The Insider round-up of our favourite gyms where you can sweat with your ‘swole’ mates.
Dubai’s gym scene is next level and combines fitness with trend and style. With a plethora of top-notch options, working out here is like entering a fitness wonderland.
In a city known for its culinary delights, having killer gym options is not just handy; it’s practically a survival strategy (we get it, no judgement here). So, while you’re indulging in the incredible food scene, you can also break a sweat at some seriously fantastic venues.
Whether you’re into high-intensity workouts, zen yoga sessions, or something in between, Dubai’s gyms have got you covered. It’s not just about burning calories; it’s about doing it in places that make you feel like you’re on a fitness vacation. It’s all about living the good life, with a side of squats and protein shakes. Cheers to a city where the gym game is as strong as the coffee.
BOXIQ, Al Quoz
Dubai’s ultimate boxing haven, this gym isn’t just a place to throw punches – it’s where champions like Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, and Rocky Fielding have stepped into the ring. Feel like a true pro with personalised one-to-one PT sessions that’ll have you bobbing and weaving like a champ. And if you’re into the camaraderie of the ring, they’ve got small group classes that pack a punch too. Operating from Monday to Thursday (7am to 8pm), Friday (7am to 7pm), and a slightly more relaxed schedule on the weekend – Saturday and Sunday (8am to 2pm), this place is serious about making you sweat. Find them at Al Joud Centre, Level M, Al Quoz. Ready to unleash your inner boxing superstar? Ring them up at 058 563 6123.
Chalk Training Ground, Palm Jumeirah
This gym is your go-to for a diverse range of sessions, all about building strength, mastering conditioning, and embracing the burn of high-intensity interval training. Classes here are not for the faint-hearted – they’re tough, but fear not, the atmosphere is all about “positive energy.” It’s like they’ve bottled motivation and sprinkled it around. And it all stems from the philosophy set by the dynamic duo founders, Trisha Cadden and Frankie Kelly. Open early birds’ hours from Monday to Friday (5:30am to 9pm) and weekend warriors’ delight on Saturday and Sunday (6:30am to 4pm), this place is serious about sculpting those muscles. Find them at Golden Mile 3, Palm Jumeirah, and if you’re ready to dive into the positive fitness vibe, give them a tinkle at 050771 2818.
Fitness Zone, CityWalk
Picture this – a sprawling 10,000 sq. ft space, over 100 classes a month, and top-notch, state-of-the-art equipment that’s practically begging for you to break a sweat. But that’s not all – they’ve got the post-workout pampering covered too. Picture yourself in a relaxing sauna, unwinding after a killer session. And, because they’re all about making life easy, they throw in free underground parking for gym-goers. Whether you’re looking for a quick burn with a day pass at Dhs120 or committing to a three-month fitness journey starting from AED 2,700, Fitness Zone at City Walk has got your back. Open from Monday to Friday (6am to 11pm) and on the weekend – Saturday and Sunday (8am to 8pm). Find them at City Walk, Al Wasl, and for more info or to dive into fitness goodness, give them a buzz at 054 727 4777.
GymNation (various locations)
Round-the-clock access makes GymNation a firm favourite among early risers and night owls alike. Gyms run the full gamut of weightlifting and cardio equipment, and with monster spaces, there’s more than enough gear to go around. Check out gymnation.com for more info.
KO8 Fitness, Dubai Marina
Step into a gym where equipment innovation meets body-sculpting brilliance. This spot is all about taking your workout to the next level with a system that combines suspension and adjustable resistance bands – it’s like a fitness Swiss army knife.Here’s the scoop: they harness your body weight to stretch those muscles and ignite the burn. And the best part? The friendly trainers turn gruelling classes like Kombat, Klarity, Komplete, and Beatbox into a bearable, even enjoyable, fitness experience. Get ready to sweat with their doors open from Monday to Thursday (6:30am to 8:30pm), Friday (6:30am to 7:30pm), Saturday (7:45am to 11am), and Sunday (8:30am to 10:30am). Find them at Dusit Princess Residence on Al Emreef Street, Dubai Marina or visit ko8.fitness for more info.
Roar Fitness, Downtown Dubai
Ready for a fitness experience that’s as hot as it gets? Meet the powerhouse gym fronted by none other than three-time Olympian Sarah Lindsay – and it’s causing a buzz in Downtown Dubai! Originally making waves in London seven years ago, this brand is now flexing its muscles in the Middle East. Led by the dynamic duo of Sarah Lindsay and her husband Rich Phillipps, both fitness legends in their own right, this gym is not just a workout spot; it’s a world-class training experience. With a full team of fitness experts and nutritionists, they’ve got the A-team to help you crush those fitness goals. Open from Monday to Friday (6am to 9pm), Saturday (6:30am to 4pm), and taking a breather on Sundays. Find them at Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Boulevard, Burj Vista Tower 2, Downtown Dubai. For more info, check out roar-fitness.com or give them a shout at 04529 4991.
StudioRepublik, SZR
Prepare to be amazed at the ginormous fitness wonderland that is StudioRepublik. This two-floor powerhouse on Sheikh Zayed Road is not your average gym – it’s a game-changer, offering a fusion of fitness, wellness, performing arts, and group exercise across three different platforms. From integrated wellness programs to unleashing your creativity in performing arts and breaking a sweat in dynamic group exercises, StudioRepublik is a one-stop-shop for all things health and fitness. They’ve got your back from dawn till dusk, open from Sunday to Friday (5:30am to 11pm) and Saturday (5:30am to 9pm). Find them at Eiffel Building 1, Sheikh Zayed Road. For all the deets and to embark on your fitness journey, head to studio-republik.com or ring them up at 800 235664.
