The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Image via MAAT|CCDC & Jesuit

While exercise is vital for everyone, not all of us can cut 1-2 hours out of the day for the gym, let alone manage the soreness throughout the week. Exercise benefits extend beyond staying in shape; it’s essential for mental health, staying fit, getting stronger, and having more energy. That’s why it’s necessary to always have some kind of movement routine, so here are seven ways to get the flexibility and adrenaline going without the stereotypical grind.

Take that Yoga Class

Image via Osana Family Wellness

Yoga is an excellent choice for a comprehensive practice that aligns mind, body, and soul. Yoga is a spiritual and movement practice for centring, balance, and mindfulness. The slow-paced and stretchy movements ensure a mindful process of flexibility and fitness. They are also great for anyone who wants to enjoy a relaxing process of exercise without high risks of falls or injury.

Yoga has numerous advantages, like releasing tension, clearing the mind, and staying present. If you’re looking for experienced spots, there are a few: The Mala in New Cairo, Osana Family Wellness in Maadi, Nun Center in Zamalek, and Lotus in October.

Join a Contemporary Dance Class or Team

Image via Central Studio

For a more unifying and collective kind of physical movement, contemporary dance is great for individual fitness and balance, besides learning to perfectly align movement with the rest of the team. It’s a fantastic way to do something visually pleasing that encourages getting in tune with others and your surroundings.

It is a professional art form in Cairo, with numerous centres and performance shows. To learn at a pioneer hub, hit up MAAT|CDC and Jesuit for the top workshops and classes in Cairo. Other leading dance schools are Central Studio in New Cairo, Adams Dance Studio in New Cairo and Zayed, which all have numerous classes for various types of choreography, ranging from ballet to afrobeats.

Swing Dance with a Partner or a Friend

Image via Swing Dancing Community Egypt

For those looking for a little more rhythm paired with a sense of community, swing dancing could be the right kind of joyful exercise. Swing Dancing is a partner dance often danced to jazz or swing music. It mainly focuses on collective fun and alignment in following the rhythm. If you’re looking for a spot for beginners or professionals, the Swing Dancing Community Egypt is the go-to. Swing Dancing Community Egypt constantly offers weekly swing dancing courses that extend to 4-6 weeks, and their frequent social events are great for open practice for the whole community.

Go to Pilates

Image via Within Studio

For something that equally promotes physical and mental well-being, pilates is a great way to improve both. Pilates focuses on core strength through precise exercises and breathing techniques. It eventually allows the practitioner to achieve balance, posture, strength, and flexibility through engaging the muscles and core. Many studios in Cairo offer pilates classes, like Within Studio in Zayed.

Learn a New Dance Style

Image via Adams Dance Studio

Dance classes are a fantastic way to lift the spirits and muscles. Dancing is probably one of the most delightful roads to fitness and flexibility, and there’s always a style for everyone. From belly dance, zumba, contemporary, salsa, or tango, anyone is free to choose what suits them best, and for two spots for all kinds, Vogue Center in Heliopolis and Adams Dance Studio in New Cairo and Zayed offer various types of dance classes for different age ranges.

Do Hip-hop Dances

Image via Homies Dance Studio

A hip-hop class could be the answer for those who love a fitness grind with a strong beat. Hip-hop is an energetic dancing style that is an incredible way to stay fit and learn cool dance moves. We recommend Homies Dance Studio in Sheraton and DanZone Art & Dance Studio in Heliopolis, Maadi, and Mohandessin to learn hip-hop in Cairo.

Learn Aerial Arts

Image via Ramla Studio

For learning extreme flexibility paired with lifting muscles, aerial arts is a mesmerising class to enhance core strength, flexibility, and balance. Aerial moves strengthen the muscles and encourage the body’s ability to fully support itself. Studios offering aerial and flexibility classes have been on the rise in Cairo, as there are now many options. Still, the best selections include The Pole Room, FlyFit Studio, and Ramla Studio.