Dubai

4 dance studios you didn’t know about in the UAE

Whether you’re sweating it out to the pop music you secretly love, flowing with grace around a ballroom style studio, or jumping around in a lively Zumba workout, dancing is one of the most exciting and captivating workouts you can do, and it always has been! It’s never gone out of style, and though there have been moments of craze around a new way to move to burn more calories, dancing has never stopped being a fun, inviting workout. GuavaPass is getting people moving over the next week, and we’re going to look at the best GuavaPass partner dance studios in every city. Are you ready to get moving??

Here are 4 fitness studios you may not know about in the UAE!

1. Crystal Dance Studio (Abu Dhabi)

Crystal Dance Center is a beautiful dance center located in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It is the first professional ballroom dancing school opened by a World Champion in Middle East region. They specialise in ballroom dancing: Slow Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Slow Foxtrot, Quickstep, Samba, Cha –cha-cha, Rumba, Pasodoble, Jive and social dancing – salsa, bachata and argentin\e tango.

They also offer Zumba as an alternative to ballroom dancing!

All ages are welcome; starting from kids to social dancers.

Find out more here and you can also find the other Crystal Dance Studio in Dubai!

2. Core Club Pro (Dubai)

Core Club Pro is a boutique fitness club aiming to provide you with a holistic approach to fitness and wellness using our state of the art facilities.

Lagree Fitness, PoundFit, BollyWOD Fit, Dance Fitness, TRX, Zumba, Yoga. They’ve got it all. Give it a go, and truly enjoy the time you spend with them! Getting fit was never this fun.

Get movin’ here!

3. Gogo DXB (Dubai)

GOGO Bounce at Train SF is Dubai’s largest, most equipped unisex gym. The 42,000 sq ft gym is filled with modern facilities, wide space studios, Crossfit and MMA area. The gym has the second floor as well for lounge area to relax, office facilities for seminars and private training rooms for personal trainers to covers all the health and fitness needs in a high-energy environment.

Sign up for classes here!

4. Fit & Beat (Dubai)
Fit & Beat is the first of it’s kind in the GCC region started by Wafaa Tamsheh who’s a dance lover, a mom, and a businesswoman.

It is a fitness and dance club that manifests, in all senses, the spirit of real community. Their classes cover all aspects of fitness and dance that can be done in a studio environment and they aim to offer variety for all levels and abilities.

Their club is unique offering classes for women of all ages – mothers and kids are welcome! Their class schedule also allows women to take classes at the same time as their children. In this way, everyone is active and increasing their time spent together, sharing a common activity that’s fun and helping their fitness levels, concentration, and feeling of well being.

Find out more here!

Sponsored content? Email laura@guavapas.com

May 26, 2018 0 comment

10 celebrities you didn’t know celebrate Ramadan

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10 celebrities you didn’t know celebrate Ramadan

written by Laura Fitzpatrick

All around the country and across the world, millions of Muslims are observing Ramadan, the month-long fast of the Islamic faith that involves abstaining from food, liquids and even swearing from sundown until sunset. Did you know these celebrities might be celebrating Ramadan too?

Source: Mashable.com

1. Janet Jackson

Back in 2014, Janet Jackson took part in Ramadan for the first time after converting to Islam in 2013 after marrying Qatari billionaire businessman Wissam al Mana. It was reported back then that she was very excited to celebrate Ramadan.

Source: Jermainejackson5.com

2. Jermaine Jackson

Janet is not the only member of the Jackson family who has converted to Islam and might be fasting this Ramadan. Jermaine Jackson converted to Islam in 1989 during a trip to Bahrain where a conversation with children who shared their knowledge of Islam with him with pride sparked his change in faith.

Source: JOE.ie

3. Mike Tyson

Former world heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson converted to Islam while in jail in the 1990s and was visiting the Muslim holy cities of Makkah and Madinah on pilgrimage in 2010. He’s probably celebrating Ramadan as well!

Source: Highsnobiety.com

4. Lupe Fiasco

Lupe Fiasco was born Muslim and often raps about his faith. He often speaks about his faith in his rap songs and is most likely celebrating this Holy month.

