The weather outside is frightful, but the AC is delightful, so get sweating in the best way with Helen Farmer’s pick of indoor fitness facilities
YOU SPIN ME RIGHT ROUND…
Unless you’re getting up at 4am, cycling on Al Qudra is off and a spin studio is on. Dubai has many to choose from depending on your needs, with competitive scoring at Crank in Al Serkal (crank-fi t.com), feel-good vibes at Motion (motion-cycling.ae) in Business Bay and seriously enthusiastic instructors at Camp in Downtown (trainwithcamp.com). Bring your socks, find your bike and prepare to ride like the wind.
BOX CLEVER
You’ll burn up to 800 calories in one hour, learn combinations, and leave with a smile (hopefully not a black eye) in a boxing class. Community is key, and Spartans Club in Arjan is nailing it, offering sessions for kids, teens, plus sparring and strength and conditioning for adults, and training those looking to step into the ring for real. Fancy your chances? They’ll get you ready with months of workouts culminating in a big night, where your friends can get dressed up, enjoy dinner and watch as you walk out to your fight song, already a champion.
spartansboxing.com/arjan
GAME, SET, MATCH
Padel tennis mania has swept the world, and Dubai is no exception, with numerous clubs popping up all over the city. Haven’t heard of it yet? Imagine a faster hybrid of tennis and squash, where you play in doubles on a smaller court. From the vibey Matcha in Al Quoz to Smash on the Palm, there are many outdoor options, but come summer you’d be wise to head indoors – unless you fancy some Bikram padel. Luckily, you have a great choice, including Just Padel at Mina Rashid featuring ladies-only sessions (justpadel.ae) and Padel Point in Al Quoz, which will even match you up with other players and organise tournaments (padelpointae.com).
CHILL OUT
As the city’s coolest spot, Ski Dubai offers up the expected (skiing and snowboarding) plus a few surprises, too (penguins and a cinema). They’ve recently added the chance to get onto the slope before anyone else, with early morning access for those looking to hike up and down the snow. Open from 7am at weekends and 8am Monday to Friday, 100 AED gets you two hours of blood-pumping climbing, gear rental and a locker. Buy online at skidxb.com.
DUBAI SPORTS WORLD
Until 21 September, sports enthusiasts can head to Dubai World Trade Centre to take part in a vast choice of air-conditioned activities on a pay-as-you-play basis, starting from AED 20. On offer you’ll find 42 different courts, including three five-a-side and three seven-a-side football pitches, a dedicated cricket pitch complete with nets, two padel courts, 18 badminton courts, eight table tennis tables, two tennis courts, two volleyball courts and three basketball courts. It’s huge! There will be regular competitions and tournaments too. dubaisportsworld.ae.
