Sports | Tuesday 20 September, 2016 12:08 pm |

Fitness First Middle East has unveiled its flagship aquatic training facility in two of its clubs in Riyadh as part of its regional fitness program expansion strategy for the region.

Saudi Arabia has now become the third country in the region to offer the exclusive Fitness First Swim Academy program after its successful launch in the United Arab Emirates and Jordan.

The Swim Academy program, which will be offered at the Fitness First clubs in Malga Gate and Localizer Mall, located in Riyadh’s Anas Ibn Malik Street and Tahlia Street respectively, is expected to enhance Fitness First’s position as a one-stop lifestyle provider in KSA.

Reiterating the importance of swimming as a life skill and an effective way to alleviate stress, improve endurance level and heart strength, Fitness First Middle East Chief Operating Officer, George Flooks said that the introduction of the Swim Academy in KSA was a strategic and deliberate move towards creating awareness about the numerous health benefits of swimming.

"As a key player in the fitness and wellness industry in KSA, we have recognized the need to encourage more people to take up swimming, not only for recreational purposes but also as an all-round fitness and wellness activity. Swimming has plenty of health benefits such as building endurance, muscle strength, and cardiovascular fitness,” said George.

He went on to add, “Other benefits of swimming include improving oxygen rates in the body and also helps tone the body and burn as many as 650 calories in just an hour of swimming.” noted George. 

According to Fitness First, the Swim Academy, which is also their first male adult-only program to be offered in KSA, will complement its member’s existing fitness regime and enable them to go further in their wellness journey.

The classes will be conducted in a safe and fully equipped environment by Swim Teachers Association-certified instructors who will administer the new program in the academy’s premium 25-meter swimming pool. 

The Swim Academy program includes group and private sessions, which have been designed to help members maintain healthy weight, stronger hearts, and lungs by providing an all-over body workout for all ages and swimming levels from novice to experienced swimmer.

The adult sessions, with classes running for 45 to 60 minutes, include Learn to Swim, which is designed to help rookie swimmers develop water confidence and balance, Adult Technique, which introduces the swimmer to other strokes and turns, and Adult Fitness, which builds technique and fitness in the water.