How to fit exercise into a busy schedule, build upper body strength and tone your tummy in a flash?

Tips and tricks to getting the most out of your workout 

You asked, and we answered. Here are easy-to-follow solutions to your most troublesome fitness queries.     


I work 12-hour days, sitting at a desk for most of that time. I’m too tired to go to the gym by the time I get home. How can I fit an effective workout into my day? 

Carving out time to exercise throughout a hectic working day is no easy feat, but if you’re serious about investing in your health and embarking on a regular get-fit regime, find a time that suits your schedule and one that you can stick to, no excuses. 

We find early mornings are often best. Aside from getting your workout out of the way first thing, it will boost your mood and energy levels for the day ahead. Reward yourself post-workout with a fresh smoothie or your favourite coffee – it’ll make getting out of bed easier if you know a treat is waiting. 

If you find yourself hitting the snooze button, try breaking up the workout into slots – a quick 20-minute jog in the morning or a power walk on your lunch break, followed by a yoga or pilates class in the evening to help you wind down from the day. 

Key buy: Sporty Separates 

Jacket, AED1,625, Isabel Marant Etoile at Boutique 1, visit Mall of the Emirates 

I see different people doing variations of sit-ups and crunches in my gym. What works best for a flat stomach?

While most gyms usually offer some specialised machines for the abdominal area, the most effective tummy toning methods can be carried out with just a simple mat to help protect and cushion your back.

To firm up your abs and reduce belly fat (plus those pesky side parts), create your circuit that includes a range of sit-ups, crunches and planks, and 15 minutes of HIIT or high-intensity interval training. If you’re having trouble mastering the moves, take a look on YouTube for expert video tutorials on how to get the most out of the various positions – and remember to always fully engage your core for max impact. 

Stomach exercises can be notoriously sore, especially in the beginning, so create a mini playlist of empowering songs to get you through the circuit. 


Key buy: Exercise Mat 

Exercise mat, AED300, Nike Dubai at Go Sport, visit Mall of the Emirates 

I’m a runner and have completed a couple of marathons. But my upper strength is lacking. Any suggestions to help me build my upper strength without taking me away from the treadmill for too long?

The upper body is often overlooked for runners, but this area is crucial for improving your speed and endurance. Look to abdominal and back building exercises, such as push-ups or bench presses. 

If you’re hesitant to step off the treadmill, set the incline upwards and do a series of short vertical sprints to add intensity and target your upper body while still working your legs. To further tone your arms and shoulders, you can also carry out a few rounds of bicep curls and overhead presses with dumbbells while speed walking. 


Key buy: Running Trainers 

Ultraboost Parley trainers, AED800, Adidas Dubai, visit Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Sharjah, City Centre Fujairah, City Centre Bahrain, City Centre Qurum, City Centre Alexandria, City Centre Beirut, City Centre Maadi and Mall of Egypt 

Our favourite fit girl reveals her key exercise buys and the six health rules she swears by

A top Dubai-based fitness influencer’s health tips

Looking for a hit of fitspiration? Add Dannielle Blaker (@gypsyfitdxb) to your Instagram feed straight away. Based in Dubai, this Canadian exercise enthusiast’s social media account is filled with action-packed snaps, motivational quotes and regular updates on her own fitness journey. 
When she is not running her own business or teaching yoga, Dannielle is first in line to try all the latest exercise crazes in town. “I regularly mix up my classes to make sure I don’t get bored, plus it keeps my muscles guessing,” she says. 
On her top places to visit in Dubai, the health pro lists Barry’s Bootcamp Marina, Orange Theory, Define Barre, and Vinyasa Yoga at Inspire as just a few of her current favourites. 
Here, Dannielle reveals the six health rules she lives by, along with her must-have clothing picks for working up a sweat in style. 

The most stylish gym wear to shop now

Dannielle’s Quick Tips To A Leading A Healthier Lifestyle 

1. I truly believe we are what we eat. Nourish your body and it will be happy. I follow an 80% vegetarian diet and avoid processed food. 

2. Practice self-care. If you work long hours or have a stressful job, make sure you get enough sleep and look after your body and mind. 

3. Manage your digital consumption. Check your emails or social media at set times of the day and then put it away so that you are not always looking at a screen. 

4. If, like me, you live in a sunny country, mole mapping is so important as it will help detect any signs of melanoma. 

5. Drinking water is key. I have made it a habit to drink a minimum of three litres a day. Every time I leave in my car I take two bottles with me and then drink more when I get home. I don’t buy plastic bottles and instead refill glass bottles from my kitchen. 

