Time to walk the talk: City Walkers set example

Manama : It’s another regular day – or is it? City Centre Mall is gracious enough to host a triweekly (3 times per week) completely free hour-long exercise class, and DT News attended a class this Wednesday to record what the fuss was all about. 

The exercise classes are held at 9am every Saturday, Monday and Wednesday morning in the spacious City Centre mall. 

All you need to bring with you is your body, and maybe a glass of water and a towel (for extra cushion) as it’s a tough workout!

City Walkers is special, in that, people of all walks of life join together for an hour of no-nonsense, delightful fun and exercise. 

The trainer, Paul Hamblin, of REPS Fitness Studios in Juffair, is a breath of fresh air! No longer is exercise merely about executing robotic movement after movement; but rather, a group challenge where everyone cheers each other on. 

Not to mention, if you are lagging, there is some peer pressure to get those hips of yours moving! It is quite an intense workout, though it is suitable for people of all fitness levels – as each person performs to the best of their ability, which is the joy of attending; there is no hierarchy. If you want to get fit, get motivated and be part of a positive crowd, then this is the place to be!

DT News spoke to long-time City Walkers member Ali H. Rostom, a retired Bahraini, to understand a bit more about why people join these gruelling and military-like classes.

“In the beginning, about five years ago, it was only light exercises, but later on in 2014 we started to work more intensely.”

“We benefit very much from this consistent, free and guided style of exercise,” said Ali, “It is very motivating to have someone encourage and guide you; unlike being at home where you exercise alone and don’t feel any pressure to perform your best.

“It’s hard, but we cope, and it’s better if we are challenged, so that we can improve,” he added.

There is a wonderful spirit of camaraderie that circulates the group, and everyone seemed glistening with gladness at the end of the class. It was a pure joy to attend this charming and challenging exercise class, and DT News thanks City Centre for hosting such a generous ongoing public service.