!

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October 26, 2017 0 comment
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DubaiSweatWorking Out

The GuavaGuy Review – Bespoke Ride

written by Simon Bower

When we wanted to challenge a guy to try out GuavaPass, Simon was the right man for the task.

Many men we talked to before, mistakenly think group classes are all about dancing. We wanted to prove them wrong.

So it seemed right to throw the task to someone with a slightly above-average interest for fitness, who’s not scared of change but likes to spend weekends at Club Vista Mare. After some convincing, Simon accepted the challenge to review a few GuavaPass Studio Partners in Dubai.

We told Simon to try classes that he normally wouldn’t have signed up for if it wasn’t for GuavaPass. For the coming few weeks, Simon will be our dedicated GuavaGuy and share his stories here on our blog and through his Instagram (@sibower). Enjoy the show!

The Review

This weeks challenge was at Bespoke Ride, a gym in Al Quoz I’d not heard of before. Despite being a little difficult to find, when I did, a cold shiver came over me as I realized BR stood for Bespoke Ride. Could I have been tricked into my worst nightmare – a spin class?
After signing in and meeting the super friendly Nel on the front desk, I was given a guided tour of the place. The gym was smaller than some of the other warehouse gyms I’ve visited, but it was stocked with all the equipment a calisthenics fan needs. From rings to barbells, to dip bars (and belts), and even a Jacobs Ladder machine (more on this torture device later).  The final room I was shown was a room full of bikes, and I mean actual bikes, not spin machines. The equipment was all top notch, and if I was a cycling fan I’m sure I would’ve been excited. However, the fear of a potential spin class had taken grip. I was sure my fateful doom was sealed.
This dread was soon replaced with joy, as I discovered I was there for a group PT session. Heaven. The session had 5 different circuits, 4 stations on each, and 3 times around each. A lengthy slog. Also, you had under an hour to complete.
Exercises included sit up variations, to TRX, to dumbbell press, to the bastard Jacobs Ladder. This stair climbing machine (shown in the photo), can f**k off. Horrible torture device – which I can’t deny, was a great workout.
GuavaGuy Review

GuavaGuy Review

The Verdict

Although this was a group PT session, you could start whenever you like, and a few other members strolled in whilst I was halfway through my 2nd circuit.  Perfect for people who are useless at time keeping, as it gave the class a bit more of a relaxed ‘go at your own pace’ vibe.  If you’re a regular who knows your burps from your burpees, then this ‘self-motivating’ approach is all good. However, if you have the motivation of a sloth, and need a kick up that ever-sagging arse, then there are classes out there that might be better suited.
Overall, I’m keen to go again to see how much the circuit changes, and I definitely feel some form of leaderboard of best times would help bring out the competitor in everyone who goes.
Those bikes though…

Our GuavaGuy

GuavaGuy

GuavaGuy

Name: Simon Bower @sibower

Age: 31

Civil status: Single

Nationality: British

Favorite Yoga Pose: The Slug

Strongest muscle: Tongue

Favorite fruit: Beef

Watch the Dubai GuavaPass Facebook for more stories and reviews from our GuavaGuy!

Read the rest of Simon’s reviews here!

August 4, 2017 0 comment
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GuavaGuy Review
DubaiSweatWorking Out

The GuavaGuy Review – Warehouse Gym Beach

written by Simon Bower

When we wanted to challenge a guy to try out GuavaPass, Simon was the right man for the task.

Many men we talked to before, mistakenly think group classes are all about dancing. We wanted to prove them wrong.

So it seemed right to throw the task to someone with a slightly above-average interest for fitness, who’s not scared of change but likes to spend weekends at Club Vista Mare. After some convincing, Simon accepted the challenge to review a few GuavaPass Studio Partners in Dubai.

We told Simon to try classes that he normally wouldn’t have signed up for if it wasn’t for GuavaPass. For the coming few weeks, Simon will be our dedicated GuavaGuy and share his stories here on our blog and through his Instagram (@sibower). Enjoy the show!

The Review

When my mate Johanna texted and asked if I wanted to do some strength and conditioning training at an outdoor gym on the JBR beach front, I was all over it.  I had visions of me being confused for a 1970s Arnold Schwarzenegger, busy getting buff on Venice Beach California. Then she mentioned it was a Wonder Woman circuit and my testicles shriveled up, along with my visions of being a bronzed-beach Adonis.  My first and obvious question was “Is this a Women Only class?” Her the reply was “Absolutely not”. Surely a stitch up.

I donned my sports bra and active wear, and made my way down to Warehouse Gym Beach in JBR.  First impressions were that it was pretty small compared to the Al Quoz branch, however the outdoor gym made up for this. Full of Olympic bars, calisthenics frame and a few machines here and there. Perfect for the sort of training I like. The warm up involved a beach run, great for someone with crap knees (like myself), and a variety of further bodyweight exercises.

