Revealed: Top 10 Gyms In Dubai

Job stress in Dubai is almost a given, and with lifestyle ailments like diabetes soaring among residents, doctors and healthcare experts are screaming themselves hoarse urging people to eat healthy and keep fit.

Rousing oneself to exercise is far from easy, and inevitably, we find legitimate reasons to fossilise in the couch, especially after a long and tiring day at work.

That said, paying hefty sums of money for a gym membership can be a strong motivator, and once exercise is part of your routine, it will probably become a habit.

So which are the top gyms in Dubai and how much do they charge? Our recently launched sister magazine Good brings you the lowdown.

Fitness First

The lowdown:

With 27 branches found across the UAE, Fitness First is one of the most prominent gym brands in the region.

Joining fee?

If you opt to pay monthly for a 12-month package, there is an admin cost of Dhs299. If you pay up-front for packages, this is omitted.

Membership: 

Three tiers of packages, Plus, Platinum and Platinum Plus. Be aware that your selected membership will determine which clubs you can use. Corporate rates and off-peak rates are available.

Standard membership (Plus):

3 months: Dhs2,099 plus admin fee

6 months: Dhs3,149

12 months: Dhs4,199

18 months: Dhs5,249

Exercise classes?

Yes – all are included.

Extras:

If you sign up, you get three free personal training sessions and by referring a friend you receive a gift. There are also regular promotions.

Fitness 360°

The lowdown:

With four clubs across Dubai, Fitness 360° is expanding and proving itself to be a contender in the big gym stakes.

Joining fee?

There is a standard Dhs99.

Membership:

Membership costs can vary from gym to gym. To use the ladies-only gym in J3 Mall (where there’s a boxing ring), plus the others, expect to pay a little more. Student discount is available. If you sign up in June, Fitness 360° is offering a special summer rate of Dhs199 a month for their gyms in Mazaya Centre, Arabian Centre and J3 Mall. And during Ramadan, membership is entirely complimentary with this offer.

Exercise classes?

Yes, and there have been some fairly unique choices, including dancing in heels and partner yoga.

Extras:

The gym regularly offers incentives like cheaper rates, free membership for a month and waives the joining fee.

Fitness Factory

The lowdown:

“Great looking bodies and head-turning physiques don’t just happen. They are created, manufactured and made,” say Fitness Factory, in an Arnold Schwarzenegger accent.

Joining fee?

Only when opting for the one-month package.

Membership:

1 month: Dhs299 plus Dhs150 admin fee

3 months: Dhs750

6 months: Dhs1,400

12 months: Dhs2,500

Exercise classes?

No.

Extras:

Both three and six-month memberships earn you two free personal training sessions, and if you sign up for a year, you receive an additional one on top of that.

Fit Lab

The lowdown:

Located at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Fit Lab also offers access to a resort-style outdoor pool – handy for post-work out relaxation.

Joining fee?

No.

Membership:

3 months: As a summer promotion from June 1 to September 30, you pay Dhs750 per month (usual price Dhs1,000)

6 months: Dhs750 per month

12 months: Dhs600 per month

Exercise classes?

Yes (everything from kettlebell training to yoga), but these are at an additional charge.

Extras:

Specialist wellbeing company, Bespoke Wellness, are also based at Fit Lab and offer nutritional advice, physiotherapy and sports massage.

TribeFit

The lowdown:

TribeFit is all about ‘social fitness’ and encourages members to widen their social circle and keep in shape at the same time. The club itself is divided into eight areas – burn lab, circuit city, build lab, melting pot, spin city, fight club, yoga studio and stretch area. 

Joining fee?

Dhs199

Membership:

Monthly membership is Dhs399 based on a three- month commitment. A six-month upfront package is Dhs2,094 (equivalent of Dhs349  a month.) A 12-month upfront package is Dhs3,588 (equivalent of Dhs299 a month).

Exercise classes?

Tribefit runs over 90 classes a week including the whole range of Les Mills classes, yoga  and spinning.

Extras:

The social element of Tribefit makes it easy to meet new people, with beach days, nights out, movie screenings, and organised sports for members.

U Concept

The lowdown:

An exclusive boutique gym, U Concept has art on its walls, a set of DJ decks and a UFC cage in the basement. 

Joining fee?

No.

Membership:

1 month: Dhs1,250

6 months: Dhs3,600

12 months: Dhs9,600 

Exercise classes?

Yes – all included, with spinning, martial arts  and boxing.

Extras:

U Concept offers a free mentor programme; an analysis session at the start of the membership, followed by monthly reviews and advice on training and nutrition.

Core Direction

The lowdown:

Not a ‘gym’ in the strictest sense, Core Direction revolves around group exercise – from high-energy body pump classes to lower impact exercise such as yoga.

Joining fee:

Yes, a Dhs200 one-off fee.

Membership:

There are discounts for couples and premium packages (includes outdoor classes) are available.

Standard membership:

1 month: Dhs350

3 months: Dhs1,050

6 months: Dhs1,800

12 months: Dhs3,000

Exercise classes?

Yes, over 260 classes to choose from every month.

Extras:

As a summer incentive, if you opt for the premium package of three months you get an additional month free.

Engine Health & Fitness

The lowdown:

This 30,000 sq ft state- of-the-art gym on Beach Road boasts box-fresh workout equipment and unusual exercise classes.

Joining fee?

Not currently.

Membership:

As an incentive this summer, all additional fees (joining, admin and induction) are waivered on an annual membership package, meaning you pay Dhs4,740.

Exercise classes?

Yes, Les Mills workouts, plus unusual classes like Queenax (suspended yoga using a padded hammock). A class-only package costs Dhs450.

Extras:

You can hook up your iPod to the machines, and browse the web while you workout. There are also dedicated ladies- only days and free parking.

Curves

The lowdown:

This female-only gym is based around a circuit of machines, both cardio and toning, which, along with stretching, is completed twice in 30 minutes.

Joining fee?

Dhs199 with the current 50 per cent discount.

Membership:

12 months: Dhs4,788 (which can be paid in two instalments if needed).

Exercise classes?

No.

Extras:

Summer promotions on the horizon. Check with the branch in coming weeks.

Symmetry

The lowdown:

Widely known as the most expensive personal trainer in Dubai, Amir Siddiqui is the face of Symmetry Gym, which offers personal training alone.

Joining fee?

No. There is a Dh250 consultation fee, which is refundable if you sign up.

Membership:

Prices begin at Dhs2,400 per month (which includes 12 personal training sessions) and rise to Dhs10,000 if you opt for the elite package and train with Amir. A cheaper alternative could be to pay for a seven-day trial (Dhs550) that includes a fitness consultation, physical assessment, plus two fitness sessions with a coach.

Exercise classes?

No.

Extras:

If you introduce your spouse to the gym you score a month’s free membership. If it’s a friend, you get Dhs1,000.