A fusion of aerobics, martial arts, kick-boxing, yoga and positive affirmation, IntenSati is the brainchild of the fitness expert Patricia Moreno, who says she designed it especially for people who hate the gym.
The idea behind her lively cardio routine is to shape up the whole body as well as sculpt self-esteem by chanting positive mantras, which also encourage you to fight through the burn.
Empowering the mind
The Dubai-based IntenSati instructor Yvette Franzos acknowledges that shouting statements such as "I'm in control of my full potential" while exercising might feel silly, but there's a deliberate reasoning behind them.
"The positive affirmations help break the ice when you first join," she says. "They also keep you connected to the movements and in the moment. They are designed to get us to step outside our comfort zone."
IntenSati is a blend of two words: Inten is from "intention", and Sati means "mindfulness" in Sanskrit. The workout is meant to reprogramme the way you think and act in your daily life, Franzos says, citing the Buddhist principle: what we think, we become. "The affirmations are what make this practice so unique and empowering."
Physical benefits
IntenSati is also an excellent calorie burner. Franzos says that one session alone can burn 800 calories. "This workout builds up strength, endurance and stamina. Expect to sweat buckets with all the punching, kicking, jumping and screaming.
"You will soon start to look more toned and athletic. My sessions are a fun way of shedding pounds. One girl lost more than six kilos within two months. The emotional results are instant - my students walk out of class smiling and feeling on top of the world."
My experience
I admit I'm sceptical. The idea of doing a jumping jack while yelling "I will thrive, not just survive" sounds slightly cuckoo. Still, I love new challenges and need to escape from the beefcakes who grunt in front of the mirror at my local gym.
So I attend an evening class and am welcomed by a friendly group of 10 women. Franzos tells us today's mantra is "I am the master of my fate". She then shares a personal story about overcoming obstacles to psych us up. We start with a slow and steady warm-up, then tackle the upper body with some boxing moves: repetitive right and left jabs, followed by fast-moving aerobic steps.
By this point I am sweating profusely. There is no time to mock any mantras; I'm too busy trying to co-ordinate my moves with the rest of the class.
The last part of the session is much slower in pace and consists of a sequence of flowing yoga poses. While we hold the airplane asana pose, I find myself joining in the chant: "I surrender to my destiny."
My final take
Ironically, I have surrendered to IntenSati. Its energy is contagious and after an hour of punching, kicking and shouting, I felt fantastic. It will take a few more sessions to perfect my moves, but overall it isn't too difficult to follow. For a motivational workout, IntenSati is a fun alternative.
IntenSati classes run on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Dubai World Trade Centre Apartments, Tower C. For more information call 050 849 3239.
The specs
Engine: 2.5-litre, turbocharged 5-cylinder
Transmission: seven-speed auto
Power: 400hp
Torque: 500Nm
Price: Dh300,000 (estimate)
On sale: 2022
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Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
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Engine: 1.5-litre
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Power: 110 horsepower
Torque: 147Nm
Price: From Dh59,700
On sale: now
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2. David Dekker (NED) Jumbo-Visma - same time
3. Michael Morkov (DEN) Deceuninck-QuickStep
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6. Tadej Pogacar (SLO UAE Team Emirates
7. Anthony Roux (FRA) Groupama-FDJ
8. Chris Harper (AUS) Jumbo-Visma - 0:00:03
9. Joao Almeida (POR) Deceuninck-QuickStep
10. Fausto Masnada (ITA) Deceuninck-QuickStep
The specs
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Power: 271 and 409 horsepower
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Price: from Dh229,900 to Dh355,000
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Where: du Arena, Abu Dhabi
When: Saturday November 24
Rating: 4/5
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Favourite book: anything by Stephen King, although he said the films rarely match the quality of the books
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BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES
Friday (all kick-offs UAE time)
Hertha Berlin v Union Berlin (10.30pm)
Saturday
Freiburg v Werder Bremen (5.30pm)
Paderborn v Hoffenheim (5.30pm)
Wolfsburg v Borussia Dortmund (5.30pm)
Borussia Monchengladbach v Bayer Leverkusen (5.30pm)
Bayern Munich v Eintracht Frankfurt (5.30pm)
Sunday
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Mainz v RB Leipzig (5.30pm)
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