As temperatures continue to soar this summer, Qatar Foundation (QF) is helping members of the community stay fit through a range of low-intensity steady-state (LISS) exercise opportunities, such as cooled walking trails and bike paths, and indoor swimming pools.
Charbel Abi Khalil, associate professor of Medicine & Genetic Medicine and assistant dean (International Affairs) at Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar (WCM-Q), a QF partner, and a consultant cardiologist at Hamad Medical Corporation’s Heart Hospital, spoke about the importance of LISS.
“Low-intensity exercise plays a crucial role in maintaining cardiovascular health and overall well-being,” he said. “Regular engagement in these activities can help lower blood pressure, improve circulation, and enhance heart function by promoting a steady, moderate increase in heart rate.”
“This type of exercise is also effective in managing cholesterol levels, as it raises ‘good’ cholesterol while lowering ‘bad’ cholesterol,” Abi Khalil said. “Additionally, low-intensity exercise supports weight management, reduces stress, and improves mental health, making it a valuable component of a balanced and healthy lifestyle.”
With outdoor air conditioning, Oxygen Park offers a comfortable and scenic environment for walking, jogging, and cycling, while Education City Stadium hosts Ladies-only Nights throughout the summer, where participants can walk or jog around the stadium pitch and in the stands, as well as take part in a series of fun and engaging activities.
Additionally, the indoor swimming pools, such as those at the QF’s Recreation Centre and Awsaj Recreation Centre, provide an excellent opportunity to refresh and cool down while still getting in some LISS exercise.
Former Olympic swimmer Nada Mohammed Wafa, a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q) – a QF partner university – and currently employed by the Qatar Olympic Committee, says: “Education City facilities are crucial for LISS exercise because they provide safe, well-maintained spaces for various activities like walking trails, cycling, and swimming.”
“These amenities encourage regular exercise, contributing to overall community health,” she continued. “By providing spaces for LISS exercises, Education City fosters a sense of community among residents, students, and visitors.”
“Regular group activities, events, and fitness classes bring people together, promoting social interactions and support networks,” Wafa added.
Ghalya J al-Harami, public relations specialist at Hamad Bin Khalifa University – a QF member – and an ASICS FrontRunner, also spoke about the importance of LISS.
She said that she was introduced to it while studying in the UK.
“Starting university in my late twenties, I was overwhelmed by several factors: being in an unfamiliar city, surrounded by younger students, and returning to study after ten years of work,” she said.
“This feeling of (being overwhelmed) only grew (over time). By the time I had my first exam, I experienced a severe meltdown, which turned out to be severe anxiety,” al-Harami said.
“I consulted a psychiatrist who encouraged me to practice LISS exercises for at least 30 minutes per day in open spaces,” she recounted.
“I began walking or jogging for 30 minutes every day before my classes,” al-Harami said. “This immediately impacted my stress levels, improving my productivity and stability. Ever since, whenever I feel anxious, I put on my sneakers and run towards the unknown.”
The next Ladies Night at Education City Stadium will take place on August 14, from 6-10pm.
Entry to the stadium is free, with the main entrance point being Gate 35, close to Education City’s West Car Park and Education City Tram services.
With outdoor air conditioning, Oxygen Park offers a comfortable and scenic environment for walking, jogging, and cycling.
