By Joey Aguilar/Staff Reporter

Gym and aerobics will soon be within reach for all – and it is free of charge.

The Philippine embassy is set to launch its first-ever “Qataerobics” this Friday on the Corniche which will start at 6:30am.

Culture attache Richard Billedo told Gulf Times that “Qataerobics” would be held every Friday morning. It is open to Qataris and all expatriate workers who want to do regular exercise.

“This is part of our contribution to Qatar in promoting a healthy lifestyle and we are urging the public to join us,” he said. The location for the activity will be near the Oryx roundabout.

Instructors from Fitness First will lead the one-hour aerobics. Those who want to join are advised to come early to complete the exercise and have the time to walk. Sponsors will give away free drinks.

The plan was conceptualised a few months ago during a morning jogging of Billedo and Ambassador Crescente Relacion on the Corniche. They observed that many expatriate workers, mostly women, were looking for alternative physical activities besides walking and running.

“We noticed that many Filipinos wanted to have a physical activity like this. So I suggested the idea to the ambassador and then later we asked for permission from authorities concerned,” Billedo said.

To get the support of various Filipino organisations in Qatar, the culture attache opened the idea during a meeting with members of the Philippine Independence Organising Committee (Pinoc) 2013.

Lauding the embassy’s efforts, many of the groups have vowed to support the event. More than 300 Filipinos, excluding other nationalities, are expected to join the
launching.

The ambassador  expressed confidence that the weekly activity would encourage people to lead a healthy lifestyle.

“Qataerobics” is expected to compliment existing fitness facilities along the Corniche set up by the Qatar Olympic Committee.

Children, adults and older people have benefited from these facilities.