New year, new you: what UAE gyms are charging for 2021 memberships

Fitness plays a starring role on most New Year’s resolutions lists and with gyms now fully functional in the UAE, there’s simply no excuse not to work out. The cherry on the sugar-free cake is that a number of local fitness centres are gearing up for 2021 by offering annual packages brimming with add-ons and discounts. Here’s a look at some already available to sign up for.

Bare DXB

The boutique fitness studio offers specialised classes (some of which claim to burn as many as 1,000 calories a pop) in a futuristic-looking blacked-out space. The thumping music and community spirit add to the party vibe the studio is known for. While Bare's Business Bay branch is currently at maximum occupancy, a new site is opening in Mall of the Emirates in January. Membership is priced at Dh900 per month, with a joining fee of Dh400; Bare DXB also has an early-bird offer, with the first 50 people to sign up in the new branch paying Dh800 a month. Membership gives access to unlimited training classes (otherwise priced at Dh120), plus Bare's class challenges and transformation programmes, as well as priority booking. For more information, visit www.bare.fitness.

BodyTree Studio

The wellness centre in Abu Dhabi offers everything from yoga, Pilates and dance to life coaching and classes on nutrition. Starting Friday, January 1, it is offering a discount that is valid throughout the month, but needs to be redeemed by the end of March. The offer allows existing customers to buy a 10-class pack (priced at Dh720) and get two classes free, while new customers can get a 20 per cent discount on a regular five-class pack (usually priced at Dh380). For more information, visit www.bodytreestudio.com

F45 

F45 Training is a global fitness community that specialises in innovative, high-intensity group workouts, ideal for time-poor but results-driven fitness buffs. The "F" stands for functional training, a mix of circuit and HIIT-style workouts geared towards everyday movement, while the "45" bit is the total time you need for a sweat-dripping, heart-pumping, calorie-eviscerating workout. For 2021, the two facilities in Dubai Motor City and Dubai Marina are offering an annual membership of Dh 9,450 (plus vat). F45 is also offering new members a week-long free trial.

Just FitLab

The fitness centre in Emirates Golf Club has a little something for everyone – whether you're a gym fanatic, water baby or just looking to adopt a more active lifestyle. Members can take advantage of the premium gym facility, resort-style swimming pool, tennis and squash courts, golfing facilities and more with a one month membership priced at Dh525, six-month membership for Dh2,800 (that's Dh466 per month) or 12-month membership for Dh5250 (Dh437 per month).

Instabody Lifestyle Gym

The 7,000-square-foot venue in Five Jumeirah Village Circle markets itself as a "body-positive space" where members can get the support, equipment and guidance they need. Other than its TechnoGym machines and free weights, InstaBody also features a boxing studio, HIIT studio, and yoga and meditation studio. It currently has a New Year offer of Dh1,500 for 12 months. For more information, contact hello@insta-body.com or 055 243 0835.

Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel

The gym at Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel is one of the largest in Abu Dhabi to offer both mixed and female-only training options. The expansive state-of-the-art facility delivers fitness with TechnoGym equipment, Artis range cardio and resistance machines, and Skill range row and run machines. Members can also benefit from access to group classes such as agility and coordination technique, boot camps and aqua aerobics, and the use of the Olympic-sized indoor swimming pool. An annual membership costs Dh6,500 for singles and Dh8,500 for couples. For more information, contact membership@afoc.mil.ae or 97124975020.