UAE Women Conquer Fitness A-Z

For Sapna Dhanwani (34) and Priyanka Kumbhat (31), both Indian expats living in the UAE, their fitness adventure wasn’t just about staying active—it was about challenging themselves in an ambitious way.

Together, they embarked on an A-Z Exercise Challenge, where they tackled a workout for every letter of the alphabet, from Aerial Pilates to Zumba.

Their incredible experience not only tested their physical limits but also delivered surprises along the way, including Sapna’s pregnancy.

How It Began

Sapna, who moved to Dubai in 2013 for its proximity to family and career prospects, teamed up with Priyanka, a Dubai native with lifelong ties to the city. The idea emerged from their shared desire to reignite their commitment to fitness.

“I’d neglected my health for three years,” admits Priyanka. “Then Sapna came up with the idea to try exercises from A to Z.

We meticulously planned it all out with an Excel sheet listing classes and studios.” And with that, they began their fitness reboot.

Experiencing Sweat and Success

Their alphabet-inspired fitness challenge led them to try workouts like Barre (B) and Pravilo (P), exposing them to activities ranging from physically intense to refreshingly innovative.

“Pravilo was unforgettable—it looks intimidating, but the stretch was unlike anything else,” recalls Sapna. For Priyanka, this adventure redefined her view of exercise.

“Fitness doesn’t have to feel repetitive. This challenge showed me it’s about finding what your body loves and keeping it diverse.”

Not every workout was easy to plan, however. Letters like X, Q, and W posed unique challenges in finding suitable activities, and last-minute cancellations from some studios added extra hurdles.

But their excitement and determination kept them going. Adapting to Dubai’s climate also played a key role, as they scheduled outdoor activities for cooler months and focused on indoor experiences during hotter seasons. “The variety of indoor options here in Dubai is phenomenal,” Priyanka says.

A Shift with Pregnancy

Just as they were nearing “R” for Roll Shaper, Sapna discovered she was expecting a baby.

This transformed the challenge into an empowering experience, reflecting her dedication to health and adaptability.

“We switched W from Wakeboarding to Wellness Wednesday to ensure safety,” Sapna explains.

“Pregnancy doesn’t mean stopping exercise. It’s about continuing what feels comfortable and familiar.” Sapna embraced the changes in her body as part of the process, finding strength in her evolving fitness routine.

The Community Connection

Documenting their challenge on Instagram sparked inspiration among local followers.

“People loved the updates,” shares Priyanka. “Friends and even strangers sent us ideas for classes to try. It demonstrated that fitness doesn’t have to be mundane—it can be exciting and accessible to everyone.”

From Challenge to Lifestyle

For both Sapna and Priyanka, the A-Z Exercise Challenge wasn’t just about trying new workouts; it was about making fitness an integral and enjoyable part of their lives.

“Exploring different classes taught me that consistency doesn’t have to be boring. Fitness is not a short-term fix—it’s a lifestyle,” says Priyanka. Sapna agrees, highlighting the importance of variety.

“Sticking to one type of workout can limit you. This challenge opened my eyes to new possibilities and experiences.”

Although their A-Z challenge has come to an end, their fitness journeys are far from over. “Lagree will always be my favorite workout,” Sapna says with a smile, “but now I see the value in mixing things up.”

Their advice to beginners? Get started. “The Dubai Fitness Challenge is the perfect time to begin,” Sapna suggests. “The cooler weather and excellent gym offers make it easier than ever to take that first step.”

From adventures in prenatal fitness to falling in love with inventive classes like SUP Pilates, Sapna and Priyanka have tapped into a uniquely rewarding approach to health.

“Dubai is buzzing with new classes and opportunities to stay active,” concludes Sapna. “It’s the ideal time for anyone to start their fitness story.”

Complete List of A-Z Challenges:

• A – Aerial Pilates
  
  
• B – Barre
  
  
• C – Crank
  
  
• D – Dubai Sports World
  
  
• E – Equestrian
  
  
• F – Float
  
  
• G – Girls Who Walk
  
  
• H – Healthy Back
  
  
• I – Ice Bath
  
  
• J – Jiu Jitsu
  
  
• K – Kickboxing
  
  
• L – Let's Workout Together
  
  
• M – MOTR
  
  
• N – Nail Standing
  
  
• O – Obstacle Race and Rock Climbing
  
  
• P – Pravilo
  
  
• Q – Quantum Analysis
  
  
• R – Roll Shaper
  
  
• S – SUP Pilates
  
  
• T – Tarot
  
  
• U – Underwater Yoga
  
  
• V – Vera Sound Healing
  
  
• W – Wellness Wednesday
  
  
• X – X Training
  
  
• Y – Yo Fit Hot Yoga
  
  
• Z – Zumba

Source: khaleejtimes

The opinions shared in the GymNation blog articles are solely those of the respective authors and may not represent the perspectives of GymNation or any member of the GymNation team.