#360fit: The one-month Dubai yoga challenge

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Talise Spa: Great spot for yoga.

    In recent years, the popularity of yoga among professional athletes has exploded, with advocates such as Ryan Giggs, Tom Brady and LeBron James bringing it into the sporting mainstream.

    These superstars laud the benefits, claiming it helps prevent injuries and improve performance. On the release of his own yoga DVD, evergreen ex-Manchester United winger Giggs said: “It strengthens your muscles, improves flexibility, but also keeps you fit. If I do a yoga session after a game, I’m nowhere near as stiff and I’ll be back training at the right level a lot quicker.”

    But what about the amateurs? Can practicing yoga really help a casual sportsman, who occasionally runs and plays the odd game of five-a-side or squash?

    That’s what I’m here to find out. With the help of Talise Fitness and Talise Spa in Dubai, I’m going to spend a month doing yoga – at least four one-hour sessions per week – with the express aim of discovering if an average joe can feel the benefits of this popular pastime.

    The promise of finding inner peace is an attractive one, though the fear of being left in pieces is more prevalent, given that my injury history rivals that of notorious football sicknote Darren Anderton.

    I’ve previously torn my calf, groin and hamstring, as well as broken my leg and wrist, and disclocated my shoulder. All these ailments have left me about as flexible as a pommel horse and I’m intrigued to see if yoga can improve both my suppleness and susceptibility to injuries.

    It will certainly be a step into the unknown. I’ve practiced yoga twice before – once in a crowded London gym studio and once here in Dubai, at Talise’s Rooftop Yoga. On both occasions, the overwhelming feeling was embarrassment at my lack of agility compared to those around me. However, I’m ready to put the humiliation to one side and give it another go.

    Can I go from yoga zero to yoga hero in the course of a month? Watch this space.

    Talise Spa at Madinat Jumeirah are offering unlimited yoga for a month this summer for just 500 AED.

    Recommended