Chris Brown and Busta Rhymes – Source: Rap-up.com

5. Busta Rhymes.

Rapper Busta Rhymes is known for being open about his Muslim faith. He has been quoted exclaiming that his faith helps to keep him “grounded” in life and might be celebrating Ramadan this month.

Source: Metro.co.uk

6. Zayn Malik

Zayn Malik is a Muslim British Pakistani who is proud of his religion view and has tweeted about Ramadan and discussed his faith in interviews before.

Source: NYDailyNews.com

7. Bella Hadid

Bella Hadid daughter of Mohammad Hadid – Palestinian American real estate developer who immigrated to the United States as a teenager – could also be fasting this Ramadan. She has previously said during interviews about her dad “he was always religious, and he always prayed with us. I am proud to be a Muslim”.

Gigi + Bella Hadid – Source: Mirror.co.uk

8. Gigi Hadid

Gigi Hadid – sister of Bella Hadid and daughter of Mohammad Hadid – is also a Muslim and was spotted in 2017 celebrating Eid Al Adha with Zayn Malik and their mothers. Supermodels could also be taking part of this Holy month!

Source: TheLoop.ca

10. Halima Aden

Halima Aden is the first hijabi model to appear on Vogue and has said in an interview with Harper Bazaar “For Ramadan, I try to stay away from all music, which can be hard. It means no movies, no television, no nothing because even commercials will have music. Also, I sleep a lot during Ramadan, even though you’re supposed to be actually going to work, going to school actually keeping ourselves busy because you get more ajar if you work really hard that month. Unfortunately, my body doesn’t work well with not eating and drinking.”

10. Akon

Source: TuneFind.com

The American-Senegalese singer is open about his Muslim faith and often wishes his fans Ramadan Mubarak on his social media. Who knows? He could be celebrating too!

Sponsored content? Email laura@guavapass.com

May 24, 2018 0 comment

Abu Dhabi Dubai Fuel Live

5 nutrition tips for a healthy & filling Suhoor this Ramadan

written by Sirine Abu Zeineh

It’s that time of the year again when Muslims from around the world celebrate Ramadan and fast from sunrise to sunset daily for an entire month. While it’s a very special month for those celebrating, it can be confusing to know what exactly to eat to give you enough energy for the rest of the day.

Eating the right foods will help you fuel your body the right way to have more energy throughout the day while fasting. It is important to make healthier food choices during this Suhoor to help you feel fuller for a longer period and provide you with the nutrients required for your body to get you through to Iftar.

Try these 5 ways to make your suhoor healthier this Ramadan:

1. Choose foods high in protein

Eating protein at suhoor will help you feel full while maintaining and building muscle in your body.

Include these protein-packed foods at suhoor:
• Eggs
• Greek Yogurt
• Beans
• Lentils
• Chicken

2. Choose whole grain carbohydrates:
Carbohydrates are an important part of your diet, but it is also important to choose the right type and amount of carbs to help you create a healthy well-balanced meal. Whole grains have fiber and provide you with slow releasing energy making you feel fuller and more energetic for longer. Avoid products made with white flour, such as white bread and biscuits, as well as your regular breakfast cereals as they are primarily made up of carbs that digest quickly and leave you feeling hungry very quickly afterward.

Try these whole grain carbs options at suhoor instead:
• Whole grain bread
• Whole grain bagels
• Whole grain naan
• Oatmeal
• Quinoa
• Barley

3. Fill up on healthy fats:

Fat is often associated with making us fat, but it is in fact, an important part of your diet to help your body function optimally. Adding healthy fats to your suhoor will help you feel fuller and more satisfied.

Select healthy fats such as:
• Avocado
• Peanut or almond butter
• Nuts
• Sunflower seeds
• Ground flaxseed
• Hemp seeds

4. Add a fruit or vegetables to your suhoor:

Fruits and vegetables are high in fibre and contain a wide variety of vitamins and minerals, making it ideal to consume during Suhoor. Choose fruits and vegetables that have high water content such as watermelon, strawberries, cucumbers, and lettuce to help keep you hydrated throughout the day.

