Zumba at Ramah (and more!)

IT'S SUMMER AND it's the perfect time to sweat and get back into shape after the repercussions of hibernating last winter. If you're like me, who's finding the solo ride on the treadmill a bit passe for my liking, then perhaps something like a Zumba class can bring you the dynamics and group energy that you need in the gym. Last week, I had the pleasure (and pressure) of working out at Ramah Fitness Studio, an up and coming haven for women who wants to take on Zumba, Yoga, Pilates and Belly Dancing (among others).  Yes, you read that right, Belly Dancing! It's been a while since I've worked out and trying out something new such as Zumba, became an incentive for me to go back in the gym (Heaven knows I need it!). 

The Ramah Fitness Studio is modest in size with a reception, changing room, bathroom and a full-mirrored studio that can probably accommodate 10-15 participants per class. I particularly loved the stenciled quotes all over the place, making sure that everyone feels a sense of well-being and motivation as they go along with their classes.

By the reception.

Motivating messages, up to the changing room.

They also support the Zahra Breast Cancer Foundation

I was lucky enough to meet the owner of the establishment, Ms. Shada AlDahash, who said that she was inspired to put up the Ramah Fitness Studio after her training in Yoga helped alleviate her back pain. She also said that she wanted something different from the usual gyms in the city that were crowded with equipment and lacked the feeling of camaraderie with its participants. 

In Ramah Fitness Studio, she says, "they treat each other like family." And true enough, I felt it too when I was there. 

First of all, I was initially there to try out the Zumba class only. I have never done Zumba in my life so I decided to do a little research before going there. Long research cut short, Zumba is essentially a dance-fitness-party -- where you dance and follow the instructors' steps without it feeling like an actual aerobic exercise and more of like partying it up in a dance club. They use the latest pop music to get you in the mood and the energy of the instructress, Ms. Heba, was electrifying. We were seven in the class and I guess she just assumed that I was not a beginner and started the class right away. Thanks to my background in dancing, I was able to reasonably catch up with the steps. Once I got the hang of it, I began to enjoy the atmosphere and the activity (despite sweating profusely) in the next 45 minutes. Afterwards, I approached her and thanked her for her awesome energy in leading the class. 

Where the Zumba magic happens.

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fittest of them all? 

Shelves for thy things.

As I was getting ready to change in the other room (and catching my breath at the same time), the next class (the Yoga class) was about to start. One of the ladies in the room with me suddenly asked me to join them. I said no at first because A) I only planned on trying out the Zumba and B) I was a bit spent after the Zumba and I was not sure if I can handle another exercise class. But then I thought, Yoga is about being "zen" and "centered" right? So that may help me cool down in a relaxing way... (not exactly as I had imagined later on, hahaha!). The kind lady kept inviting me despite my initial decline, and she even said, "Don't worry, the instructress is my friend. Please join us." She gave me a mat and a yoga block right away and I eventually found it rude to not go ahead with it. 

I've experienced Yoga around five years ago, but never really pursued it. So this time around, instead of expecting zen-like positions, it was actually a struggle for me. I've always found myself to be a flexible person (I can make my fingertips reach my toes without bending my knees and can do the 'indian sit' fairly well), but this yoga class had me sweating even more, and balancing even more. A lot of my bones actually cracked during the stretching segments, proof that I haven't been exercising that much in the last six months. But towards the end, we spent around 10-15 minutes meditating and our instructress had a really soothing tone and manner about her that we did end up 'inhaling the positive vibes and exhaling the stress and negativity.' 

Interestingly enough, I didn't feel like collapsing after both the Zumba and Yoga classes. I felt internally refreshed and externally rejuvenated. The kindness of everyone there helped too. I am definitely recommending the Ramah Fitness Studio to the ladies out there who wants to dance out and work out in a cozy but fun environment. A very cordial attendant named Haifa, will greet you upon entry (yes, she speaks good English).

Their website, http://ramahfitness.com is pretty solid in information regarding their location, classes, instructors and prices. But to give you a preview, here are their rates:

Zumba classes are at 90SR per visit / 700SR for 10 visits / 1300SR for 20 visits [Valid for two months]

Yoga-Pilates classes are at 90SR per visit / 800SR for 10 visits / 1500SR for 20 visits [Valid for two months]

This is the location map of their studio (located just beside McDonald's Takhasussi):

So shall I be seeing you there as one of dance mates in Zumba? Or in the Belly Dancing class? I hope so! ;) 

Cheers! 

