As Manager of Moves Dance-Fit Studio, Lama gets to bring a fun element to exercise with dance fitness, something novel and exciting in Oman’s health and wellness scene. Here are excerpts from the interview…
What was the idea behind setting up Moves Dance-Fit Studio?
Dance classes are now becoming more and more popular because of the elements they offer – good workouts, great music, and a positive impact on mental health. Participants usually leave dance fitness classes feeling accomplished, full of energy and positive thoughts. In addition, dance fitness is suitable for all ages allowing participants to remain active and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Dance fitness is unique and changes up the workout game. How does it benefit people here?
Women in Oman, just like the rest of the world, are realising the importance of health and fitness in their lives, especially while trying to balance personal life, work, and managing homes and families. Dance fitness contributes a huge deal to mental health along with physical health. In a dance fitness space, women not only get to work out, they also make new friendships, have great laughs in classes, and enjoy great music while doing so.
Teenagers and children also can be part of the group, and therefore benefit from this kind of exercise. Statistics are indicating that children and teenagers are becoming less active, partly due to device-attachment. Dance fitness classes are an appealing form of exercise to teenagers and kids, and helps promote physical activity among them.
What were some of the challenges faced while setting up Moves Dance-Fit Studio?
In any business when a new concept is introduced, there is a culture and a mindset that could be challenging to bring people on board. A Dance Fitness Studio is a new concept of an exercise facility. Therefore, the comparison is a challenge that we continue to face. The great news is that women have become more aware and open to this change. With time, we are sure things will turn around.
What are some misconceptions surrounding fitness that you need to tackle in your work?
A common misconception is – ‘If I sweat more, I am burning calories’. Sweating is not the measure of experiencing a good workout. What is more important is learning the right technique, building up stamina and working out different muscle groups. Injuries can happen from excessive exercise to achieve ‘good sweats’.
Another one is – ‘Eat less and exercise more to lose weight’. Eating properly and exercising go hand in hand to achieve weight loss. It is all about ensuring the right nutrition for the right exercise to achieve sustainable results. There is a difference between eating for weight loss and eating for muscle building. This varies from one person to another. There is no one-size-fits-all solution.
There is also a tendency to have high expectations for body transformation in a short period of time which leads to giving up. Consistency of exercise over a period of time combined with healthy eating are key factors to achieve your fitness and shape goals.
What services does Moves Dance-Fit Studio offer?
We offer classes such as Afrobeat, Belly Dancing, Latin Dance, Urban Dance, Hip hop and Zumba. High impact cardio and muscle strength classes include Studio Ball, Body Weight, HIIT, Yoga and Pilates. We offer Muai Thai as one-on-one training or in pairs. We also offer Personal Training services to clients with specific goals and are open to private bookings for groups, companies, institutions or for corporate activities.
What does Moves Dance-Fit Studio have in the pipeline?
We would like Moves Dance-Fit Studio to become an Omani International brand bringing in a variety of programmes within the fitness industry, and expanding its facilities to offer children classes from very young ages to create the culture of remaining active as they grow.