Women friendly gyms and fitness destinations in the UAE

Whether you’ve just moved to the country, or finally decided to enrol yourself into a fitness routine as part of your 2024 resolutions, finding a gym or studio in the ocean of options is a tough choice. It may also be a bit intimidating arriving at a venue filled with too much sweat mixed with testosterone walking around.  To help we’ve rounded up four fitness destinations that are either ladies-only, or more female oriented for members. Besides, it’s a great way to create new connections, and find yourself a tribe that will cheer you on as you push through those last rounds of a tough workout! As a bonus, if you’re like me and enjoy trying something new because routine makes life daunting – read till the end!

FitnGlam

FitnGlam is without doubt the biggest female-only fitness destination in the UAE, and its super posh (in a good way) too. With five destinations spread across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, this “super club” features Instagrammable interiors, top notch facilities and equipment, spa services, boutique classes, a café and online retail shop. This is not to mention their focus on the community element with exciting activations for members, and a mission to champion female minds and bodies.

fitnglam.ae / @fitnglamgym

Blended Wellness 

This one is a more lifestyle membership fusing health, wellness, fitness and self-care all into a multi-wellness destination. Blended Wellness offers a fitness, beauty, spa, and more. With an array of packages and activations catering to various needs, you can choose from moms’ fitness classes, self-care Saturdays, and 100-aed blow dry promotions, to escape packages including a massage, beach & pool access, paired with lunch or dinner, down to permanent make-up services! Located on the Palm, it features chic minimalist-boho interiors and is an all-encompassing membership experience.

blendedwellness.com / @blendedwellnessdxb

Motion Fitness

Tucked away in a villa in Umm Suqeim, Motion fitness is all about the female spirit, and empowering women to be their best selves. The female-only boutique fitness centre offers fitness classes, personal training, wellbeing events, life coaching initiatives, and even kids programs. Whether it’s Pilates, barre, reformer, or cardio – on the fitness end, you’re covered. Perks include free wifi, coffee and tea, beauty services and workshops.

motionfitnesscenter.com / @motionladiesfitness

TopStretching

Do not let the name fool you. Having attended one of their fitness classes, this arena goes beyond stretching. Positioning itself as MENA’s first & premier stretching brand for ladies, Top Stretching has six branches including Downtown, The Palm, JBR, Dubai Marina, and Al Barsha, as well as one in the capital. Founded by Instagram sensation Anna Kanyuk, you can expect pink themed ambience, fitness classes, stretching programs and the beautiful aeroyoga. Their Instagram alone makes you want to get up and stretch!

topstretching.company / @topstretching.me

Bonus: Class Pass – Try Them All!

If you haven’t decided whether you can commit to a gym or if you want to try out different fitness classes and studios – ClassPass is the ultimate solution. Granting access to thousands of fitness facilities (beauty & spa too) for a small monthly fee, it offers you the full variety of options & new things to try. One day I’m heading for a boxing class, the next for a stretch one, some stand-up paddle on the weekend, and Monday mornings are for power-house kick-start cycling at The Platform. Whether you want yoga, Pilates, HIIT or anything else, it caters to your mood, wallet, and convenience. Plus, if you cancel any booking less than 12 hours in advance or don’t show up, you get charged automatically, which really motivates you not to ditch your commitment (excluding emergencies of course).