It was time to try some yoga on my Worldwide Tour of Muscat.  To be completely honest, I have never really enjoyed yoga when I’ve tried it in the past.  I know it’s supposed to be really good for you in so many ways and I wanted to like it, but I didn’t.  I never felt able to do it properly (it’s not that easy at times!) and didn’t feel the sense of calm that people talk about.  More a sense of waiting for the hour to be over and sneaking looks at the clock past a smug person who has their leg over their head.

So along I went to InnerChi Centre  (in the Oasis Building in Qurum) thinking I would feel the same about yoga as I had before.  I was very pleasantly surprised. Firstly, I tried Hatha Yoga and the hour flew past. I actually felt really chilled out after each session I did there. I did sessions with both Gary and Raquel who are both great instructors, they never make you feel stupid but do make sure you’re doing things properly. They are professional and they know their stuff, it’s obviously not just a job to them, but also make everyone laugh which I think is perfect is any kind of instructor.

My absolute favourite was the bespoke class that Gary designed himself. It’s called High Intensity Detox Yoga and if you’re looking for a good workout at the same time as doing yoga then it’s the class for you. It’s tough but will get you results and it’s really satisfying to see your progression.

I also tried meditation for the first time.  It was a beginner session which was good as it is actually quite intense, we had breaks and discussed how we were doing – otherwise I would have found it a long hour to be honest.  That’s one of the things they do really well at InnerChi; they remember what it is like to begin and that simple guidance and encouragement when you start makes a big difference.

There is also FreeStyle, Restorative, Power, Vinyasa and Pre-Natal Yoga as well as stretching, meditation and holistic therapies such as Reiki.  There’s weekend activities like workshops available and a handy newsletter on what’s app so you know what’s happening when. Plus there’s a lovely friendly vibe there, it’s the kind of place you can make friends. 

This is yoga as it’s supposed to be, I would highly recommend it whether you’re a beginner or you’ve been doing it for years already, there’s something for everyone.  Namaste and all that.

After the Eid holidays (if I’m totally honest I wasn’t that active for a couple of weeks before that either) I definitely needed to get back my urge to work out. My jeans agreed with this plan wholeheartedly.  If you’re also looking for somewhere to get motivated, give Gold’s Gym a try.  Located in Avenues Mall in Muscat, it is big and super colourful – go up to the third floor in the mall and you’ll see the iconic logo.  Started in Venice, California in 1965, Gold’s Gym is the largest full-service gym chain in the world so they should definitely know what they’re doing. 

The general gym area is frankly massive, I’ve never seen anyone waiting by a machine – if you’re a gym bunny you will know the joy this brings.  There is also a very decent size ladies only gym (rather than a small one which is fairly common).  If you think it’ll be full of huge body builders and intimidating muscles, don’t worry – it doesn’t have that vibe at all.  In fact, I actually kind of made a friend which is a gym first for me.  If you’ve listened to the show you may understand why…

The class timetable covers all the usual bases like Les Mills’ body pump, circuits and bootcamp. I prefer classes to the gym for two reasons.  Firstly, if I book I’m so much more likely to turn up.  Secondly, I know I’ll stay until the end of the class.  When I work out alone my brain works harder to come up with excuses to go home than my muscles work.  Hey, at least I’m honest. 

It’s easy to book with Gold’s and the area is large so you don’t have to worry about getting a space on the classes.  The instructors have a special platform so you can see and hear them easily which is great if like me you're stumbling around without glasses or much of a sense of balance.  The Zumba class was by far my favourite as it had a real party atmosphere.  I really enjoyed the circuits as well, they are tough (otherwise they're not proper circuits!) but also a bit different.  In one class we did a pyramid challenge which I'd never done before - it helps to change things up and you can tell the instructor had put some thought into the circuit.  For ladies, there is a choice of mixed classes or females only ones. 

It’s the kind of gym where you can get as involved as you like with challenges and personal training, or you can just turn up and do your own thing if you prefer the solo work out. Everyone is friendly and welcoming, even to this idiot off the radio.  The size of the place and the amount of instructors means there's loads of choice which is a big advantage.  Plus I'm a sucker for a cool logo!

Time for my second stop on this tour of me pretending to be active.  I’ve always wanted to try The Wellness Centre in Al Mouj and they were kind enough to let me loose on their facilities.  The first thing that struck me was how much equipment they have, things I’ve never even seen before.  It is impressive to say the least.  This is the gym for you if you are serious about your fitness or you would like to be.

I also want to point out how lovely the changing rooms are (well I can’t vouch for the men’s obviously but the ladies is an absolute treat).  They smell so good you could be in a spa.  Usually I avoid having to use gym showers but these are far nicer than my own.  I briefly thought about moving in for the summer.

After spending quite a bit of time checking out the extensive class schedule I decided to go for something I had never tried before – Queenax.  This uses a special frame with different points where you can use a bar for suspension and functional training.  Depending on where the bar is on the frame you can focus on various primal movements such as push, pull, squat, lunge.  It is also possible to have a nice swing on it (I have to say though it was only me doing this in the class, unsurprisingly).  This is a great class to do alongside your usual ones for stretching and strength and the frame is super easy to use – it’s a great piece of kit.

