Gyming is one of the most effective ways to stay fit, physically and mentally. While there’s enough data to prove that regular gyming reduces the risks of innumerable health conditions like stroke and heart disease, gyms are a favorite place to hang out in Abu Dhabi, where the oppressive heat makes exercising a tough challenge outdoors.
Taking a membership in a gym also becomes a way to meet like-minded people, relax and unwind, and helps regulate your cortisol levels, the hormone that modulates stress levels. Additionally, you have easy access to different kinds of equipment, the latest ones in the business, and get the chance to get trained under the supervision of an expert trainer.
As per a survey conducted by the Department of Community Development Abu Dhabi, almost 70% of residents in Abu Dhabi do not exercise or indulge in any kind of physical activity, even though the ecosystem created by the government here supports healthy lifestyle choices.
Since the weather condition in the UAE, especially during summer, is pretty extreme, most people do not exercise as frequently as they should. Air-conditioned and well-maintained gyms offer the best way out. Coincidentally, the younger generation is getting increasingly health-conscious in Abu Dhabi. Thus, lately, there has been an increase in demand for state-of-the-art gyms in the city.
Here’s a list of the top ten health and fitness centers in Abu Dhabi. The way to stay healthy and happy is to exercise regularly, and one of these centers will indeed support you in staying fit and in shape.
Gold’s Gym
One of the most sought-after gymnasiums in the city is the Gold Gym. The best part is that there are multiple centers across the city and a range of programs offered to suit the specific requirements of individuals. The membership fees, ranging from monthly to annual packages, accordingly vary, depending on the program chosen by the member.
Gold’s Gym UAE is a part of the chain that originated in Venice, California, and was started in 1965 by Joe Gold, a bodybuilder, actor, and businessman.
What’s Good?
The gyms are all connected via cloud-based technology that helps registered members optimize their workout schedules and track their progress online. Members also get free access to videos and online training programs and can book classes using their smartphones.
Facilities & Amenities
All the centers are well-equipped with state-of-the-art cardiovascular equipment and TechnoGym machines. Equipment includes TEAMBEATS™, Pure Strength, Excite Series, Element+, Omnia, etc. Members are privy to exclusive group exercise classes from the proprietary Gold Gym-developed programs along with Les Mills. Programs range from Step and Tone to Cardio Max, Aqua Aerobics, RPM, Body Combat, Body Attack, Body Step, etc.
Amenities include exercise studios, saunas, separate locker rooms for men and women, lounge areas for members, cycling studios, functional training areas, free Wi-Fi, free parking, and more.
To top it off, there are licensed personal trainers to help members reach their fitness goals holistically.
For details on membership packages, please contact your nearest center.
Presence
Al Wahda Mall, Deerfield’s Mall, and Mazyad Mall.
Fitness First
A multinational chain, this gymnasium, too, has branches across the city and is known for its top-quality machinery and equipment. The centers boost the best professionals from the industry working as coaches with expertise in nutritional and lifestyle niches. Members can take up annual memberships though they can also enroll in month-long programs to get a feel of the place.
What’s Good?
A feather in the cap for Fitness First is that it is considered to be one of the best ladies’ gyms in the city. In fact, the facility at the Marina Mall is a Ladies-Only Center. The presence of a friendly team, always ready to help and offer customized programs, is a big benefit of working out at either of the facilities in Abu Dhabi.
Facilities & Amenities
At the center, enthusiasts get an array of workout choices, ranging from Zumba to Aerobics, Pilates, cardio, weight management, boxing, freestyle, strength programs, and more. Beginners can start with specially-curated low-impact fitness programs, while seasoned enthusiasts can go in for intense exercise regimes.
Each center has a team of experienced experts to offer guidance, tips, and support on a one-to-one basis. Personal trainers are there to guide you through while there are experts offering lifestyle services too.
For details on membership packages, please contact your nearest center.
Presence
Dalma Mall, Abu Dhabi Mall, Al Seef Mall, Bawabat Al Sharq Mall, and Marina Mall.
Cobra Fitness
For MMA enthusiasts, this is the perfect destination. With a club-style ambiance, this place helps pursue a healthy lifestyle and, therefore, is one of the best gyms in Abu Dhabi. If your goal is limited to only being in shape and physical fitness, you are in for new experiences here because the emphasis here is on physical and mental fitness.
If you want to be ‘fighting fit’, this is the place to be. The sessions all involve rigorous workouts focusing on building discipline, confidence, community feeling, and strength. The center is best known for its martial arts disciplines, offered to members in a friendly ecosystem fitted with high-tech gym equipment, weight areas, and more.
What’s Good?
The popular gymnasium has programs for adults, ladies-only, and kids. The memberships start from a single-session program to one-month, three-month, six-month, twelve-month, and eighteen-month programs. Other than fitness, members are also advised on their diet and nutrition.
Facilities & Amenities
There’s a diverse range of international fitness programs like Muay Thai, Boxing, MOH, MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Spartacus, Fighters Fitness, Core Destruction, Cobra Pole Dancing, Self Defense for Ladies, TABATA, TRX- Leaner Body, LAA, and Strength & Conditioning.There are specialist trainers in all of these niches to offer expert and one-to-one guidance. Kids’ Special programs include Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai; for ladies, other than the self-defense program, there are Muay Thai and LAA (Legs, Ass and Abs) programs.
