Everything you need to know before trying SUP Pilates

but can I actually do it? ... usually followed by a slightly nervous laugh

The honest answer is YES! and almost certainly more easily than you are picturing. Here is what a first class actually involves, with nothing glossed over.

You do not need to know how to paddle board.

There are no paddles involved. The boards are wide, strong and tied under tension with ropes - think more inflated yoga mat. You will experience a slight wobble left to right but they are not going anywhere.

Most first-timers are surprised by how quickly their confidence arrives and by how much fun the wobble turns out to be. Throughout the whole class I will be reminding you to breathe, smile and take in the fresh ocean breeze and views so honestly... it is 100% not scary and our numero uno goal is for you to have fun and remember moving and fitness is a pleasure and not a punishment. 

It's wild (and something we really believe in) is that when you mentally relax and trust your body, you will stabilise, enjoy the challenge and the muscle recruitment will speak for itself!

Yes, I am so sorry to say but... you will get wet

You swim out to your board to start, chest height with with a lifeguard always watching. In the Yoga and Pilates class your hair might stay dry because the movements are more grounded, but we cannot not promise it. In the strength workouts you have an 80% chance of falling in as we do more standing (fun!) workout style. BUT do not fear! all our locations are cherry picked with gorgeous bathrooms, hairdryers, fresh towels and showers. Just remember to bring a dry spare change of clothes with you for after.

Our aim is for you to have fun and just fully surrender to splashing in the sunshine!

What to bring

• Swimwear or activewear you are happy to get completely wet in
• A towel, water and sunscreen
• A dry change of clothes for afterwards

Showers and spare towels are provided, so you are not stuck if you forget one. Two things to leave behind: jewellery and watches, which are better off at home, and tanning oil - which makes the boards genuinely slippery and stains them.

It really is beginner friendly

Every exercise comes with options and modifications so the class works whether you arrive as an athlete or as someone who has not done anything like this before. You do not even have to stand up if you would rather not - plenty of people do their first class entirely on their knees or grounded down and it is still a serious workout.

On safety

Lifeguards are on duty at every class and the water at all our venues is around chest height. If you cannot swim, please do join at your own discretion, but you will not be out of your depth. We have kept a 0% injury rate since we opened and we intend to keep it.

Where to start:

Three venues, three quite different mornings: 

Zeta Seventy Seven - Address Beach Resort, JBR

The world's highest infinity pool (whaaaat?!) suspended 77 floors up. A slow 45 min sculpting Pilates and yoga flow with deep core & glute work. Breathtaking views over the Palm, the Marina and Downtown. Thursdays and Sundays at 8am and 9am, with two hours of pool access afterwards. If you want the surreal one, holiday bucket list moment - this is it.

Drift Beach Dubai - One&Only Royal Mirage

A supercharged fun 45-minute strength class with resistance bands, weights and a loud playlist. On the board every movement hits deeper, activating stabilising muscles you did not know you had. Fun, a little chaotic and a seriously good workout. Tuesdays and Saturdays at 8am and 9am. Breakfast and day packages available booked separately at Drift. 

Be Beach - Dubai Harbour

Strength class right on the ocean with Marina, the Wheel and skyline views in every direction. Bohemian beach club meets poolside chic. Fridays at 8am and 9am. Best value for money as you can get a class, sunbed, small breakfast and day pass for 290 aed or just the single class option. Perfect for a healthy, fun morning followed by a sun soaked beach club day with perhaps a class of Rose as you enjoy the gentle sea breeze kiss your skin. 

A few practical things

Classes can be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours before the start time; within that window they are non-refundable. The pools are usually heated though if you feel the cold in winter leggings and a rash vest are a good call. In summer they are cooled which is exactly as welcome as it sounds. If it is too windy or stormy, we cancel.

Bring your phone if you want photos - film yourself and your own group, just not other clients. Professional cameras and drones are not permitted.

That is genuinely all of it. Book a class, put ya suncream on and let the board do the rest! 

Book via our website with all info - https://supersupfit.com/