If you’ve been inspired by the Olympics, but your idea of exercise is hurling a pizza in the oven while athletes are throwing a discus, here are some exercise classes in Riyadh to suit every level.
Fitness is big business in Riyadh and with the Saudi government on a massive push to make the nation a little healthier, it’s probably about time we all signed up for a class or two to get the ball rolling.
But becoming fitter, healthier and happier doesn’t just happen overnight, you know. It takes hours of dedication – and that’s just to find the right gym. Luckily on that score, we have taken the leg work out of it for you. So here’s where to find all sorts of brilliant exercise classes in Riyadh.
Kickboxing and more at 9Round
If you struggle to make time to stick to an exercise regime, 9Round could well have the answer. With a guarantee to make its members stronger – both physically and mentally – in just 30 minutes, this gym born in the US state of South Carolina in 2008 uses kickboxing as its base. Founded by former IKF light middleweight world champion Shannon “The Cannon” Hudson and fitness-mad wife Heather, 9Round is a place where you can get a high-intensity workout at an affordable price that fits into any busy schedule.
The sessions are split into three sections: Strength, Kickbox Fitness and Abs & Core. The first will have you using weights, skipping ropes and other equipment to build your strength and stamina. Part two will have you punching and kicking heavy bags to build strength, double-end bags to increase coordination and timing, and velocity bags to improve shoulder and velocity conditioning.
And the final part works on tightening and strengthening all muscles, including your heart. Sounds like a knockout combo to us if you’re looking for a top exercise class in Riyadh.
Open Sat-Thu 6am-11pm, Fri 3pm-11pm. Various locations including Othman Ibn Affan Road, sa.9round.com (9200 19910).
TRX, MMA and Fab Abs at Fit Forever Fitness
This mightily impressive ladies-only gym has two branches in Riyadh and once you walk through either door, itʼs clear no expense has been spared to try and make them the number one in the city. The finer details have all been meticulously thought out, from the décor to the equipment to the changing rooms. However, there is no point in such quality if it only runs skin deep. Thatʼs where the trainers and classes come in.
Fit Forever Fitness, or FFF to its fans, is predominantly the domain of the trusted New Zealand-born global gym giant Les Mills and the wide range of classes that bear the former Commonwealth champion discus throwerʼs name. And if that wasnʼt enough, FFF also runs sessions in TRX suspension training, yoga, MMA and Fab Abs, as well as offering a VR Ride thatʼll make that next 30km on a bike a load more fun.
Membership packages start from less than SAR800 a month. A fantastic pick for exercise classes in Riyadh.
Open Sun-Thu 6am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11am-9pm. Various locations including Al Hasn Ibn Ali, Ar Rawdah, fitforeverfitness.com (9200 02628).
Literally everything at Fitness Time
This hugely impressive group is the MENA region’s biggest sports centre network. It has more than a decade’s experience in helping get the average Joe and Joanne fitter, healthier and happier. As well as calling upon the very best fitness equipment, amenities and trainers, Fitness Time centres are designed to give members a convenient and safe environment to exercise in.
They offer an open-plan and open-door policy, welcoming people to work out at their own pace in their own space. There are different gyms with different membership options: Fitness Time, Fitness Time Plus, Fitness Time Pro, Fitness Time Ladies, Fitness Time Ladies Pro and Fitness Time Junior. Each has its own benefits and range of classes and access to facilities but they all offer an assortment of exercise classes across Riyadh including cardio, body building, group exercise classes, swimming, basketball, football, and volleyball. The time is now, people.
Open Sun-Thu 10am-midnight, Fri 1pm-11pm, Sat 10am-11pm. Various locations including 6752 Al Arjun, Ar Rabi, 13315, fitnesstime.com.sa (9200 03131).
Joule Abs & Glutes and Joule Climb at Joule
Another ladies-only gym in Riyadh, Joule hopes to empower its members to become better versions of themselves. At first sight, with its massive black door and industrial-chic interiors youʼd be forgiven for thinking you had just walked into a super-trendy lounge.
But donʼt let the décor fool you, this isnʼt a place to go partying – Joule means business. If you decide your fitness journey is one that should be taken alone then Joule will happily team you up with a personal trainer for some one-to-one classes. If you feel you need someone to feel the burn with, you can also sign up for PT programmes with a friend. However, for most of us, group classes are far more enjoyable (the social aspect and the team ethic) and Joule specialises in five main disciplines.
Joule Climb is a fun class where rope, wall and peg wall climbing techniques work on your core and upper body. Joule Abs and Glutes are pretty self-explanatory (abs and glutes, yʼall), while there are various guises of yoga on offer. The Stick Mobility classes work on your movement, helping increase stability and strength, while TRX training that aims to develop strength, balance, flexibility and core stability are another speciality. A top choice for ladies looking for exercise classes in Riyadh.
Open Sun-Thu 2pm-9pm, Sat 11am-4pm. 3763 Imam Saud Bin Faisal Road, As Sahafah, joule-ksa.com (011 208 8547).
BodyFit, Pilates and Zumba at NuYu
You won’t find many fitness centres with a bona fide royal seal of approval, let alone one that was started by an actual member of the royal family. NuYu was founded in 2012 by Princess Sara bint Talal Al Saud and retains her vision to this day. In her own words, “NuYu focuses not only on how women look – on their size or shape – but also on how they feel. It’s all about happiness. That psychological and emotional aspect of fitness is very important to women.” Hear, hear.
Almost a decade since her brainchild sprang into action, NuYu is now the leading chain of female-only fitness clubs in Saudi Arabia. It offers up to 90 group exercise classes per week included in the standard membership as well as smaller, more specialised sessions and one-on-one personal training programmes geared towards your individual goals. Zumba, BodyFit and Pilates are among the most popular group classes available, while we always love a bit of BoxFit as a perfect stress reliever.
You can try before you buy with a free session at NuYu venues around Riyadh but the deal that immediately caught our eye is the Fit for Less package that lets you train off-peak for a reasonable SAR379 a month if you sign a one-year contract. A wallet-friendly pick for exercise classes in Riyadh.
Open Sun-Wed 7am-10.30pm, Thu 7am-9pm, Fri 1pm-9pm, Sat 10am-9pm. Various locations including Northern Ring Branch Road, Al Taawun, nuyu-ksa.com (9200 07576).
Spinning and HIIT at Wild
To all intents and purposes, ensuring you have one of the best gyms is a results-based business and if you don’t manage to help your members get fit or shift some pounds (depending on their aims) then you are failing at your game. Some venues are so driven in their pursuit of success, they actually forget the happiness side of fitness, something Wild is determined not to do.
This gym treats its members as part of a community and is quick to point out the virtues of socialising when it comes to bettering yourself. Les Mills and CrossFit classes have a huge amount of variety here, while the gym has a smattering of its own signature classes such as Wild Ride and Wild HIIT among the busy, ever-changing calendar.
As its owners say: “Our goal is to change your view on fitness so that it becomes part of who you are and your lifestyle. We strongly believe that if you practise healthy habits, you will be able to obtain a healthy lifestyle.” If you’re not able to commit to a yearly membership straight away, Wild offers you the chance to buy a day or five-day pass so you can get a feel for the place. We’re sure you will love it though. Check it out and discover some of the most popular exercise classes in Riyadh.
Open Sat-Thu 9am-9pm. King Abdul Aziz Road, Alyasmin, wildgym.space (055 477 9937).
For more top ways to get active in and around Riyadh, click here.
For yoga classes, spas and relaxation inspiration in Riyadh, click here.