Membership Plans for a month are priced at AED 800, six-month plans are priced at AED 4,500, and Annual packages are priced at AED 7,500 per person. VAT of 5% is applicable extra.
Presence
Get ready to get pushed to your limits at Cobra Fitness, Upper Basement, Al Bandar, Al Raha Blvd., Khalifa City Abu Dhabi, UAE.
CrossFit
Looking for a gymnasium with five-star facilities? Do your fitness goals extend beyond the regime of stamina, endurance, agility, and physical strength? Then you need to head to the CrossFit centers spread across the city.
Also called the Vogue Fitness studio, the center is fast becoming popular, with three studios already set up at various places in Abu Dhabi.
What’s Good?
A fitness center’s primary focus is building your core strength under the direct supervision of expert coaches. Expect customization from the start till the end. Other than this, this is one place where you’ll come across nutritionists and experienced trainers who will guide you on the other important aspect of fitness – your diet and lifestyle.
Another impressive feature of the health club is the team spirit that’s an integral part of the culture. It’s very encouraging how every member is encouraged by the CrossFit community to push their limits.
Facilities & Amenities
The physical training sessions include cardio, core, and strength training exercises. You can enroll as per the desired level. The programs are CrossFit Lite (Beginner), On-Ramp (Beginner), Weight Lifting (Olympic), Metcon, Escalate, VO2, Warrior Wod, No Limits, Endurance, Mobility, and Personal Training. There are Zumba classes, too, at some of the centers. At the Al Raha and Marina Mall studios, you can participate in the infamous high-intensity workout called Mayhem.
Membership plans include monthly membership for AED 999, 8 Class Passes at AED 750, One-to-one training (10 sessions) at AED 3150, and more such options.
Presence
CrossFit centers are at Yas Marina, Marina Mall, Al Raha Beach, Al Ghadeer, The Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi, and Yas Marina.
Lifeline Gym
If there’s no place where a holistic methodology is followed to achieve the individual’s fitness goals, it is here. If you are looking at tackling lifestyle-related diseases like hypertension, obesity, or diabetes, managing stress, weight gain or loss, or simply keeping yourself fit and prim, visit Lifeline Gym centers in Abu Dhabi.
The gymnasium has been dedicated to taking up CSR initiatives like spreading awareness about fitness and healthy lifestyles. These campaigns are organized regularly at colleges, schools, corporates, government agencies, and private businesses.
What’s Good?
This center is more like a healthcare club where tailor-made programs are curated based on the person’s wellness status, health history, and fitness measurements.
Facilities & Amenities
Different training programs are designed, including isometric and isotonic programs, cardio-vascular programs, muscle strength and circuit training, aerobics, karate, pilates, Technogym group cycling, yoga, and meditation. Additionally, there’s steam, a sauna, a jacuzzi, a swimming pool, a salon, and a Spa for members who want to relax and unwind.
Presence
There are three branches of Lifeline Gym in the city. These are ADNEC Branch, Salam, and TCA Branches.
Contact # ADNEC Branch +971 2 5463 000, +971 50 438 2674. Salam Branch # +971 54 434 6233, +971 50 420 7036. TCA Branch # +971 56 117 1603.
Bodyism
This is a one-of-its-kind luxury gym in the middle of Abu Dhabi, opened in partnership with the Jumeirah Group at the Jumeirah Saadiyat Island Resort. The parent club is located in Notting Hill in London. Founded by wellness guru James Duigan, the gym is based on unique principles of self-acceptance, empowerment, and kindness.
What’s Good?
Bodyism is a practice where the three cornerstones of the human body – the heart, mind, and soul – are revived and rejuvenated through four core approaches. These four pillars are the mindset of the person, nutrition, movement, and lastly, recovery or sleep.
Bodyism focuses on exercising for physical fitness, mindfulness for peace of mind, and nutrition for the body and mind. Stop by to understand how the experts help members live a happier and more fulfilling life through personal training, specialized weight loss solutions, group classes, spa treatments, and guidance on nutritional supplements.
Facilities & Amenities
The center at Abu Dabhi boasts a studio fitted with the most-advanced gyming equipment and experts offering training sessions on boxing, pilates, yoga, and barre. Muscle activation and foam rolling are two integral workout types in Bodyism. All types involve energetic workouts without too much stress on the body. Be prepared for the signature sessions Blueprint and Warrior, which are an hour long each. Warrior is an interval training, done using the latest equipment involving 40 seconds of high-intensity training along a circuit consisting of about 10-13 stations. On the other hand, the blueprint is more about bodyweight-based training with sliders and bands.
Membership plans include different plans for individuals and couples. The package for individuals is AED 60,000 for a year or AED 35,000 for six months. For couples, AED 100,000 for a year and AED 60,000 for six months.
Presence
There’s only one center of Bodyism in Abu Dhabi. It is on the Saadiyat Island.
Phone # 02 811 4444.
