Wellness looks different for everyone. For some, it’s an afternoon spent at the spa. For others, it’s finding a new way to move, carving out time for mindfulness or simply stepping away from a busy schedule for a few hours. Fortunately, the UAE continues to expand its wellness offering beyond traditional treatments, with experiences designed to leave you feeling refreshed long after you walk out the door.
Keep Moving with Real Pilates
It’s well known that long periods of sitting on a flight still can leave the body feeling stiff, tight and heavy, particularly through the neck, shoulders, lower back, hips and legs. To help travellers feel more mobile and supported this summer, Real Pilates, has created a simple Pilates-inspired in- flight routine designed to support posture, circulation and mobility. And better still, it can easily be done from the comfort of an airplane seat.
For those staying in Dubai, travelling in and out, or looking to reset their routine over the summer months, Real Pilates has also launched its limited-time Summer Special Package that offers 16 Mat and Reformer Pilates classes across its JLT, Jumeirah and Meydan studios at just AED 124 per class. Available to both new and existing clients, the package is valid for two months, making it a great way to stay consistent with your fitness throughout the season.
Real Pilates’ Five In-Flight Must-Do Moves
- Deep Diaphragmatic Breathing
Sit tall toward the front of your seat with your spine lengthened. Inhale deeply through your nose for a count of four, allowing your ribcage to expand sideways. Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of four, gently drawing your navel toward your spine and allowing your ribs to soften inward. Repeat 5 times. Sitting immobile for hours compresses the diaphragm and restricts circulation, so practicing deep diaphragmatic breathing during a flight helps maintain oxygen flow, reduces muscle tension, and keeps your nervous system calm.
- Shoulder Rolls
Sit upright with your arms relaxed by your sides. Slowly roll your shoulders up toward your ears, then back and down, encouraging your shoulder blades to glide smoothly across your ribcage. Perform 5 to 8 repetitions, then reverse the direction. This exercise helps relieve tension in the neck, shoulders, and upper back.
- Isometric Palm Press
Bring your palms together in front of your chest with your elbows relaxed. Press your palms firmly into one another while maintaining an upright posture and engaged core. Hold the contraction for 5 to 10 seconds, then release. Repeat 5 to 8 times. This simple exercise activates the chest, shoulders, and upper-body stabilizers while promoting postural awareness.
- Toe Taps
Sit tall with your spine lengthened and core gently engaged. Lift one foot a few inches off the floor while reaching the opposite hand to tap the toes. Return to the starting position with control and alternate sides. Continue for 10 to 20 repetitions. Maintain an upright posture and avoid collapsing through the chest as you reach toward the foot. This exercise promotes coordination, gentle trunk rotation, core activation, and circulation.
- Seated Knee Lifts with Ankle Movement
Sit tall with your core gently engaged. Slowly lift one knee a few inches off the floor without leaning backward. While keeping the knee lifted, point your toes away from you and then pull them back toward your shin 3 to 5 times. Lower the foot with control and repeat on the other side. Continue alternating sides for 10 to 20 repetitions. This exercise helps activate the hip flexors and core while promoting circulation and mobility in the ankles and lower legs.
Find Your Calm at VEO Fitness
Slow down and reconnect with yourself this July at VEO Fitness Arabian Ranches 2, where two complimentary community wellness sessions invite both members and non-members to roll out a mat and embrace a gentler start to the day. The programme begins with a sunrise Hatha Yoga class on 11 July, focusing on mindful movement, flexibility and breathwork, before returning on 25 July with a Yoga & Sound Healing session that pairs gentle flows with the soothing vibrations of Tibetan singing bowls for an immersive relaxation experience.
Suitable for all fitness levels, both sessions are designed to encourage movement without pressure while fostering a sense of community. Best of all, they’re completely complimentary, although spaces are limited and advance registration is required.
Join a Ladies’ Padel Community at ERTH Abu Dhabi
If you’ve been thinking about trying padel, ERTH Abu Dhabi has introduced a new ladies-only programme that makes getting started easy. Hosted every Saturday at Etizan Fitness, the weekly sessions are designed for beginners and D-level players, combining expert coaching with a welcoming community atmosphere where women can build confidence, improve their technique and enjoy one of the UAE’s fastest-growing sports.
Led by certified coach Sara Ben Thami, the two-hour classes cover everything from positioning and movement to game strategy, with rackets and balls provided so participants simply need to turn up ready to play. Held on an indoor court throughout the summer, it’s an excellent way to stay active while learning a new skill in a supportive environment.
When: Every Saturday, 10am–12pm
Where: Etizan Fitness, ERTH Abu Dhabi
Price: AED 180
For booking, call +971 2 497 5831
Recharge at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai
If you’re looking to dedicate a day entirely to yourself, The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai has unveiled a collection of summer wellness experiences designed to help you reset both body and mind. Available until 30 September, the seasonal programme includes everything from restorative facials to advanced body treatments and Japanese wellness technologies, making it easy to tailor the experience to your individual needs.
Among the highlights is the Beauty Day Retreat, where guests booking a 90-minute HydraFacial or bespoke 111SKIN facial receive a complimentary 60-minute body massage, along with full access to the resort’s spa, fitness facilities, pool and private beach. For those seeking longer-term results, the Sculpt & Reshape Series combines ICOONE body treatments, facial contouring and Iyashi Dome infrared therapy, while the Summer Detox programme uses Japanese far-infrared technology to encourage circulation, recovery and overall wellbeing, with a complimentary session offered for every session purchased as part of the seasonal package.
For spa reservations and further information, call +971 4 777 2243 or email modub-spa@mohg.com.
