As Dubai’s annual fitness initiative concludes its 30-day campaign, healthcare professionals are emphasizing the critical importance of maintaining physical activity and nutritional balance throughout the year. Viktor Ristic, a prominent Dubai-based nutritionist and fitness trainer, asserts that while the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) successfully generates widespread participation, lasting health benefits require ongoing commitment rather than temporary engagement.
Ristic challenges the conventional mindset surrounding short-term fitness programs, stating: “The fundamental question transcends what participants accomplished during November. What truly matters is their sustained effort throughout the subsequent months. Physical movement represents a biological necessity rather than a monthly project.”
The health expert detailed the scientific advantages of consistent exercise, noting its proven benefits for cardiovascular function, blood sugar regulation, and muscle preservation. These physiological improvements, he emphasized, result from steady behavioral patterns rather than sporadic high-intensity interventions.
Addressing nutritional aspects, Ristic cautioned against extreme dietary restrictions that often follow challenge-based fitness programs. “Attempting complete lifestyle overhauls frequently leads to unsustainable practices. Individuals eliminate sugar, avoid oils, and abandon cultural foods, but such drastic measures typically prove counterproductive,” he explained. “Gradual, achievable modifications yield more lasting results than radical approaches.”
Ristic provided specific guidance regarding fat consumption, highlighting the importance of selecting quality sources that deliver both energy and nutritional value. He cited palm oil as containing beneficial compounds like carotenoids and tocopherols, which demonstrate antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and cholesterol-managing properties.
The nutritionist further debunked ingredient-focused health myths, stating: “No single food component singularly causes health deterioration. We must examine comprehensive dietary patterns, physical activity levels, and overall lifestyle factors. Focusing exclusively on ingredient elimination while neglecting sedentary behavior misses the complete health picture.”
Ristic recommends incorporating daily walking routines, regular strength training, and balanced meal preparation as sustainable practices. These approaches enable individuals to enjoy diverse cuisines while maintaining physiological wellness.
With the DFC’s conclusion, Ristic reframes the event as a motivational starting point rather than a finish line. “The genuine victory manifests not in November’s achievements, but in continued dedication during December, January, and all subsequent months—including holiday seasons and ordinary days alike,” he concluded. “Consistent practice represents both the fundamental challenge and ultimate solution for long-term wellness.”