-Eyecandy

Forever Living

Whoah! Is it the last day of April already? The days have gone by so fast, don't you think? We were looking at our blog tabs and frowned when we saw this is only our fifth entry for the month! Waley! What happened to our new year's resolution to blog often? Haha. (Ah wala nga pala kaming resolutions!)

Anyway, summer is here again. Despite of the cranky weather Riyadh has been experiencing for the past few days, we all know that it's already the season of the sun. The harsh desert climate is upon us and you need to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! If you recall, Sampaguita Pride has already written an entry a few months back on how not to be a prune in the desert aka how to keep your skin moisturized. A lot of you has been asking us where to get the aloe vera gel that SP mentioned. Well, here's your answer:

Click photo for larger size.

Forever Living offers many aloe vera products so if you're interested, check the flyer above. Aloe vera does not only keep your skin moisturized, it also heals skin ailments! The Pink Tarha is not the expert on this so we're turning you to the one who can answer your questions... Ms. Verna Nafrada. Contact her at 050-7032098 or email her at forverna3@hotmail.com for your aloe vera gel needs. :)

So, there's no reason to sport dry and itchy skin this summer! :P 

Happy May, everyone! 

A 'Berry' Fresh Treat

Is everyone feeling the heat or what?

Summer is just starting to make its presence known yet it feels like its the mid-way fever already! Getting off work in the afternoons just makes you want to shower, go swimming or...have some ice cream 'eh? Well, if you're already tired of the mainstay brands like Baskin Robbins and Häagen-Dazs, there is a new flavor in town. If you're adventurous enough, you might just discover something you'd enjoy.

Enter FreshBerry. A budding franchise throughout the town of Riyadh that offers all natural and low fat frozen yogurts. They offer generous servings of Frozen Yogurt (which they say has "beneficial live and active cultures" -- okay, that part is still pretty vague to me) from 14SR to 24SR which can have two toppings of your choice.

For our first experience at FreshBerry, my friends and I opted to try each of the flavors of their frozen yogurt, Fresh Berry Tart, Acai Berry Tart Decadent Dark Chocolate and Vanilla. We hovered over the choice of toppings for a while since there were so many to choose from! The selection of toppings looked very delectable (and fresh) that you can just heave a sigh of relief in knowing that the delicious summer treat that you are about to down is diet-friendly and won't give your sweet tooth much of a pain.

Choose from 24 toppings! Strawberry, Captain Crunch, Fruity Pebbles, Graham Cracker, Granola, M&M's, Oreo, Reese's Peanut Butter, Walnuts, White Chocolate Chips, Pineapple, Raspeberry, Almonds, Banana, Black Berry, Blue Berry, Chocolate Chips, Coconut, Maraschino Cherry, Gummy Bears, Kiwi, Rainbow Sprinkles, Mandarin Orange and Mango.

Friend 1 opted for the FreshBerry Tart yogurt, coupled with fresh strawberry and pineapple fruits. The taste was more on the tangy, sour yet creamy side. try it if your taste buds are used to tangy flavors.

Friend 2 obviously had a craving! I bet you can already tell the taste of this serving just from the looks of it. Yes, very, very, chocolate-y! She picked the Decadent Dark Chocolate yogurt with Chocolate Chips and M&M's as toppings. Expect that the chocolate yogurt is not as rich in taste like the ones Baskin Robbins offers. But I thought it was tasty enough as a yogurt.

I was going for more of a balance between the sweet and the tangy so I picked the Decadent Dark Chocolate yogurt as well, plus some fresh strawberries and colored rice crispies (I think they were the "Fruity Pebbles"). Yummy, yum, YUM.

It may sound pricey at a regular size costing 14SR each, but the generous serving really makes up for it. I think one cup is big enough for two people to enjoy! They have other cool items too though like their Smoothies (which you can add fresh fruit on top as well) and their signature item called the FreshPops at 5SR each. They are all natural yogurt popsicle sticks in assorted flavors and boasts of containing less than 100 calories for a bar. It's kind to your wallet AND your diet! Though when we were there, they were already out of stock. I suppose it's a popular item.

Since our first visit, we've back to get us some FreshBerry twice now. Both at the Granada Mall branch. They also have branches at Tahliah St and Riyadh Gallery Mall.

Visit their 'cool website at www.freshberry-me.com and see the goodies yourself!

Now we all know that Riyadh is an OVEN at the moment, cooking up to 46 degrees today! So it's high time to lather yourself up with a cold treat. Otherwise, just stay indoors as much as you can.

Cheers!
-ec-