The next class I had to book was Circuit Prama as I’ve wanted to try this out for months.  Prama uses interactive flooring and flashing lights which does give your circuit a bit of extra drama and motivation.  This is definitely next level for a circuit class as opposed to the traditional brightly lit gym with stations in a circle.  The lights and music really get the adrenalin going more.  Even I could easily follow the circuit with the lights and it’s easier as each person has a defined area.

As a big fan of Les Mills classes I always enjoy them and I like the consistency of classes such as Body Pump and Body Attack.  The Wellness Centre did not disappoint on this at all – they have the latest kit and good instructors.  RPM is the Les Mills version of spinning and again this gym takes this to the next level.  They have a special RPM room where the lights are dimmed and a screen has members’ heart rates on (this is not obligatory don’t worry!).  There are so many classes here that boredom just isn’t an option.

Check out the schedule on their website for the range of classes on offer as it is extensive (yoga, pilates, bodybalance to name a few).  There is an app for members which is really easy to use to book classes, they do get busy but there is always a waitlist you can join.  They also have trainers, a mixed gym and separate ladies only gym plus Cyrotherapy.  Essentially all the bases are covered and there’s even an area to sit and chill for a bit or have a post work out gossip (which I am all about).

It occurred to me lately that I might have been a bit (ahem…quite a bit possibly) lazy.  Put it this way – I wouldn’t want my Netflix viewing hours for this year made public.  Being someone who likes to talk, I mentioned this to our social media lady at Hi FM.  Next thing I know I’m signed up to do a tour of the gyms of Muscat. It’s difficult to know what a gym is like until you actually start working out there so I’ll be doing the investigating (and sweating) for you.  You’re welcome.

My first stop on my ‘Worldwide Tour of Muscat’ was Vivafit, located near Al Masa Mall in Shatti Al Qurum.  I always feel a little bit the new kid at school when I go to a new gym (having moved around the world a fair bit this has happened a lot) so I set off with a few nerves but determined not to let it show.  Especially as this usually manifests itself in falling over or walking into things.  Not the best first impression to give.

The first thing I noticed about Vivafit was how friendly the atmosphere is.  Not just the staff (who are lovely, they actually know all the members’ names) but the other ladies in the classes say hello too.  I can honestly say this is unusual for gyms but once I got over my shock it turned out it’s really nice to exchange some pleasantries before a class.  It gives you that ‘in it together’ feeling.

Vivafit is a ladies only fitness brand that originated in Portugal, with an emphasis on fast and easy workouts.  Just to clarify after having tried them – ‘easy’ means easy to get the hang of, they are proper workouts which will get results.  You have a few options here; there is the Vivafit circuit, personal training or group classes.  EMS (for this you wear a special suit and electricity is used to stimulate your muscles for you) is also available and nutrition advice.  You can do the workouts in just 30 minutes so it’s perfect for anyone with a busy life or if you just like the efficiency.  Plus you can use Vivafit as a one-stop shop if you need to get started with fitness, sort out a healthy diet etc without fear of judgement, they genuinely want to help.

I started with the classes.  I’m a huge fan of Les Mills classes (if that doesn’t ring a bell it’s a hugely popular international brand of fitness programs available at many gyms) and there’s a number to choose from as well as Vivafit’s own classes and Pilates.  I tried Burn It (there are both strength and cardio versions of this class), Sweat 500 and the new Les Mills Tone.  All were high energy 30-minute classes that were easy to follow (I always realise quite how competitive I am during a routine in a class and I managed to just about get the steps right first time.  Sooo satisfying).  The instructors are all lovely, they give different options so you can tailor the class to your fitness.  My favourite bit?  Not just a high five for everyone at the end, BIG TENS.  Made me smile every time.

I tried the circuit as well (rude not to), it’s basically a circle of machines that you work your way around.  There is a light on the wall either side of the room that flashes every 58 seconds for you to move on to the next machine.  You only need to be been shown around the machines once as the circuit is really easy to get the hang of.  The beauty of it is you can start doing the circuit whenever you like, no need to wait for a particular time.  This makes it ideal for anyone that needs to fit in workouts wherever they can.  You do the circuit three times and you’re done.  The equipment uses hydraulic shock absorbers which increase or reduce resistance according to your individual rhythm.  It’s a really safe workout which won’t hurt your joints. 

I really enjoyed my time at Vivafit and I was honestly a bit sad when I had done my last class.  What did I learn from my first tour stop?  These ladies really care about their members and they are serious about helping whatever level of fitness you are at.  Also, that I seem to sweat a LOT more than anyone else.  Noticeably.  So that’ll be fun on my tour.

If you think you could put up with George for a bit and you would like her to come along to your gym/yoga studio/ballet class/healthy food place/whatever it is, just chuck her an email via her page: HERE