5. Make drinking water a priority

Aim to have at least 6-8 cups of water at suhoor! Avoid tea or coffee as they dehydrate the body and release toxins which in turn need to be flushed with water.

These tips should help you eat and enjoy a variety of foods at suhoor while providing you with optimal nutrition for a successful day of fasting!

Sponsored content? Contact laura@guavapass.com

May 21, 2018 0 comment

Dubai Fuel Live

How to nourish your mind and soul during Ramadan

written by Plotos

Original article from Plotos.com

Ramadan is a perfect time for us to practice self-control, self-discipline, and cleanse the body and mind!

Here are some tips on how you can nourish your mind and soul during Ramadan, to restore yourself to the path of complete well-being, while having to fast from dawn to sunset.

How to: break your fast with a healthy iftar

Break your fast with a glass of water and some dates to restore your energy and sugar levels. An alternative option to water would be low-fat laban instead of juices, soft drinks, or other sugary beverages. Start your meal with a warm soup such as lentil soup or clear vegetable soup as it comforts the stomach after a long day of fasting and helps prepare your digestive system for the main course.

Source: YummyEveryday.com

A balanced meal consists of portioning your plate into three parts: half being vegetables, a quarter of complex carbohydrate and the other quarter being lean protein. Make smart food choices and choose healthy cooking methods like baked or grilled rather than fried.

Always remember to eat mindfully and slowly, savor your food, and avoid eating too quickly to prevent indigestion and heartburn.

How to: Prepare your body for the hours of fasting well-balanced suhoor

A wholesome Suhoor keeps your sugar levels stable and delays hunger pangs through the day. The meal should consist of four main food groups: complex carbohydrates like whole-wheat bread and brown rice, lean protein and fresh vegetables and fruits. Make sure you drink at least 8 ounces of water to stay well-hydrated during the day.

How to: Make smart choices when eating out

nourish Restaurant invites, family and friends’ gatherings are all a big part of the holy month of Ramadan. With the variety of restaurants and extensive buffet options, making smart food choices can be slightly overwhelming. Choosing the right restaurant makes it much easier. We usually prefer “a la carte” restaurants or “set menus” rather than buffets.

Places we like to go to or order from in Dubai include Urth by Nabz&G for some delicious vegan and vegetarian food, Leila Restaurant for authentic Lebanese cuisine, and healthy manakeesh on whole-wheat or gluten-free dough from Something Baked is always a good option for Suhoor.

Dessert is a weak point for us. The healthy line of Skinny Delites from Right Bite always has some good options when it comes to low-calorie Arabic desserts, energy balls from Sweetfix by Rita are always a favorite, and all-natural energy bars from Nbars for an on-the-go snack.

FINALLY, AS THIS BLESSED MONTH IS ABOUT TO START, WE WISH YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES RAMADAN KAREEM!

All GuavaPass members get 15% off your Plotos order, use the code <Plotospass> while ordering online!

Download the app today!

May 22, 2018 0 comment

Dubai Faces of GuavaPass

Faces of Guava: Amber Haffenden

written by Lynn Chua

What is it like to be a GuavaPass studio partner?

It’s great! GuavaPass is pretty amazing when it comes to studio discovery, and driving clients to try out new studios that they might not have heard about otherwise. Personally I love GuavaPass, and working with companies that are passionate about fitness, brand exposure and help to drive traffic to boutique studios.

Do you see a lot of members from GuavaPass coming into your studio?

We get Guava members coming to Sol on a daily basis! I’d say around 15-20 per week on average..

What is the best thing about teaching GuavaPass members?

GuavaPass members are all leading active and healthy lives making them keen to work out and enthusiastic in classes.

What’s your favourite thing about working for your studio?

My favourite thing about working for Sol is the constant opportunity I get for learning and growth. Every day I learn from the other instructors or my manager about how to improve in my own teaching and what makes a Pilates studio thrive. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be working for a studio that values and feeds my growth personally as well as professionally.