6. My friends laugh at me for taking up to 10 vitamins a day, but I truly believe in their properties and never forget to take them. I only buy high strength and good quality, such as Solgar. 


Shop Dannielle’s Fitness Essentials 

Trainers, Adidas, visit Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Sharjah, City Centre Fujairah, City Centre Bahrain, City Centre Qurum, City Centre Alexandria, City Centre Beirut, City Centre Maadi and Mall of Egypt 

“I love the Adidas Parley trainers and the message behind them. They are made of recycled plastic from the ocean and I’m a huge supporter of the ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ ethos. Adidas trainers are my favourite for running and I usually prefer solid neutral colours or white.”

Leggings, Lululemon, visit Mall of the Emirates and City Centre Mirdif

“Lululemon leggings are so soft and breathable. I also love their colour palette – I have the Align Pant 28” in Vintage Grape and True Navy.”

Sports bra, Adidas, visit Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Sharjah, City Centre Fujairah, City Centre Bahrain, City Centre Qurum, City Centre Alexandria, City Centre Beirut, City Centre Maadi and Mall of Egypt 

“The Adidas Alphaskin Tech Sports Bra feels like a second skin and offers great support for running. I also love that the padding is sewn in so that the pads don’t come out in the washing machine.”

Article Source: http://www.citycentremirdif.com/blog/lifestyle/inside-a-fitness-influencers-workout-wardrobe

Take the test and help raise awareness for World Heart Day.

Free healthy heart tests for women in the MENA region

When it comes to women’s health – let’s get to the heart of the matter. It’s World Heart Day on September 29th, and we’re completely pumped up to take action with Feel the Beat – a campaign offering complimentary heart health tests for women throughout the region. 

Running throughout September across Majid Al Futtaim shopping malls within the UAE, Bahrain, Egypt, Lebanon and Oman, Feel the Beat brings easy heart health checks directly to you. 

Feel the Beat aims to help women lead healthier lifestyles

It’s vitally important to keep your ticker in tip-top condition. Did you know that cardiovascular disease is accountable for nearly half of all non-communicable disease deaths, making it the world’s number one killer? It’s a sobering thought, right?

Heart disease causes one in three female deaths each year, according to the World Heart Federation. While we know, we should, and strive to live healthier lives, 52% of women in the GCC are still concerned about being overweight and 33% percent worry about high-cholesterol – both risk factors for heart disease.

Let’s change that!

Put your health first with a heart test now  

Feel the Beat makes it easy to work a health check into your day. 

Throughout September pop by the Feel the Beat activations within Majid Al Futtaim malls where friendly and trusted medical professionals will be on hand to check your blood pressure, blood sugar and Body Mass Index (BMI) to determine your risk from heart disease. Doctors will also be on hand to discuss your cardiovascular results further if required.

Pledge to do more for your heart – and we’ll see you there, ladies!

If you want to know more about Feel the Beat by Majid Al Futtaim ask here

Receive a complimentary heart screening in the mall

Article Source: http://www.malloftheemirates.com/blog/lifestyle/the-womens-health-drive-taking-place-across-the-middle-east

Say farewell to sluggish days with our round-up of energising blends.

Detox smoothie recipes to try at home

September is here, which for many of us means it’s time to go back to school, again to work and get back on the health bandwagon after a summer break. 

One of the quickest routes to rebooting your healthy habits is to start your day with a nutrition-packed super juice. 

After many hours of taste testing, we’ve listed a few of our favourite recipes to help you get back on the right track. 

Scroll down below to start juicing today.


Green Machine  

The grande dame of smoothies, this vitamin-rich recipe is brimming with iron-loaded kale, cilantro to reduce inflammatory and a dose of vitamin C from the citrus.

2 small ice cubes 
1 cup of water 
3 small slices of fresh or frozen mango 
½ green apple
1 handful of kale leaves
¼ cup of fresh cilantro
1 lemon, squeezed
1 tablespoon of spirulina or wheatgrass powder 


Berry Blast

This healthy smoothie is filled with berries known for their high antioxidant and fibre properties. This is also an excellent option for kids who will love the sweet taste, especially if you add a spoonful of creamy bio yoghurt or honey to the mixture. 

