Dubai is one of the fastest growing cities in the world when it comes to fitness and it seems that everyone is becoming more health conscious. For a lot of people the most difficult part is getting started or choosing the right place to workout.
So what separates a good gym or workout class from a great one?
The answer will to be different for every person. It could be the people, the trainers, the equipment, the atmosphere, location or something you can’t explain. These factors are what usually what will determine where you are going to workout and for many people looking to get back in the weight room, or back into group workouts, sometimes finding the right environment can make all the difference.
Whether it’s a regular gym, boxing club, climbing center, CrossFit gym, bootcamp or running club there are all kind of options and something that suits everyones style in Dubai.
There are 10 of the best facilities, classes or clubs to get involved with that will help you get the results you’ve been looking for.
1. Warehouse Gym
A membership to the Warehouse Gym gives you access to facilities all over Dubai with locations in Al Quoz , Business Bay, Difc, The Springs, D3, JBR and Al Khaweneej. It also has an outdoor gym in JBR if you want to get some sun while you train. The idea was to have an environment with loud music surrounded by bright colours and feeling a buzz, similar to that of a nightclub. They offer numerous classes including boxing, HIIT, TRX and much more.
2. Adidas Runner Dubai
This is a run club that is so much more than just a run club and it’s completely free. This group connects like-minded runners around the world in more than 50 cities on every continent. So for people who travel a lot for work, this gives you a place to workout on the go around the globe.
It is a running group led by some of the cities best coaches to help you get fit and become part of this global community. Runs take place here in Dubai on a weekly basis, three to four nights a week in different locations including, Burj Park, Kite Beach and the Marina. So no matter where you are in Dubai, there’s a running group close by. As an added bonus, it also provides workorkshops on nutrition, mindset, and recovery for the all round fitness experience.
3. Crank
Crank has invested their energy and passion into creating a space where you can challenge yourself and become part of a strong community. When you visit you will be instantly motivated by their instructors who are energetic, fun and above all inspiring, and they will push you to your limits.
The three different classes on offer are Ride, wher eyou can pedal through heavy climbs and saddle up for powerful sprints in their 45 and 60 minute signature Ride sessions. Shape – A full body workout combining high intensity interval training and functional movement. Stretch – balance your fitness routine with a combination of dynamic and static stretching for all levels of flexibility.
4. Fit Republik
This is a hidden gem out in Dubai’s Sports City and is well worth a visit. This gym facility not only has state of the art equipment, it also has a 50 metre swimming pool, Olympic weight areas, and deep freeze cryotherapy. It is attached to a healthy food restaurant and even has lounge if you fancy coming to spend the day working out and go straight to a party that night.
5. Inner Fight
This gym was set up in 2008 set up by Marcus Smith, the man who ran 30 marathons in 30days. His ‘anything is possible attitude’ translates to the gym which focuses on all aspects of fitness with an emphasis on increased human performance across many platforms including: group strength and conditioning, personal performance coaching, corporate performance and motivation, and endurance programs.
6. Transform Altitude
Transform Altitude is an exclusive strength and conditioning facility in Dubai for people of all fitness levels. The Performance Center is attached to the Transform Clinic, which offers state-of-the-art services and products to assist recovery from training, injuries or simply to optimise performance. It gives members access to the best sports performance coaches in the region who have experience working alongside elite athletes.
7. BARE
Meal planning, support and high-intensity group training are just some of the things this gym offers. Bare is a nutrition focused transformative centre with no fads and no gimmicks. They believe in training hard in the gym and eating what works for you.
Working out at Bare sometimes feels more like a party than a workout. Burning up to 1,000 calories in 50 minutes, this is a must try and for people of all abilities.
8. Fitness in DXB Bootcamp
This is a free 60-minute high intensity workout that takes place on the beaches of Dubai every Friday morning. This workout is for everyone so don’t be shy. It is where training meets fun and will give you the opportunity to meet other like-minded people in what is sure to be one of the best workouts you have done to date. Check out their website for the location and times.
9. TKMMA
A world class facility with world class coaches, TK MMA & Fitness is taking MMA & Fitness in the Middle East to the next level. This gym has it all, a mixed training area for combat and martial arts, a section for cross training and conditioning, and a fully functional fitness gym.
10. Gravity Calisthenics Gym
When you think of Calisthenics you imagine all the fancy flips and aerial acrobatics and that can be quite intimidating. This gym puts the emphasis on helping to push for progression and achieving goals. Some of the classes they offer are: calisthenics, parkour, yoga, flexibility and inversions, strength conditioning, and trampoline and tumbling.
Peter Barron is a fitness expert and has been helping people change their lifestyles and achieve their goals for the past 10 years. Follow him on Instagram.