FLO Fitness Studio
This is a ladies-only boutique fitness studio specializing in Barre, Yoga, and Pilates. The reason behind naming the studio FLO is that it creates an ecosystem where the mind and body flow together. The focus, therefore, is on strengthening the physical and mental faculties and building confidence levels.
What’s Good?
If you want to work out surrounded by only women, this is the place. Besides, the studio specializes in three domains – Pilates, where you master your posture, breathing, flexibility, and strength; Barre, which ballerinas and their core strengths inspire; and yoga, the age-old Indian method of achieving perfect mental and physical harmony. Private training sessions are organized as per individual needs.
Facilities & Amenities
This is, by far, one of the most aesthetically-beautiful fitness studios in Abu Dhabi. Most women start with the introductory or the beginners’ classes before proceeding to the Level 1 or advanced classes. Personal training is the recommended way to move to the advanced sessions faster.
Personal training sessions include a complementary posture analysis that helps understand the body’s present condition and progression capacity.
For membership fees, it is best to speak directly to the Flo Fitness Studio staff.
Presence
Villa 34, Mileih Street, Al Bateen.
Contact # 02 644 6496.
Bodylines Fitness & Wellness Club
This health club is a part of the Park Rotana complex at Al Salam Street. While the gym is open to in-house guests, residents of Abu Dhabi can join the club to stay fit and in shape. Being a part of a 5-star hotel, there’s a fully-equipped health club, outdoor swimming pool for adults, and a separate kids’ pool, steam, sauna, well-being treatment rooms, sports facilities, and more.
What’s Good?
A state-of-the-art health club with cardiovascular equipment and experienced instructors for guidance and advice are readily available. There’s also a free-weight area. The wellness center has six rooms for treatments and separate male and female steam/sauna rooms. Sporting activities include a floodlit tennis court and a billiard table.
Facilities & Amenities
The wellness center is open from 10:00 to 22:00 hours, while the gym is open from 06:00 to 22:00 hours for members. The temperature-controlled pool (adults) and the shaded kids’ pool is open from 07:00 hours to 22:00 hours. There’s also a pool bar serving light snacks, meals, and drinks. Thus, this is a comprehensive unit for a healthy you taking care of your physical strength, mental relaxation, and more.
Presence
Park Rotana, Eastern Ring Road, Al Salam Street.
Contact # +971-2-657-3333
F45 Training
The name says it all. 45 stands for the minutes every day you need to speed to stay geared up and in shape. This innovative training zone is very inspirational and result-oriented. Coincidentally, the ‘F’ in F45 stands for Functional training.
What’s Good?
The no-ego attitude of the professional instructors, who are always ready to train members to give their best to help build the physical and mental faculties of members, is what makes this gym unique. The unit aims at burning about 750 calories by working out for 45 minutes.
Facilities & Amenities
Functional Hit training works on the entire body while ensuring enhanced metabolic rate and energy levels. It is a great way to build endurance and strength. The strength and cardiovascular training sessions are back-to-back with HIIT sessions to help develop stamina and muscles.
Through innovation, each training session differs from the rest. The program consists of three fitness regimes – functional training, circuit training, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT). There’s also the endeavor to give members access to personalized nutrition programs because the faith is to optimally develop a healthy body and mind.
Interested individuals can start with a 2-week trial program that costs about AED 288.75.
Presence
F45 is located at the Main Football Stadium in Zayed Sports City.
Contact # +971-5-6332-3113.
Sweat Gym
The gymnasium is not just about workouts; it offers coaching programs that are aimed at the fitness of the mind and body. The center’s name is Sweat, which is an important function of the human body to keep itself cool, improve circulation, detoxify, enhance skin elasticity, and ensure the well-being of all the organs within the body.
What’s Good?
There’s a 360° approach to fitness here. Physical training involves cardio dance, TRX, and cycling. Nutritional support is offered where the diet plan for members is charted out and made an integral part of the training regime. Alongside this, the mind is worked upon through meditation sessions.
Facilities & Amenities
The personalized meal plans are all a part of Nolus restaurant, as the owner is the same. The workout sessions are for 45 minutes, each consisting of spin sessions. There’s exciting music in the background with glitter balls that add to the overall vibes of the place. Training sessions involve High-Intensity Interval Training, Sycle & HIIT fusion, TRX Full Body, Tabata, strength classes, barre, yoga, holistic coaching, and so on. There are ladies-only sessions too.
Presence
It is located within the Al Seef Resorts & Spa by Andulus at Khalifa Park.
Contact # +971 (02) 444 5543
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FAQs
Which is the most popular gymnasium in Abu Dhabi?
Gold’s Gym and Fitness First are popular gym chains in the city.
Are there any ladies-only gyms in the city?
Yes, many health clubs either have only women as members or have separate sessions for women only. Fitness First has a ladies-only center. Similarly, Cobra has ladies-only sessions, and FLO is a women-specific boutique gym.
Are all gyms in Abu Dhabi air-conditioned?
Gyms are mostly air-conditioned in Abu Dhabi because of the heat outside. An air-conditioned environment helps create a comfortable ecosystem for members to exercise and work out.