The class was split into 2 circuits, each with 5 stations, and covering a variety of core, aerobic and strength exercises.  The exercises included some static strength, as well as a few mobility. I couldn’t hide my disappointment at the lack of heavy strength exercises, or at least getting to use some Olympic bars. My dreams of looking like Arnold on Venice Beach were quickly diminishing. Despite this, with the addition of the incessant heat, I was f*cked by the end. A top 3 finish in the beach sprinting finisher did perk me up a little though. The associated prize of tickets to the Wonder Woman Premiere and a very skimpy Wonder Woman vest, which I’ll be sure to wear to my next power lifting session.

GuavaGuy Review

GuavaGuy Review

The Verdict

All in all a great outdoor class, covering a variety of exercises and great trainers. Might be one to avoid during the summer, but if you’re brave enough, be sure to take plenty of liquid and definitely don’t do what I did and plan a date straight after. Additionally, the café downstairs does some awesome tasty and healthy post workout Poke bowls (or so I’ve heard; I was too dead to eat).

 

Our GuavaGuy

GuavaGuy

GuavaGuy

Name: Simon Bower @sibower

Age: 31

Civil status: Single

Nationality: British

Favorite Yoga Pose: The Slug

Strongest muscle: Tongue

Favorite fruit: Beef

Watch the Dubai GuavaPass Facebook for more stories and reviews from our GuavaGuy!

Read the rest of Simon’s reviews here!

Like this post? Share below!

August 4, 2017 0 comment
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DubaiSweatWorking Out

The GuavaGuy Review – Voyoga

written by Simon Bower

When we wanted to challenge a guy to try out GuavaPass, Simon was the right man for the task.

Many men we talked to before, mistakenly think group classes are all about dancing. We wanted to prove them wrong.

So it seemed right to throw the task to someone with a slightly above-average interest for fitness, who’s not scared of change but likes to spend weekends at Club Vista Mare. After some convincing, Simon accepted the challenge to review a few GuavaPass Studio Partners in Dubai.

We told Simon to try classes that he normally wouldn’t have signed up for if it wasn’t for GuavaPass. For the coming few weeks, Simon will be our dedicated GuavaGuy and share his stories here on our blog and through his Instagram (@sibower). Enjoy the show!

The Review

Up there with spin classes as my biggest fear is hot yoga. The stress of a potential rogue fart, combined with the soup like atmosphere of Dubai in peak summer. Hell.  However, for a tin man athlete like myself, I need to do these sort of classes to fix my ever declining flexibility and mobility.

The studio was fairly similar to the few other yoga studios I have visited and the staff seemed friendly and helpful. As I walked into the hot yoga room, I thought to myself “this is going to be ok”, but when the class started that all changed.

The teacher was both terrifying and lovable in equal measures, which drove me to push myself a bit further than usual.  Watching my super buff, overly inflexible friend struggling also gave me a much-needed boost during the toughest parts of the class.  The poses we went through were challenging from both a strength and flexibility point of view, and I had moments where I had to stop (not something I usually do during classes).

During one of the more strenuous parts of the class, the guy next to me had to go and lie down.  I looked at him a few minutes later, and to be 100% honest I thought he was dead.  He had gone a very unnatural pale color, and suddenly reality hit me – would I actually survive this class?  When my vision started to go a little blurry I feared the worst but persisted. 

GuavaGuy Review

GuavaGuy Review

The Verdict

Even the heavenly tone of “last pose” brought further dread, as predictably it was not. However, after 75 minutes (a real slog for a hot yoga class), it was over.  Despite the fact I hit some real challenging low points during the class, I felt awesome after.  The fact it was such a challenge, and that it’s incredibly good for someone like me, means I will definitely be doing another one of these hellish classes. Highly recommended for standard men who lift and sit at desks all day.

Success – Another yoga class down without the shame of a rogue bowel movement (unfortunately I can’t say the same for the attractive participant on the mat next to me).

Our GuavaGuy

GuavaGuy

GuavaGuy

Name: Simon Bower @sibower

Age: 31

Civil status: Single

Nationality: British

Favorite Yoga Pose: The Slug

Strongest muscle: Tongue

Favorite fruit: Beef

Watch the Dubai GuavaPass Facebook for more stories and reviews from our GuavaGuy!

Read the rest of Simon’s reviews here!

August 4, 2017 0 comment
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GuavaGuy Review
DubaiSweatWorking Out

The GuavaGuy Review – Round 10 Boxing Club

written by Simon Bower

When we wanted to challenge a guy to try out GuavaPass, Simon was the right man for the task.

Many men we talked to before, mistakenly think group classes are all about dancing. We wanted to prove them wrong.

So it seemed right to throw the task to someone with a slightly above-average interest for fitness, who’s not scared of change but likes to spend weekends at Club Vista Mare. After some convincing, Simon accepted the challenge to review a few GuavaPass Studio Partners in Dubai.

We told Simon to try classes that he normally wouldn’t have signed up for if it wasn’t for GuavaPass. For the coming few weeks, Simon will be our dedicated GuavaGuy and share his stories here on our blog and through his Instagram (@sibower). Enjoy the show!

