A new fitness programme from Haddins Gym is dedicated to “grumpy old men”.
The programme – cheekily titled Geezer Club and held in Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Sports City – aims to help those over the age of 50 to get back in prime shape, and dispel the notion that the gym is solely the domain of the young and nimble.
“There are many people above 50 who feel intimidated to come back to the gym,” says the gym’s 37-year-old founder, Michael Haddin. “So we are starting some light-hearted sessions to get them back into shape.”
The new club – for the over-50s “and those who look it”, according to the adverts – was the brainwave of Haddins’ operation and finance manager, Andy Elliott, himself an energetic 56-year-old.
“Here’s hoping the call to action hits the nerve of this most noble of generations,” he says.
The weekly programme starts with a Post-Weekend Sweat Session on Sundays with Dutch trainer Harm Jager, who promises “old-school circuit training to help your body get rid of the weekend’s toxins”.
Boxing Fitness with Rookie –British trainer Terry Rooke – is on Tuesdays.
“If you are male, over 50 and a little heavy around the middle, then for sure you definitely think you have the boxing skills of Mohammed Ali and we want to see them,” says Rooke. “Tuesday is all about boxing fitness to help you relieve some tension and relive your glory days.”
Thursday’s session is Beach Muscle and Hops led by Haddin. The session focuses on chest, biceps and abdominals, before relocating to the Sportsman’s Arms “to discuss the meaning of life and start the weekend off on the right foot”, Haddin says. “It’ll be time for just us males to get together and take the mickey out of each other.”
• All sessions begin at 6pm and cost Dh50 each. For more information, call 02 403 4233 or email info@haddins.com
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