The season’s most daring bikinis and flirty summer dresses are out. But do you have the fit, toned body to match these outfits? Shed the winter slack, jump out of your cocoon and buff up your body to raise some eyebrows.

Have you always found reasons to shun exercise but envy the lean bombshell walking past you? Do you blame babies, motherhood, homemaking or a gruelling career for the excess baggage you’ve been lugging around? Whatever your reason for not exercising, no excuse is good enough to warrant a bulging belly, baggy arms and a heaving breath.

Research points out that muscle mass in women declines as we age. Following an exercise regime religiously can treat the shortfalls in health, strengthen the body, and most interestingly even beat aging. So give up the sloth, better your time management skills and get in shape, even if that means skipping rope at home.

Bahrain has a wealth of health centres and experts to bring you down to size. From aerobics, to yoga and Thai boxing to hip hop, there are plenty of lethal weapons available to attack excess weight. Burn those winter blues and get toned this summer and for the rest of your life. Your guide to absolute fitness begins right here.

The Banyan Tree Desert Spa and Resort
Inarguably boasting one of the top health clubs and spas in Bahrain, the Banyan Tree Al Areen was developed with an inspiration from the royal gardens of Arabia and boasts of one of the world's most extensive hydrothermal gardens.

The 224 square meters gymnasium consists of two separate training areas for men and women with on-site professional gym instructors providing effective assistance.

Sculpt those muscles with daily activities varying from aerobox to aquacise and body stretch to circuit training. Banyan Tree’s fitness repertoire also offers the early bird jog, labyrinth walking, low impact aerobics and step aerobics.

Looking for tranquillity and composure?
Then meditation, yoga and Pilates could be perfect for you.

Nothing is as pulsating as sports. At the Banyan Tree you can swim in the indoor and outdoor pool, smash an ace in tennis or exert yourself by playing squash.
For details, call 17 845-000.

The Diplomat Hotel Residence & Spa
Considered to be one of the biggest such facilities in Manama, the Diplomat Hotel’s spa boasts 17 treatment rooms, including six reserved for men. If strategic problem areas are your target, try the Star Trac cardio vascular machines including cross-trainers, treadmills, bikes, steppers, and rowers, as well as Nautilus resistance machines paired with an exclusive abdominal and stretching corner.

The wide choice is streamlined by training from a team of committed fitness professionals that the Diplomat calls the Fit Pro Team.

Detest chasing gadgets at the gym? Avail of the ladies only fitness classes in the large fitness studio where popular workouts such as yoga, Tai-chi, Pilates, aquaerobics and hip hop will leave you lithe and light.
For details, call 17 531-666.

Pineapple Spa
Go pineapples at this ladies only facility in Gudabiya. Offering a fully equipped gym and a variety of classes including spinning, aerobics, step, and Tae Bo you’ll love their comprehensive packages.

Got a penchant for cardio? Get off to a flying start with the wide range of cardio machines whilst grooving to music from the fully integrated entertainment system.

The spa also features treadmills, cross-trainers, aero cycles and steppers in addition to personalised fitness coaching.
For details, call 17 712-000