Gym Culture on the rise

QH TALKS TO FITNESS OWNERS AT BASE SPORTS TO KNOW WHICH WAY IS THE WIND BLOWING AND HOW BEST TO MOTIVATE PEOPLE TO TAKE IT SERIOUSLY

The need for a healthy lifestyle is imperative need for doing so is even more pronounced given the general tendency to “live for the day” which is all very well in terms of enjoying life but never at the cost of one’s health. In a region that is known to face health issues like obesity and it is all the more important to not waste any more time to take charge of one’s health. Qatar Happening talked to the movers-and-shakers West Bay, for a ringside view on this important subject.

What is the general level of fitness among teens or ones in their early 20s in Qatar?

Ilija: A good indication could be a look at some studies supported by MoPH a couple of years ago. General activities among a population over 20 years of age is correlated with their previous engagement with PA (physician assistant) in earlier improvement.

Interesting times are here with the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and we hope it inspires the youth once again to celebrate sports and movement not just in front of their screens but by participating and practicing various disciplines of physical activity.

Srdjan: Numbers show we have one of the highest percentages of obesity cases in youths and adults as well. Anyhow, we are seeing improvements in attempts to overcome this issue and an increase in pedestrian-friendly areas which should have an effect on everyday lifestyle in the future.

What's the best way to encourage youngsters to adopt a healthy lifestyle through gym routines in the Middle East?

Ilija: Leading by example will always go a long way. Besides making physical activity more attractive through the media, the culture of physical activity should be fostered at home as well as in schools.

We all have a role to play. To educate instead of falling for short-lived trends would be a great choice for starters.

Srdjan: Increase in frequency and volume of physical education in primary and secondary schools would be a way underestimated in its ability to prevent a high number of chronic diseases.

Is obesity a serious concern among youngsters in the Middle East? What's the best way to deal with the issue?

Srdjan: Yes, it is. To educate through formal and informal channels and by giving more attention to other aspects and deeper understanding of physical activity and its impact on overall wellbeing.

Are we on the way to a gym culture that would suggest fitness is something residents take seriously?

Ilija: The gym culture is on the rise. Residents have plenty of options in choosing the activation that suits their needs. The biggest challenge is distinguishing ‘wants’ from ‘needs’ and planning the course of action accordingly. Curiosity is present and it will inevitably, lead to more conscious choices.

There are also smaller groups of enthusiasts that are taking it a step and showcase various approaches to physical activity and lifestyle choices.

What's the number of gyms in the country?

the number of gyms available on the market.

One of them is Base. You should check us out!

@base.qtr

BASE SPORTS

Besides a panoramic overview of Doha in the heart of West Bay, Base Fitness Studio provides expertise in functional training and combat sports. The years of experience and passion that prevails in this small and dedicated team will provide you with tools that will stay with you on a variety of group classes, and customised workshops for both private and corporate needs.

DBX707

Power, pleasure at the heart of top luxury SUV

Aston Martin’s new DBX707 – the world’s most powerful luxury SUV – has created a buzz in the Qatari market after its stellar launch earlier this year at the state-of-the-art Aston Martin showroom in Alfardan Towers, West Bay.

The DBX707 has every area mapped out to boost performance, intensify driving pleasure and amplify on-road presence. It comes with a unique combination of blistering performance, supreme dynamics, unmistakable style and absolute luxury.

Starting with the powertrain, DBX’s 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine now features ball bearing turbochargers and a bespoke engine calibration to liberate more power and torque. high performance SUV is a 9-speed ‘wet clutch’ automatic transmission. Capable of managing much increased torque loadings compared with a regular torque converter automatic, this high-performance transmission allows output of the 4.0-litre V8 to be lifted to an immense 707PS and 900Nm, increases of 157PS and 200Nm over the DBX (V8).

Integral to the DBX707’s suite of performance enhancements is the Brakes. Wheels and tyres are 22in as standard (in a choice of Sport and Ribbon designs), with an optional 23in alloy wheel offered in a choice of textured black or satin black with diamond turned highlights.

The adoption of a 23in wheel also larger diameter tyre offering improved steering response, better primary body control and improved lap times. Key to the DBX707’s exceptional handling is its air suspension system. It features a dedicated chassis tune optimised to its uncompromising demands and objectives.

In the spirit of placing the driver in control DBX707 introduces a revised lower console containing new drive mode selection switches. Now, rather than having to enter a sub-menu within the infotainment system, the driver dynamic modes and setting.

In keeping with its extensive engineering upgrades the exterior and interior of the DBX707 have received an equally thorough design makeover. The result is spectacular – overtly sporting but with the style and attention to detail for which Aston Martin is rightly celebrated. Rear-end treatment is just as dramatic. Enhancing both aesthetic form and aerodynamic function a new lip spoiler has been added to the roof wing to reduce lift and increase high enlarged twin rear diffuser rising to meet the new large diameter quad exhaust system.

Finished in satin black to compliment the gloss black treatment of the diffuser this new exhaust has been tuned to deliver a unique sound signature. Completing the rear-end changes a new rear bumper complete with integrated quarter panel vents accentuate the DBX707’s muscular physique.

The sporting theme continues inside (comfort seats are available as a nocost option). All seat options come with 16-way electric adjustment plus heating in front and rear as standard. There are three choices of interior environments – a mix of leather and Alcantara®, as well as the optional Inspire – Comfort and Inspire Sport, which features full Semi-Aniline leather complete with embroidered Aston Martin wings on the headrest, a contrast stripe down the centre of the seat and perforation pattern in the seat back and base cushion.

As on the exterior, the DBX707’s switchgear as standard. Bright chrome option. Piano Black veneer is standard range, the DBX707 has scooped a host of accolades. These include ‘Best Luxury SUV’ at the GQ Car Awards, Top Gear’s ‘Super SUV of the Year’ award and back-to-back wins in PR Arabia National Auto Award ‘Best Super Luxury SUV’ category.

Inside or out, the engineering team behind the SUV has transformed the DBX707 into something extraordinary, with a comprehensive suite of meticulous engineering solutions

covering the engine, transmission, suspension and brakes. In a nutshell, it’s a complete re-boot of each and every dynamic system that has transformed DB707 into the fastest and most powerful luxury SUV on the planet.

For customers in Qatar looking to further enhance the exclusive nature of DBX707 and create something truly unique, Alfardan Luxury Motors’ expert team is available to support with the ultimate in personalisation, through the ‘Q by Aston Martin’ programme.