The Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC), which started on October 30, is slated to conclude on Sunday. A recent poll revealed that approximately half of the 30x30 fitness challengers joined the event this year with the aim of boosting their immunity amid the prevailing pandemic circumstances.

The 30-day Dubai Fitness Challenge, reportedly, prioritised all necessary safety measures in line with the COVID-19 pandemic as it encouraged Dubai residents and visitors to get active and fit in 30 days. During the event, fitness hubs organised socially distanced exercise sessions as well as home workouts such that people from across the city can participate in the event.

As per a survey conducted by YouGov, nearly 45 percent of participants took up the challenge with the primary aim of improving their immune system in the critical time of COVID-19. In addition, one in three participants (28 percent) opted for stay-home workout sessions and almost the same number of signatories (27 percent) decided to participate in the challenge to take a break from staying at home due to pandemic restrictions.

While there were participants who stated that they participated in the challenge due to COVID-related reasons, a majority of them (64 percent) revealed that they took part in the fitness event with the aim of staying fit and motivated. Significantly, motivation for good and fit health was also one of the key reasons for participation during last year's campaign.

It is important to note that the COVID-19 pandemic has motivated a large number of people to focus on fitness and alter their eating habits and lifestyle. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, two-thirds (67 percent) of those people aware of the fitness challenge participated this year, as compared to 75 percent in 2019.

Evidently, around 33 percent of people did not participate in the event this year. For 34 percent of people, the fear of contracting the Coronavirus infection was the main reason for not taking part in the challenge, while another 17 percent did not participate due to concerns over social distancing norms practiced by people at the venues.