2 small ice cubes
1 cup of virgin coconut water 
½ banana
1½ cups of mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries and acai)
1 tablespoon of chia and flax powder 
1 lime, squeezed


Ginger Kicks 

The ultimate morning pick-me-up, this energising blend contains anti-inflammatory turmeric, vitamin A rich and beta carotene-packed carrot and stomach-soothing ginger.

2 small ice cubes
1 cup of water 
½ green apple or pear 
1 tablespoon of turmeric powder
Pinch of cayenne pepper (to help boost the absorption of curcumin in turmeric)
1 cup of carrot, grated
½ fresh ginger, finely chopped 
1 lemon, squeezed

Method: 

Roughly chop all ingredients, throw into a blender and whiz until the mixture turns to liquid – or keep a thicker consistency and pour into a bowl to be eaten with a spoon. If you have a juicer, press the ingredients through in batches, stir and drink straight away to get the full fresh benefits.  

The Essential Kitchen Tools To Shop Now 

Magic Bullet Nutri Bullet Pro, Sharaf DG, visit Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira, City Centre Sharjah, City Centre Bahrain and Mall of Egypt 

Braun Food Processor, Sharaf DG, visit Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira, City Centre Sharjah, City Centre Bahrain and Mall of Egypt 

Where To Buy The Freshest Ingredients  

Carrefour in Dubai and across the Middle East is one of the best places to buy fresh produce

As one of the biggest supermarkets in the Middle East, you can’t beat Carrefour when it comes to selection – and competitive prices, we might add. They also offer a brilliant array of organic fruits and veggies, both local and sourced from abroad, amongst the fresh produce aisles. 

Carrefour Supermarket is located at Mall of the Emirates, Mall of Egypt, City Centre Me'aisem, City Centre Sharjah, City Centre Ajman, City Centre Fujairah, City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Bahrain, City Centre Muscat, City Centre Alexandria, City Centre Qurum, City Centre Beirut, City Centre Al Shindagha and City Centre Maadi 

Article Source: http://www.citycentredeira.com/blog/lifestyle/3-superfood-smoothie-recipes-to-beat-the-bloat

These décor buys will instantly spruce up your living space 

As the new seasons come and go, it isn’t just our wardrobe that requires updating, we’re also rebooting our living spaces with a few fresh finds and décor tricks.

The below interior buys are all available from either Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif or other City Centres across the Middle East.

The Hold-It-All Tray

Glass tray, Zara Home, visit Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira, City Centre Bahrain and City Centre Muscat

First port of call? Your coffee table. The easiest and perhaps most noticeable way to transform your living room is by updating your central table.

Bear in mind that this furniture piece usually sits in-between a sofa and television, so chances are you will use it a lot.

Less is often more, so rid the table of clutter and old magazines, replacing with a curated selection of books (pick tomes which best represent your tastes, be it fashion, cars or food for example) and use sleek trays to store and display stylish nik naks such as large scented candles, bowls and ornaments.

For extra impact, colour-coordinate your items. Start with a monochrome palette and add two colour tones such as grey and blue. This chic piece by Zara Home will instantly streamline the look, making everything appear neater and more cohesive.

The Velvet Pillow

 Velvet pillow, Crate & Barrel, visit Mall of the Emirates and City Centre Mirdif

Through different textures, prints and colours, pillows are a quick way to jazz up any room with minimal effort. This season, the trend-conscious can look to a variety of different themes to work with sofas, chairs and beds depending on your overall style.

Our standout interior trend of the season for the coming months is cosy velvet accents. Look out for plush cushions in deep, rich shades of emerald green, ruby red and dark ink blue paired with neutral classics such as white, cream or beige.

The Illuminating Lantern

Glass Lantern, Zara Home, visit Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira, City Centre Bahrain and City Centre Muscat

Lanterns jar candles and candelabras add instant warmth and style to a room. Whether you want to give off a rustic vibe with wicker and distressed wood or opt for a more glamorous feel by introducing elements of glass and metal, these interior accents can be dotted around your home or placed on a dining table in the garden for al fresco family meals.

The perfect party looks made for dancing in this weekend.

The ultimate party dresses to buy now

As another long working week ends, it’s time to turn our attention to something (nearly) as important as that report’s deadline - what to wear for Friday’s social plans.

From short, sweet and bedazzled with sequins, to a dramatic mesh maxi decked with ruffles, these party frocks will take you from afternoon brunching to the dance floor in fashionable form.

Black dress, Bershka, visit City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira, City Centre Alexandria, City Centre Muscat and City Centre Bahrain

Adorned with a beaded bodice and dotted sheer sleeves, we are head over heels for this long tiered ruffle maxi dress by Bershka. Add extra drama with smokey eyes and a pop of colour with bold spindly stilettos.

