The fitness scene in Dubai

Dubai, a city known for its towering skyscrapers, luxurious lifestyle, and vibrant culture, is also a haven for fitness enthusiasts. Nestled within its bustling metropolis are gyms that epitomise innovation and diversity, catering to every fitness need and preference. 

From state-of-the-art facilities to breathtaking views, Dubai's gym scene offers a unique blend of wellness and indulgence.

Dubai's gym landscape is as diverse as its population and whether you're into high-intensity interval training, yoga, Pilates, or martial arts, there's a gym to suit everyone. From boutique fitness studios to expansive health clubs, Dubai ensures that everyone can find their ideal fitness hub, and here are a handful of spaces which offer you just that. 

1Rebel 

1Rebel epitomises the fusion of luxury and high-intensity fitness. Located in the heart of Dubai, this boutique fitness studio offers a revolutionary approach to workouts, combining immersive experiences with top-tier amenities. Whether you're into high-intensity interval training, cycling, or strength workouts, 1Rebel provides a vibrant and inclusive environment for individuals of all fitness levels.

Spirit Level

Spirit Level is not just a gym; it's a wellness destination that transcends traditional fitness norms. Located amidst the iconic skyline of Dubai, Spirit Level offers a holistic approach to health and wellness, focusing on mind, body, and spirit. With its serene ambiance, state-of-the-art facilities, and expertly curated classes, Spirit Level provides a sanctuary for individuals seeking balance and rejuvenation. From yoga and meditation sessions to functional training and nutrition counseling, Spirit Level's diverse offerings cater to every aspect of well-being. 

Platform

Platform stands as a pinnacle of fitness innovation and community engagement. Positioned amidst the vibrant urban landscape of Dubai, Platform redefines the gym experience, offering a dynamic fusion of technology, personalized coaching, and social connectivity. With its cutting-edge facilities and interactive training platforms, Platform provides an immersive environment where fitness enthusiasts can push their limits and achieve their goals. From group classes to individualised training programs, Platform caters to diverse fitness needs.

CrossFit Alioth 

CrossFit Alioth emerges as a beacon of strength, community, and transformation in the heart of the city, offering a sanctuary for fitness enthusiasts seeking unparalleled challenges and camaraderie. Renowned for its adherence to CrossFit's core principles of functional movement and intensity, CrossFit Alioth provides a platform for individuals to unleash their potential and redefine their limits.

Dryp Yoga 

Dryp Yoga is an invigorating tale set amidst the dynamic backdrop of Dubai's bustling cityscape. It centers around Mia, a dedicated yoga instructor with a vision to redefine wellness experiences in the cosmopolitan hub. With her innovative concept, Dryp Yoga, Mia fuses traditional yoga practices with immersive sensory elements, creating a transformative journey for her students. 

Fitness First 

Fitness First is a well known fitness chain with a prominent presence in Dubai, offering a wide range of facilities and programs tailored to meet diverse fitness goals. Located across various strategic points in the city, Fitness First provides state-of-the-art gym equipment, group exercise classes, personal training sessions, and specialized programs such as Les Mills, yoga, and HIIT workouts.

Whilst the Dubai fitness scene has something for everyone, do you ever feel like you just need to break out of the city and try somewhere new?

Just a short flight from Dubai, here at Makahiya Fitness in Sri Lanka we have a diverse offering designed to yield results, with a wide array of classes built around strength, conditioning, HYROX and functional fitness, as well as a state of the art gym for those wanting to train themselves. 

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned athlete, our facilities offer something for everyone. 

Not only that but at Makahiya, we believe recovery is integral to any training regime so we offer a range of mobility and stretch sessions, as well as ice baths for those really wanting to accelerate their recovery. 

Interested in visiting us? Click below to view our packages.

Push Yourself in Paradise by Laura Coughlin, What's On Dubai

Ever flown home from a holiday feeling more depleted than you did when you left? Consider booking a sunshine escape to Sri Lanka’s Makahiya – a retreat that will actually rejuvenate you, physically as well as mentally...

Think of Sri Lanka and you probably imagine yourself lounging on a beach with a steady supply of cocktails. Not 7am wake-up calls, sweaty bootcamp sessions, ice baths and a booze ban. But if you’re looking for a break – and a holiday that leaves you feeling much better – Makahiya Fitness is for you.

The gorgeous purpose-built fitness centre in Unawatuna has been a labour of love for British couple – and all-round wonderful humans – Lizzy Chitty and James Jones, who moved to Sri Lanka in 2016 to start a new life among palm trees and paddy fields on Lanka’s lush south coast.

The hilltop haven that they’ve built has everything needed for the ultimate fitness getaway. With top-spec workout facilities, including a rooftop yoga shala, stunning infinity pool overlooking Lanka’s lush forests and a full menu of nourishing meals at their wonderful poolside restaurant, Makahiya is the perfect place to push yourself in paradise, and the workouts, setting, ethos and nutritious food are all designed to leave you feeling rejuvenated.

The tropical facility hosts a maximum of 16 guests in a range of eight deluxe digs. Each air-conditioned room is bright, spacious and contemporary, with a private balcony and modern ensuite bathroom. There’s A/C to keep you cool, hot water to wash off the day and ample Wi-Fi by the pool for when the boss wants a word.

The Daily Grind

Those familiar with restriction-based retreats will find Makahiya’s bon-vivant approach refreshing. Unlike other fitness camps that have hectic programming, Makahiya’s exercise regime is relatively loose. Each morning a class begins at 8am and ends around 9.30am. Then there’s another session at 4pm. You’re welcome to fill the gap in between as you please, either by sunbathing by the pool, swimming laps, hitting up a solo workout in the gym, going for a walk or, if you like, heading out to the nearby beach. It’s a perfectly balanced programme that’s rewarding, challenging and still leaves you feeling like you’re on holiday.

Food For Fitness

It might sound unusual for a health break, but you’ll never go hungry at Makahiya. The philosophy is to eat fresh and well, and the on-site restaurant is beloved not just by the owners and those on the retreat, but by Lanka’s gym bunny expat crew, who not only join in on the daily boot camp sessions but refuel here too. If you’re on the retreat, breakfast, lunch and dinner is served here every day of your stay where you’ll find a curated menu of nutritious dishes and nourishing drinks. Everyone talks about the protein pancakes as the ultimate breakfast of champions, and don’t be surprised if you order the grilled barramundi with sweet potato mash multiple times for dinner – it’s sublime.

Body Positive

Makahiya is not a weight-loss retreat. In fact, there isn’t even a set of scales on site. Instead, ex-rugby player James, and fitness coach Soph work with you to reframe your attitude to your body, helping you to make positive changes, both physically and mentally. The sessions are designed for all abilities, and the biggest surprise is that it’s fun. From team-based bootcamps that may feature wall balls, box jumps, (less fun) hill runs and sled pulls, to strength and mobility training, the jungle workouts are all sweat fest parties with a full schedule of daily classes, all of which are included in every retreat package.

Away from the bootcamps, Makahiya also has its own bespoke gym with an arsenal of Watson Gym Equipment, custom-made and shipped from the UK, that James reckons rivals any of Dubai’s best gyms. Unlimited access is part of every package, so you can step up whenever the squat rack calls. Plus, everyone receives a complimentary coaching session where the team work with you to set a fitness foundation and tailor the shape of your training for when you’re back home. You can add on more private sessions for just Dhs90 a class.

Book It

Book now. You won’t regret it.

makahiyafitness.com

Words: Laura Coughlin for What’s On Duabi