The Review

Like most men who have done a few boxing classes and hit the pads a few times with friends, I basically consider myself Muhammad Ali. I saw this Boxing Circuit class at Round 10 Boxing Club in JLT as an opportunity to showcase my skills – and potentially get scouted as a contender to tempt Mayweather out of retirement. Plus, I now have my own wraps and gloves, so…

I was greeted by the manager – who was awesome – and gave me a very proud tour around the new gym. The facilities are good for a boxing gym. They’re both a group training room with multiple heavy bags and equipment, and a more intimate room, complete with a ring and a variety of different bags. The view out the window was pretty good too. 

I was then told where the changing room was, only to find I had walked into a toilet/shower room. But no, apparently this was the changing room, so take note: ARRIVE READY AND CHANGED.

The class started with standard warm ups followed by 20 mins of conditioning drills, which was hard work, but could’ve been a lot worse.  We then partnered up for some drills, before hitting the bags.  The drills were good, but it would’ve been great if there were some progressions for people slightly more experienced.  I get that feeling with a lot of boxing classes that the instructors are boxers who started coaching, as opposed to trained coaches/instructors who took a course on boxing.  This is a double edged sword – you might not get the personal, tailored element you get with a PT, but you do get to learn some things you might not necessarily get with a generic trainer.

GuavaGuy Review

GuavaGuy Review

The Verdict

Overall the gym is great – minus the changing room – and the class is good for beginners.  They do offer a pure technique class as well, which is unique and definitely one I’m going to check out. 

Gotta go, I think Mayweather Promotions is ringing me…

Our GuavaGuy

Name: Simon Bower @sibower

Age: 31

Civil status: Single

Nationality: British

Favorite Yoga Pose: The Slug

Strongest muscle: Tongue

Favorite fruit: Beef

Watch the Dubai GuavaPass Facebook for more stories and reviews from our GuavaGuy!

Read the rest of Simon’s reviews here!

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August 7, 2017 0 comment
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The GuavaGuy Review – Yoga House

written by Simon Bower

When we wanted to challenge a guy to try out GuavaPass, Simon was the right man for the task.

Many men we talked to before, mistakenly think group classes are all about dancing. We wanted to prove them wrong.

So it seemed right to throw the task to someone with a slightly above-average interest for fitness, who’s not scared of change but likes to spend weekends at Club Vista Mare. After some convincing, Simon accepted the challenge to review a few GuavaPass Studio Partners in Dubai.

We told Simon to try classes that he normally wouldn’t have signed up for if it wasn’t for GuavaPass. For the coming few weeks, Simon will be our dedicated GuavaGuy and share his stories here on our blog and through his Instagram (@sibower). Enjoy the show!

The Review

As a bog standard male with the flexibility of a piece of wood, there are few things I dread more than a yoga class.  The theory and benefits are awesome. However, the stress of a potential ill-timed bottom burp combined with the shame of looking like I’ve run a marathon, means I don’t look forward to these types of classes.

To minimize the stress and potential shame, I went with a few friends. When we arrived at Yoga House, I immediately felt calmer. The staff was friendly and the main studio had a nice ambiance, without being too wanky. The class was Hatha Yoga. It focused on the hips, perfect for someone like me, who sits at a desk all day and doesn’t stretch much.

The class started with the usual breathing and light stretching. Then it started to pick up to more involved and strenuous moves. Wooden blocks and straps were on offer to help with some of the more advanced moves, a real plus for beginners like myself.  Most of the moves were standard yoga poses I had done previously, but some of the additional hip focused moves were awesome. These are now featured in my standard cool down routine.

During the peak of the class, I can honestly say I was struggling. The pool of sweat on my mat was proof.  After the final downward dog was complete, we began to relax and focus on our breathing and light hip stretching. This is when I started to feel good. My whole body felt relaxed and my hips felt looser than they have been for a long time. The instructor came round and spent time with each person, further stretching out their hips. This made me feel even better, as I’m not ashamed to admit, I fell a bit in love with the instructor that day. She was attentive, positive, had a hypnotic calming effect, and spent a bit of time with everyone throughout the class.

Yoga House Review

The Verdict

I came out looking like I’d run a marathon, and definitely heard one rogue fart during the class – not me I hasten to add. Nevertheless, I came out of this class feeling great. This was a nice studio and great class (especially for the hips). That combined with a lovely instructor, and all topped off with a wholesome breakfast at Arrows and Sparrows, made this the perfect Friday pre-brunch warm up.

Our GuavaGuy

GuavaGuy – Simon Bower

Name: Simon Bower @sibower

Age: 31

Civil status: Single

Nationality: British

Favorite Yoga Pose: The Slug

Strongest muscle: Tongue

Favorite fruit: Beef

Watch the Dubai GuavaPass Facebook for more stories and reviews from our GuavaGuy!

Like this post? Share below!

August 2, 2017 0 comment
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