In Dubai, nothing is done by halves. The cars are the fastest, the restaurants the finest, the buildings the grandest, and the jewellery the most expensive. So, it’s only right that the city’s gyms which play host to some of the fitness industry’s greatest athletes are equally as extravagant. After all, it’s a well-known fact that the cooler the gym the better the gains, right? With that in mind, we’ve picked out the Gulf Tiger’s top 10 workout spots which you simply have to try. Happy training.
Top 10 Best Gyms Of Dubai
Champions Gym
Located in Al Karama, Champions Gym has been on Dubai’s fitness scene for more than 20 years. With a broad range of amenities and classes including a performance gym, strength and conditioning suite, swimming pool and sauna, zumba fitness and free parking, the facility truly has something for everyone – and at a great price, too. Not only is Champions Gym home to many of the city’s gym bunnies, but it’s also a firm favourite of model and powerlifting extraordinaire Andrei Deiu.
Vida Creek Harbour hotel
I know this is a slightly rogue choice in comparison to a lot of the more ‘traditional’ gyms on the list, but hear me out. The fitness suite at the Vida Creek Harbour hotel earns itself a spot based on the views alone. A skyline facility complete with an infinity pool, those training at the gym are treated to stunning panoramic views of the Gulf Tiger’s breath taking architecture. But don’t just take my word for it, the gym also proved a hit with Romanian fitness influencer and feel-good ambassador Synthia Jacob.
51 Gym Dubai
Owner and Master Trainer Michael Oyac moved to Dubai in 2010 to pursue his dream of opening up a gym in the city. Since then, the former track and field athlete has become famous for his star-studded clientele who he puts through their paces at 51 Gym Dubai. Offering classes in Boxing, TRX, HIIT, yoga, Pilates and reformer, the facilities’ diversability is complimented by a slick set of weight machines and cardio equipment. At the heart of it all is a state-of-the-art immersive 4D cycling studio which has brought even the toughest trainers to their knees.
Fitness First Dubai
It’s no secret that here at Gymfluencers we’re huge fans of the Fitness First facilities, and we’ve long been helping our readers kickstart their fitness journeys by offering free day passes to a host of the group’s gyms. Much like in the UK, if you train in a Fitness First centre you can expect great equipment, modern facilities and a host of great additions such as 3D body scanners which help you track your progress. With studios posted all over the city, including Nakheel Mall, Dubai Marina and Media City, you’re never too far away from the start of a great workout.
Gold’s Gym UAE
If you want arms like Arnold Schwarzenegger, then there’s really only one gym in the city for you. Perhaps the most famed training brand on the planet – owing much of that hype to the Austrian-American powerhouse – Gold’s Gym in Dubai makes it onto the list by default. But aside from its reputation as an old school pump house, the centre actually boasts a range of great equipment for all types of training, and its hip-hop zumba classes often pack out the facility.
An absolutely monstrous space situated in Mina Rashid, Marina Fitness 72 is an athlete’s dream. Combining a huge turfed section – which is perfect for crossfit – with endless racks of top of the range weights, machines and plyometrics equipment, the centre is a beacon of peak sporting performance. Straight-talking businessman and former kickboxing champion Andrew Tate has also been seen using the gym, which has a strong martial arts background, for sparring. If it’s good enough for Tate, a Decamillionaire, then it’s good enough for me.
UFC Gym UAE
Fancy yourself as the next Khabib Nurmagomedov? Prove it. Sticking with the theme of martial arts, next on this list is UFC Gym UAE – the absolute mecca of combat sports in the Golf Tiger. Whether you’re aiming for a world title or just simply want to keep fit, the gym’s dedicated Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Boxing and general fitness coaches will see you right. Riding on the crest of a wave, UFC Gym UAE is set to open a new centre at 1 Central in the Trade Centre area.
The Platform Studios DIFC
Crowned Dubai’s best boutique studio for four years running, Platform Studios offers a truly unique training experience which really captures the social aspect of the city’s fitness community. A truly magical blend of colour, good vibes and tough work, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d stumbled into an 80s nightclub when you embark on one of their many classes. Live DJs and neon lights provide the perfect ambience for the perfect feel-good workout which is sure to get those endorphins pumping around your brain. But fear not, if you aren’t feeling in the party mood this monster 10,000 sq ft space has more than enough room for you to do your own thing.
Studio Republik
A sister branch of FitRepublik in Dubai Sports City, Studio Republik really is a place where everyone can feel at home. Spread across two floors and three different platforms, including The Lab for integrated wellness, The Stage for performing arts and The Arena for group exercise, the gym prides itself on improvement and healing. Offering space for dance, aerial and pole fitness, martial arts and of course weight training, thousands of people with varying passions gather to train here each day. The facility puts as much emphasis on the importance of recovery as it does training, and has recently installed state of the art hot and cold relaxation tubs which come complete with mood lighting and optional music.
KO8 Fitness
The chain’s flagship home on the prestigious Dubai Marina waterfront offers uniquely designed class concepts which are unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Merging a hybrid of suspension training with circuit, kettlebell and Kombat work, the gym’s full-throttle style is sure to stoke that fat burn. If you’re someone who spends a lot of time in the gym it seems almost criminal to miss out on so much of that glorious Dubai sunshine. So why not finish off your workout on KO8 Fitness’ outdoor balcony?