Lace dress, Topshop, visit City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Bahrain, City Centre Beirut

This teal lace dress is the epitome of ladylike chic. We love the soft off-the-shoulder ruffles and contrasting black piping accents. Offset the look with a vibrant red lipstick and metallic accessories.

Sequin dress, Zara, visit City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Bahrain, City Centre Muscat, City Centre Alexandria and City Centre Maadi

We cannot resist a sequined frock, especially with wintery floral detailing. This bedazzled t-shirt dress by Zara Dubai is everything we want in an after-dark outfit. Toughen up the look with studded biker boots and big silver hoop earrings.

A no-nonsense guide to the products your skin actually needs and you may not be using yet.

Be it travel, tiredness or simply one too many late nights out, lifestyles show on our skin. 

If the closet you have recently got to a glowing complexion came from a highlighting stick, you need to read our essential guide to upping your skincare game, stat.

These skin-changing beauty buys are the not-so-secret-now weapons you need to get ASAP.  

Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Pure Retinol Express Smoothing Eye Mask, Sephora Dubai

If you are yet to introduce retinol to your skincare routine, now is the time. This super ingredient comes in a variety of formulas and strengths (including prescription grades), but we recommend starting off slow and mild to see how your skin responds, as while incredibly effective, your skin might react at first and you need time to adjust to the powerful effects of this Vitamin-A derivative.

Best used over night, retinol products are predominantly anti-ageing, but also offer a range of other skincare benefits, such as increasing cell turnover (to help discolouration and brighten) and unclog pores to combat acne.

The market now offers tons of different formulas to pick from, such as Shiseido’s Pure Retinol Smoothing Eye Mask, which can be applied and removed in just 15 minutes - the perfect treat to pep up post-party eyes.

La Roche Posay Hydraphase Intense Light, 24H Rehydrating Fill-In Care, Boots Pharmacy at City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira, City Centre Sharjah, City Centre Fujairah, City Centre Me'aisem, City Centre Bahrain and City Centre Muscat

Hyaluronic Acid is a star ingredient found in many moisturisers. Think of it this way, it is to skin what an Oscar is to an actress - a brilliant bonus.

Offering long-lasting hydration, the La Roche Posay Hydraphase products are offered in both a light and rich formula to suit either dry or combination skin types. The refreshing creams infuse and lock in water to ensure your skin retains moisture for longer.

Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask, Sephora Dubai

Swap out rough grainy facial scrubs (which could actually be tearing the sensitive epidermis layer of your skin and spreading bacteria on the acne-prone) for an all-together gentler yet highly effective acid exfoliant, otherwise known as AHAs.

To be used twice weekly, the Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask is an exfoliating treatment infused with pumpkin enzyme and alpha hydroxyl acid to remove dead skin and reveal smoother, more radiant pores in a flash.

Always apply sunscreen to protect your complexion during the day as retinols and acid toners can leave skin more susceptible to sun damage from UV rays.

You need to try these tricks-of-the-trades as revealed by the world’s most-followed women.

From supermodel Bella Hadid’s secret lip smoothing trick to Cindy Crawford’s body buffing technique, we’re sharing the ultimate celebrity beauty tips.

In an interview with beauty website intothegloss.com, legendary supermodel Cindy Crawford revealed the secret to her smooth skin: “I am a big fan of dry brushing,” she said. “It is great if it’s the winter and you are drier. They say it’s really good for circulation and lymphatic drainage, too. The bristles on a dry body brush are pretty firm so it takes some time to get used to, but I just love the way it feels.”

We find dry body brushing works best after a sauna or hot bath when the skin has softened, making it easier to brush away dead skin. Rinse off in a cool shower post-scrub and finish with a thick layer of body cream.

Botanics Long Handled Body Brush, Boots Pharmacy, visit City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira, City Centre Sharjah, City Centre Fujairah, City Centre Me'aisem, City Centre Bahrain and City Centre Muscat

When strapped for time, the model of the moment Bella Hadid relies on Dior’s best-selling Dior Addict Lip Sugar Scrub to smooth her pout. “Mornings are usually really hectic for me but I’ve got my beauty routine down to a science,” says Bella. “The [Dior] Lip Sugar Scrub makes my lips super soft, it’s made with real sugar so it’s like a little treat for my lips and it melts into a balm so the sugar just disappears - no need to rinse.”

