Fallen off the New Year’s resolution bandwagon? Us too—but these will help.
FLYWHEEL
In a nutshell: A high-intensity cycle class studio with an enthusiastic global following.
The lowdown: Nothing gets people motivated like knowing they’re being monitored in some way, shape or form. Cycling studio Flywheel keeps you accountable with a Torqboard, a scoreboard at the front of the class that the instructor occasionally lights up during the ride, allowing you to see how you’re fairing against the rest of the class.
The deal: Not sure if you have what it takes to keep up? Give it a try – the first class is free.
Burj Views West Tower, Downtown Dubai, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4232544. Taxi: Burj Views. dubai.flywheelsports.com.
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UFC GYM
In a nutshell: Get ripped with some serious martial arts workouts.
The lowdown: Specialising in mixed martial arts, this tough workout centre’s mantra is “train different”. The classes, ranging from MMA and jiu jitsu to boxing and TRX, will leave you aching all over. But going by the coaches, they’ll also leave you in the best condition of your life. Want to teach your kids discipline and self-defence? There’s a youth programme too.
The deal: Try your first class for free. Then, if you enjoy it, use an Entertainer voucher for 50 per cent off monthly memberships, guest passes and one day passes, saving you a tidy sum of up to Dhs400.
Building 1, Al Asayel St, Business Bay, Dubai. Tel: (04) 5516168. Taxi: Business Bay. facebook.com/ufcgymbb
GYMNATION
In a nutshell: One of Dubai’s newest, and most affordable, members gyms.
The lowdown: This newcomer to the Dubai fitness scene might be cheap, but it’s taking a seriously advanced approach, using technology to ensure there’s flexibility in place for even the most time-starved individual. Want to take a class but can’t fit in with the gym’s schedule? Head for the virtual studio where you can select any Les Mills class, anytime, and one of the programme’s instructors will appear on a big screen to motivate you through your reps. Ingenious!
The deal: Plans are to offer 200 free classes every month, while membership starts at a founding promo price of just Dhs125 a month (of which you can opt out whenever you like). The only catch is, it’s not open until April.
ETA Star Building, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Tel: (055) 2132850. Taxi: ETA Star Building. gymnation.ae
9ROUND
In a nutshell: A great all-round gym with a highly flexible class schedule.
The lowdown: Love your regular studio but struggling to make your favourite classes? 9Round has an option starting every three minutes, so there’s never any waiting around if you get there later than planned. There are always personal trainers on hand if you need assistance on a solo workout too.
The deal: 9Round offers a universal free introductory workout to whet your appetite.
Al Manara, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3217997. Taxi: opposite Times Square Centre. uae.9round.com
EMBODY FITNESS
In a nutshell: A tough workout for those serious about shedding fat.
The lowdown: London import Embody Fitness is a favourite with athletes and sports buffs alike, offering private and semi-private programmes as well as small group classes to achieve rapid results in fat loss, muscle toning and overall strength and fitness. Be warned though, this is a serious workout and isn’t for the fainthearted.
The deal: Taster sessions start at Dhs150, while small group classes, usually priced at Dhs100, are complimentary for clients signed up to a body-transformation or semi-private programme.
First Floor, Lamborghini Building, Dubai. Tel: (052) 7239333. Metro: First Gulf Bank. embodyfitness.ae
MOJO PILATES
In a nutshell: Music-led classes that make Pilates a livelier affair.
The lowdown: Merging traditional Pilates with dynamic strength training techniques to boost the full body potential of its 50-minute workouts, Mojo’s approach is fun and a little out-of-the-ordinary. Equipment classes make use of the latest Allegro 2 reformer kit, while we love the fact that music plays such a huge role that you can select a song to feature in class whenever you book online. There’s a juice bar for a post workout boost too.
The deal : Find a gym buddy and you’ll benefit from online savings at Mojo’s reformer classes. Book ten duet sessions with a friend for Dhs380 per class online and you’ll save Dhs140 per class. Look out for the Insta flash sales too via @mojopilates.
4 Concord Tower, Dubai Media City, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3603399. Taxi: Concord Tower. ilovemymojo.com
YOGA AT THE PARK
In a nutshell: Get outdoors with this increasingly popular weekly free yoga session.
The lowdown: Love yoga, but hate shelling out a fortune for regular studio sessions? This free weekly class in Umm Suqeim Park practices what it describes as Yin and Yang yoga – a session which combines the strength building of yoga with the more passive Yin techniques to stretch and lengthen even the tightest muscles. The sessions also feature elements of Pranayama and meditation to leave you feeling relaxed and centred.
The deal: It’s not a deal per se, just a completely free weekly class. How refreshing.
Umm Suqeim Park, Dubai, Wed 7.30pm, free. Tel: (055) 8600677. Taxi: Umm Suqeim Park. yogaandmore.ae/essential_grid/yoga-the-park
FITNESS FIRST
In a nutshell: A reliably good fitness chain with a huge variety of class options.
The lowdown: An all-round fitness destination in the truest sense of the word, Fitness First’s numerous branches are stacked with facilities, from pools and gyms to packed class programmes boasting everything from Body Combat, Body Pump and bootcamps through to swing yoga and TRX. Memberships cover multiple facilities, so you’ll always find a class near you, even if you find yourself at the opposite end of town to home.
The deal: Current promotions are in place offering up to Dhs1,500 off an annual membership, while non-members can benefit from one free trial class.
Various locations across the city including Dubai Media City, The Palm and The Meadows. Tel: (04) 4243999. uae.fitnessfirstme.com
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BARRY’S BOOTCAMP
In a nutshell: The original high-intensity workout beloved of Hollywood celebs.
The lowdown: With fans ranging from Kim Kardashian to Katie Holmes and Ellie Goulding, Barry’s Bootcamp classes have some serious celebrity pedigree. Participants take part in a mix of weight training and running, burning around 1,000 calories a session. All you need to bring is water and a towel. And trust us, you’ll need a towel.
The deal: Regular classes start at Dhs120 per class, and memberships at Dhs1,150 a month, making it a pricier option than some. But if you’re new to the studio, you’ll get your first class at a discounted rate of Dhs80.
Central Park Towers, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai. Tel: (04) 2544775. Taxi: Central Park Towers, DIFC. barrysbootcamp.com/studio/dubai.
This article was originally published in Good magazine
Images: Supplied
