Moving your body and working those muscles isn’t only good for your body. Being physically active is also great for your mind as it releases chemicals in your brain that make you feel good. From a natural energy boost to less stress, better sleep and more focus, there are so many benefits to incorporating sports into your daily life. Plus, there’s the fact physical activity is a top way to gain confidence, have some fun while gaining a sense of purpose, meet new people and take a break from it all. And it all gets even better if you’re able to get moving outdoors. Exposure to nature has been linked to a plethora of benefits, including feeling happier, reduced levels of depression and anxiety and even upticks in compassion and cooperation.
If you want to kickstart 2022 feeling tip-top by combining these two life enhancers, Abu Dhabi’s Department of Community Development (DCD) and Sports Council (ADSC) just happen to be organising 'Active Parks.' With this new free community fitness programme, which starts on December 30, the department aims to encourage the public to participate in regular physical activities to improve their physical and mental wellbeing. During the four-week schedule, there will be daily activities for people with all kinds of tastes and fitness levels, including DanceFit, RunFit, Bootcamps, CrossFit and Yoga. And to make these even more beneficial, the new calendar addition is taking place across 12 public parks and urban green spaces in the emirate. Whether held in Madinat Zayed, Al Ruwais Park 2, Dolphin Park, Sheikha Fatima Park or any of the other green spaces, the fun sessions will be run by trainers and prominent sport and fitness professionals. Aimed at those aged 15 and above, there will be a total of 380 sessions to choose from.
The initiative, in collaboration with the municipalities of Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain city and Al Dhafra region and the Community Management Department – Al Dhafrah Region Affairs, is being organised simultaneously at multiple locations to ensure the maximum number of people can attend.
