Rooftop exercising is hip in New York – and in Fumba Town. Come and join the fun!

As the day slowly proceeds into evening in Fumba Town, you will see residents returning from work, mothers calling their children back home from playing outdoors. And on two evenings per week you will find a group of people emerging on the rooftop of one of the apartment buildings facing the seåa. 

With views of yet another stunning sunset casting golden light over the Indian Ocean and the sound of afro beats, this group has come together to end their day with a ‘Fumba Sports Group’ session, led by professional fitness instructor Ahmed Msoma.

 “People often think I lift a lot of weights, but it is entirely the opposite'', he says. “I train myself and clients with bodyweight only. Get fit anywhere anytime, no equipment or gym needed, that’s my philosophy.”

This proves true especially in Fumba, where shaded pathways lend themselves perfectly to go for a walk or a bike ride. The town is designed to encourage its residents to be outdoors, enjoy the fresh air and move freely without needing a car. 

Some join the rooftop classes not only for physical fitness. “Challenging myself with different movements keeps my brain active and makes me feel more creative”, said one member. 

Msoma. a master in martial arts, may be a tough guy, Proudly he carries the honorary title sensei and has participated in many international tournaments. But in his classes there is no competition. “I want to bring out the best in each individual, regardless of their level of fitness”, the 37-year-old instructor says. Being one of only a few professional personal trainers on the island, he has another concern: “A growing number of sports classes lack know-how. Be mindful in whose hands you put your physical wellbeing”, he advises. “Anything else might not be safe.”
In his hands, in Fumba, a diverse group of people feels confident. “You’ll see a 50 plus breaking a sweat between a determined mother of two and an endlessly energetic youngster. It gives me a sense of community to get through a class together”, one participant expressed.

Msoma also offers self-defence courses for women, office workshops and personal training. “It is not boot camp but time for yourself”, he assures sceptics, “your health is worth the investment”. As more opportunities for sports come up in Fumba, Msoma stresses the importance of taking any opportunity to move: “Use the cool morning hours to enjoy a peaceful walk through town, get up from your desk every hour for some minutes to relieve your back. It all makes a difference at the end of the day.”

Join a class?

Msoma Fitness

Whatsapp: +971 505 610 934

Fumba Sports, Monday and Wednesdays, 6 pm

Quote:

“Fitness keeps 

my brain active”

BOX:

Best moves for all ages

0-18 

Instil a love for movement in your kids from an early age. Sign them up for classes to learn teamwork and discipline. Moving should be second nature to give them a healthy foundation for the rest of their lives.

20 plus 

Find a reason to stand up every hour and do gentle stretches. Walk for 30 minutes per day minimum to keep your body agile. 1 hour cardio and strength training at least 3 times a week to maintain energy and strength levels. 

40 plus

Maintain muscle health with strength-based workouts 3 times a week. Go for walks or bike rides daily to keep your body agile and active.

60 plus 

Moderate exercise such as walking, swimming or yoga on a daily basis will safeguard your joints and contribute to a healthy mind and body. Join special senior group classes to keep social and active.

BU: 

Personal trainer Ahmed Msoma, 37, get’s us going