Approximately 75 per cent of people in the UAE are obese or overweight, according to a recent study. And, as we all know, it’s not uncommon to work 12 hours+ a day here: we think there might just be a link between those two facts. Fortunately, so do a number of gyms around Dubai, and, in a canny move, they are beginning to tailor short, snappy classes for the city’s time-short career-climbers.

Here, we review a selection of flexible, quick classes and treatments: revealing how to get buff in the minimum amount of time. Now, say hello to those biceps…

Tabata

What happened? Tabata is based on the theory that short but extremely intense periods of activity do more to burn fat and achieve aerobic fitness quicker than slower-paced workouts. To that end, the whole Tabata workout lasts 12 minutes and is comprised of six cycles of 20 second burst of exercise, followed by 10 seconds rest, repeated continuously four times. Any exercise that gets your blood pumping can be used. My trainer, Hanan, tends to use army routines, such as the burpee (a squat, thrust and jump motion) together with squat jumps, high knees and tricep dips, which provide a total muscle workout.

How easily did it fit into your timetable? The beauty of Tabata is that the whole thing takes 15 minutes so it’s perfect for those wanting maximum benefits for the minimum amount of time.

Difficulty rating: 2/10 in terms of the simplicity of the exercises. 10/10 in terms of how hard it pushes you to the limit.

Would you do it again? Definitely. As a quick route to fitness it’s ideal. But remember: if you don’t feel like throwing up or passing out, then you’re not trying hard enough.
Jeremy Lawrence. Dhs650 per month (12 sessions), Safa Park, Mon & Wed at 8:15am; Discovery Gardens, Sun, Tue and Thu at 7:30pm, www.tamareen.tv (050 655 5932).