What is the most fun thing about being a fitness instructor?

Ahhh there are too many things to list here! Teaching Pilates is a far cry from being stuck at a desk all day! It doesn’t even feel like ‘work’ and is so rewarding. Being able to give clients that rush of endorphins and see how amazing they feel after a class is the best part of this job.

What is your favorite type of workout?

Reformer pilates!

What do you eat in order to keep up with your workout routine?

Lots of veggies, colorful salads and I have to have breakfast prepared for the day ahead as I’m always rushing in the morning!

What are your ultimate fitness goals?

I’m less about how I look on the outside and more about how working out makes me FEEL. So my ultimate fitness goals are to just feel consistently good, energized & motivated. Washboard abs would be a nice bi-product of that too though I suppose 😊

What song do you like listening to in order to pump yourself up for a workout?

At the moment I’m loving My Buddy Mike – ‘Mad Love’ and Selena Gomez – ‘Back to You’.

What’s your go-to excuse to avoid working out?

‘I didn’t sleep well last night so I’m too tired’- probably my most commonly used phrase!

What’s a class that you’re too scared to try and why?

Cross fit – bit worried about injuring my back, after seeing several clients in the studio with back injuries from crossfit.

What’s your go-to, post-workout meal?

Acai bowl with almond butter & granola!

Have you ever attended a GuavaPass event? What was your favourite?

No, but we did host one here at Sol which I loved. The ‘Light on Lipton’ event. Everyone tried one of my Aerial pilates classes, and got a free box of tea.

What’s your favorite workout gear?

Colour co-ordinated Lulu lemon leggings, sports bra & top!

Want to attend classes with other amazing trainers? Click here for our current GuavaPass promo!

May 25, 2018 0 comment

Abu Dhabi Dubai

Reset your fitness goals – Stories from the UAE GuavaPass team

written by Lynn Chua

Ramadan is a time to R E S E T – reset on our attitudes, our fitness and our approach to personal well-being and mindfulness. During this holy month, take time to reset mentally, physically and spiritually. If you’ve been feeling stagnant in your personal life or stuck in your fitness routine, it’s time to try that new workout, explore that new studio, and turn back the clock on your approach to health.

We asked the team in GuavaPass Abu Dhabi and Dubai how they’re resetting their fitness this Ramadan, and this is what they had to say…

“From the very first day of launching GuavaPass UAE I have tried new things that I obviously was not born to do, but oh so fun! Then there were all the activities I thought I would never enjoy – but made be hooked! Taking that first step into a studio can really make a difference” -Johanna

My #GuavaJourney I’ve tried so many different things since joining GuavaPass, Reformer, Pole, Boxing, Paddle boarding, the list goes on and on. But if I’ve learnt one thing it is that no matter how many classes you take nothing prepares you for how you’re going to feel after a class at Bounce! -Kimberly

To me, GuavaPass is the true definition of fitness, fun and family. It makes you step outside your comfort zone every day like when you’re feeling sassy in a pole dance class only to look in the mirror.. actually, let’s not speak about that anymore! All in all, it’s a great platform to explore your skills and walk away with something you never thought you’d love this much! – Mehak

Guavapass has been a predominant presence in my life for two years and a half now. I have tried the most absurd classes, as well as some really hard ones, and it has also brought out the fun part of fitness. Whether I am bending in a yoga glass or punching my problems away during boxing, GuavaPass suits my every mood, my manic routine and the Gemini in me who just craves change. – Thais

My #guavajourney has been short, but very sweaty so far. Tried out some cool classes that have pushed me out of my comfort zone and still got hundreds to tick off the list! – Caitlyn

May 18, 2018 0 comment

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Are you getting enough protein as a vegan or vegetarian?

written by Lynn Chua

“Where do you get your protein if you don’t eat meat?”

