Don’t feel the burn
Leave the house for just five minutes and feel better this summer
The good news is that just five minutes of exercise daily can improve our mental health, according to a new study.

The bad news however, for anyone living here in the UAE is that the study’s focus was on ‘green activity’, in other words outdoor exercise.

That might not sound ideal, with our boilingsummer fast approaching.

But researchers at the University of Essex insist that just five minutes of green activity will boost mood and self esteem, so it’s worth finding ways to get outside.

For anyone thinking up excuses for staying in on the sofa with the latest box set, think again. You don’t need to be a gym bunny to join in. Walking and fishing are considered to be ‘green activities’.

Even gardening is included in the list of activities found to benefit. And although there’s few plants that would survive long enough to get your fingers green, the idea is simply to get out of that freezing AC for just a couple of minutes a day.

Ziggy Darwish, of Fitness 02, runs a series of bootcamps which continue through the summer. And he sees no reason why we should all crawl under a rock and hide for the summer providing we take care of ourselves.

He explains: “Get out, even for five minutes, somewhere like Safa Park and you’ll be fine.

Find yourself a nice shady spot, or wear a hat and sunscreen. Make sure you take on a lot of water, bring a towel and you’ll be fine. It’s a mental thing, it’s not even about losing weight. It’s all about getting out of the dreaded AC, you’ll feel a lot better and it becomes a habit. Even a nice walk in the park will keep you going.”

Here’s some inspiration of how you can beat the heat when the going gets tough.

You’ve mastered surfing, you’re a pro

para-sailer, so what else can you do in the water apart from plain old swimming?
Why paddle-boarding of course. And with school classes coming to an end this month, Scott Chambers from Surfing Dubai has more time to dedicate to beginners.  Scott runs classes for all ages throughout the summer including an express course for those who want to learn the skills quickly. He offers private lessons or, if there’s a few of you, book in for a group course and have a laugh at each other trying to balance on the boards. Visit www.surfingdubai.com or
call Scott on 055 882 7419

***

You’ve mastered surfing, you’re a pro
para-sailer, so what else can you do in the water apart from plain old swimming?
Why paddle-boarding of course. And with school classes coming to an end this month, Scott Chambers from Surfing Dubai has more time to dedicate to beginners. Scott runs classes for all ages throughout the summer including an express course for those who want to learn the skills quickly. He offers private lessons or, if there’s a few of you, book in for a group course and have a laugh at each other trying to balance on the boards. Visit www.surfingdubai.com or call Scott on 055 882 7419


While we’re all sweating away it’s worth remembering that animals are likely to be suffering too. With that in mind, why not lend a hand to some of our four-legged friends?

Dhabian Rahma Animal Rescue Centre and the RAK Animal Welfare Centre are just a couple of shelters which need volunteers to help the animals get through thte long, hot months.

Check www.friendsofanimalsdxb.com for details of various operations throughout the UAE  

Adventure sports is one thing to get the old adrenaline pumping but for utter maniacs footy is still on offer. With it being a World Cup year we’re sure to be all talking the beautiful game, and you can play it too with Dubai’s amateur football league offering their traditional 7s league from May to the start of August. Duplays is also offering their own 7s league plus touch rugby, basketball and a host of other sports, with the emphasis very much on the social side of things. Visit dxb.leaguerepublic.com or duplays.com/dxb

It may be hot but remember there’s 24 hours in a day.
Al Shaheen Adventure Training in Ras Al Khaimah offer a range of activities, including mountain biking, kayaking and abseiling. And they don’t stop during the summer, they simply start and finish earlier in the day from their Jazira Al Hamra base.
Call 07 244 5171 or check out http://at.alshaheenme.com/ for details