Dior Addict Lip Sugar Scrub, Sephora Dubai, visit City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif and City Centre Bahrain

In a recent sit down with Vogue Paris, supermodel and Victoria’s Secret angel Alessandra Ambrosio said she keeps her daily beauty routine fuss-free: “My daily routine is simple but effective. I cleanse my face, occasionally with an exfoliator, and I love anti-aging serums that are packed full of vitamin C. BB creams with SPF are great too!” the Brazilian beauty revealed.

No7 Youthful Vitamin C Fresh Radiance Essence, Boots Pharmacy, visit City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira, City Centre Sharjah, City Centre Fujairah, City Centre Me'aisem, City Centre Bahrain and City Centre Muscat

Keep, store or sell? Make room for the new with our essential guide to clearing out your closet

Your alarm rings, perhaps you hit snooze, then it’s onto shower, breakfast and finally the all too often challenge of what to wear – a wardrobe full of clothes but nothing that seems just right.

Despite a seemingly full array of clothes in front of you, we all have those dreaded days when it feels as though we have nothing to actually put on – and usually when we’re running late.

The remedy? A major closet clear out!

Here, we uncover the easiest ways to part with the old and show you exactly what to invest in to ensure no more closet overload ever again.

Keep

In our eyes, if you love it, hold onto it tight. Whatever your personal style, if you re-wear an item at least once a month, be sure to keep it at easy access within the front of your wardrobe. 

Your favourite denim, smart blazers, well-fitted smart/casual dresses plus an array of blouses and tops make for a well-curated collection to begin with – you can always update with different accessories.

Keep clothes colour-coordinated and divided into sections that best suit your lifestyle. For example office wear, party dresses, weekend comfies, etc…this will make daily outfit planning a whole lot more simple.   

Store

Just because the sun is shining, and you can’t bear the thought of leather and velvet, doesn’t mean you won’t want to wear it once the weather cools.

Bulk buy a selection of clear plastic boxes to store above your closet or under your bed. Neatly fold anything you haven’t worn in at least six months – be it biker boots, knits or sparkly festive frocks - you can pull it out again as the seasons switch.

Chances are you’ll reach for these items during Autumn/Winter, but for now, they’re better left in storage to free up rail space in your wardrobe.

Sell

If you haven’t worn it in over a year it’s time to chuck it in. Whether it’s a way-too-tight leopard print mini skirt or a slightly-too-cowgirl fringed jacket, there’s usually a reason why you haven’t worn it out the house.

Purge your closet on unwanted items and pass onto friends, or better yet donate to a charity of your choice.

The Love-forever Pieces

These classic sartorial staples will have a year-round place in your closet.

Shirt available at Mango, visit City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Muscat

We could wax lyrical about our love for the classic white shirt - a piece so versatile it can be worn for quite literally any occasion, from the boardroom to the bar. This new season style by Mango Dubai is given a summery twist with embroidered blooms along the shoulders.

Black heels available at Aldo, visit City Centre Sharjah, City Centre Ajman, City Centre Fujairah, City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Me'aisem, City Centre Bahrain, City Centre Muscat, City Centre Alexandria and City Centre Maadi 

In addition to being extremely comfortable, these chic black chunky heels will be the finishing touch to any outfit.

Dress available at Zara. Visit City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Bahrain, City Centre Muscat, City Centre Alexandria, and City Centre Maadi

Zara Dubai has delivered the ultimate wear-anywhere shift dress, complete with super flattering batwing sleeves and a knotted waist detailing in a bottle green shade perfect for all-year round.

The Insider Tips to Buying Better

First up, lend a few hours to thoroughly clearing out your closet and getting rid of anything you don’t wear or love anymore – and be brutal. Trust us, it will be a morning or afternoon well spent, and even save you outfit-planning time - as well as freeing up precious space for new purchases.

Are you heading to the mall? Before of the trip, go through your wardrobe and make a mental note of what items you wear the most. Be it a black A-line skirt or a floral maxi dress, look for pieces that you know you’ll get maximum wear out of.

Make a list and stick to it. Whether you need a classic camisole top to team with everything from off-duty denim to office blazers, or a floral summer frock to wear to the beach and beyond, go with the item in mind and you might just find what you’re looking for.

You don’t necessarily need to buy there and then on a whim. Many shops will hold the item in your name for up to several days. That way you go back, revisit the piece and purchase with clear conscious knowing it’s meant to be.