If you’re vegan or have a plant-based diet for long enough, you’ve probably heard this question millions of times whenever your diet comes up. It might come as a surprise for most, but vegetarian diets often have high levels of protein as the people who follow it make a conscious effort to go looking for protein packed, plant-based foods. But it can be easy to miscalculate or become out of touch with information on protein for vegetarian diets. So let’s take it back to the basics and answer all your questions:

The importance of Protein

Protein is a component of every cell in your body, and your body needs it to build and repair tissue. This is extremely important, especially for someone who exercises which essentially breaks your muscles down. Not only does it help repair your body, it is also responsible for the growth and strength of your hair, nails, and teeth, as well as to make enzymes that create energy, hormones, and other natural chemicals.

What is the optimal Protein level? The recommended daily protein intake varies from person to person. Here are the recommended amounts for different lifestyles:

An average healthy sedentary adult that doesn’t work out: 0.5-0.7grams of protein per pound of body weight
An average healthy adult that exercises regularly, or trying to improve their body composition (e.g. losing fat, building muscles): 0.8-1grams of protein per pound of body weight
Average healthy adult FEMALE whose primary goal is to build muscles and increase tone, increasing strength or improving performance: 1-1.2grams of protein per pound of body weight
Average healthy adult MALE whose primary goal is to build muscles and getting toned, increasing strength or improving performance: 1-1.5grams of protein per pound of body weight.

P.s. for the calorie counters, 1 gram of protein contains 4 calories.

Where can I easily find high protein sources?

Many people still believe that protein only comes from meat (chicken, turkey, fish…) and animal sources, when in fact, there are some seriously high protein, plant-based foods out there! It is possible to build complete protein from solely plant-based foods, however, it is recommended for you to consume 20-25% more plant-based protein to reap the benefits of animal-derived sources.

Here are some of the most popular high-protein food that you can consider incorporating into your diet:

Seitan – made of gluten, the main protein in wheat
Tofu, tempeh, and edamame – all originate from soybeans
Lentils – contains 18g of protein per 240ml cooked cup
Chickpeas, and most varieties of beans (Kidney, black, pinto..)
Nutritional yeast – which has a cheesy flavour and tastes extremely similar to parmesan!
Hempseed, chia seeds
Quinoa, oats, oatmeal
Soy, almond, or coconut milk – a great alternative to dairy
Nuts, nut butters, and other seeds

If adequate protein consumption is your main worry before starting a vegetarian diet, or if your getting any of the signs of low protein while practicing a plant-based diet, don’t stress! It might require a little more effort on your behalf, and you might need to begin tracking your protein intake in apps like MyFitnessPal, but the strength and energy gained is worth it!

May 17, 2018 0 comment

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How to break a fast the right way – Tips from fitness experts

written by Jing En Lim

While Ramadan is a time for prayer and reflection, it’s also a time for fasting from dawn to dusk. Since you’re fasting, what you consume during your eating window becomes incredibly important. Whether your goal is to lose weight or maintain muscle mass, you have to fuel your body with the right nutrition.

For Suhoor

As this meal is meant to tie you all the way through the day, it’s important to eat a meal full of protein, complex carbohydrates, as well as healthy fats to keep you full throughout the day. Complex carbohydrates are great because they take longer to process, which results in a more gradual release of energy as compared to an energy spike followed by a crash. Breakfast foods such as milk, eggs, avocados and cheese are high in protein and healthy fat, which helps you to feel full for a longer time while repairing and building body tissue.

You’re also encouraged to consume a serving of fruits and vegetables, as they are rich in fibre, they increase the feeling of fullness and also helps prevent constipation! Not only that, they’re chock-full of essential vitamins and minerals that will help keep you healthy.

For Iftar

While it’s tempting to go straight into a big meal when Iftar begins, it’s suggested that you break your fast with a few dates and two glasses of water, or hot tea. This helps prevent overeating, as thirst is often confused with hunger and causes you to consume more calories than your body actually wants.

According to Dubai-based nutritionist Rashi Chowdhary, the Iftar meal should consist mostly of protein-rich foods with only one carbohydrate in order to counter muscle loss. If you’re trying to maintain muscle mass or even grow your muscles, eat calorie-dense foods. As you’re restricted by the amount of food you can consume during Ramadan, calorie-dense (low-volume, high calorie) foods ensure that you’re getting the most calories out of a small amount of food. As fat provides more than twice as many calories (per gram) than carbohydrates and protein, choose to consume healthy fats such as avocados, nuts, and egg yolks. Supplement this with dense whole-grain carbohydrates like oats and brown rice.

If you want to lose weight, the worst thing you could do is go on a low-calorie diet. Your body will naturally be in a caloric deficit, and eating less than normal will put it in starvation mode. Eat food high in nutrients, as your muscles need nutrients to function and muscle breakdown does not help

In-between Iftar and Suhoor

If you lift weights and want to maintain muscle mass, you should take the supplement casein before bed and after suhoor. This protein slows down digestion, allowing you to stay full for longer and produces a stable elevation in amino acids, lasting up to 7 hours.

It’s also recommended to take natural laxatives, such as prune juice, during this time as it would help any digestion problems that occur due to the dramatic change in eating habits.

Lastly, it’s extremely important to stay hydrated during the Ramadan period. Hamza Ayyad, fitness center manager at Burjeel Hospital, recommends fasters to drink 2.5 litres of water between Iftar and going to sleep.

May 14, 2018 0 comment

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How to maintain lean muscle during Ramadan

written by Lynn Chua

Worried that all your hard work throughout the year gets wasted during Ramadan? You don’t have to lose those long lean muscles just because you’re fasting…

With Ramadan coming up, you may be worried about how you can keep up with your lifestyle, to maintain the lean muscles you’ve worked soooo hard to build up. With these 3 points in mind, we are certain you’re good to go!

1.Plan, plan, PLAN!

If you fail to plan, then you plan to fail. The lack of planning may be a key reason why you will find it hard to maintain your lean muscles throughout Ramadan. Find some time to write down your diet and workout plans throughout the week. Always be prepared mentally and physically, so as to be more likely to succeed!

2. Avoid the binge!

Since you can only eat and drink before sunrise and after sunset, that leaves a really long time when you don’t get to feed your body with the right nutrition. Although some people are already used to the idea of fasting, jumping straight into it can cause some serious urges to binge the second you can eat again, and it seems often impossible to fight…

Aim to wake up earlier before sunrise so you get to have a proper Suhoor for you to last till dusk! Reach out for something that is high in protein, packed with complex carbs and healthy fats which are slow releasing and can keep you full longer. Consider food like omelette with chicken, cottage cheese, a bowl of brown rice, sweet potato or quinoa! Just a little tip: Include fibrous foods like avocado and raw walnuts to help slow down the release and absorption of proteins and carbs, and you’re good to go for the next 14 hours!

P.s. We know how hard it is to avoid the fair share of the glorious deep-fried, high fat and processed food that is calling out to you. Fret not! Well, you do not have to avoid them completely! All you got to do is stick to the 80:20 rule and make sure you are eating enough protein that will help to repair and build your muscles!

3. Choose the right workout, at the right time.

Switch up your routine from the norm! Don’t focus on seeking your absolute personal bests in the gym during Ramadan because hey, it is definitely easier to maintain strength than to build it. Don’t be afraid to lower your volume and intensity of your workouts! Perhaps you can take this chance to try something new – GuavaPass offers hundreds of classes for you to choose from, making it easier for you at any time of the day just as you like!

Now when is the right time to do so? We’d recommend:

After Iftar: this is a perfect time because you’ve just eaten a small meal and consumed liquids which are essentially your pre-workout meal! Aim for a quick 20-30 minutes session with higher intensity and you’re good to go!
After Taraweeh Prayers: this may be a little late for some people but it’s great given that you can consume your post-workout meal that aids in muscle recovery and growth, that helps with fat loss and keep you lean!
Before Suhoor: this is perfect for you if you have the discipline to wake up early for a workout session! Hydration is extremely important! Drink plenty of water before and after your workout, and don’t forget to squeeze in a nutritious meal to keep you going throughout the long day!

Keep these points in mind and stay lean this Ramadan! Learn more about GuavaPass here!

May 14, 2018 0 comment

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