If you’re willing to splash out on your fitness, there’s plenty of options around Dubai. But which of the city’s most luxurious fitness facilities wins the battle of the five-star gyms? We put two to the test.

THE BURJ CLUB

THE BURJ CLUB

In a nutshell:

A luxury spa, rooftop pool and stunning views of Downtown Dubai from your treadmill.

Overview:

In the same way that we’ve convinced ourselves that fancy leggings are key to our athletic performance, we also believe that the nicer the gym facilities, the more likely we are to work out.

With that in mind, there’s definitely something to be said for The Burj Club. This recently renovated fitness hub was once exclusively for Burj Khalifa residents, but is now open to the public with a range of membership packages and day passes.

The gym:

There are two spacious gyms (one is on the ladies-only floor) fully kitted out with high-tech equipment, great views of Downtown Dubai and Burj Lake (time it right and you can catch the fountain show from the treadmill). There are Les Mills group classes, as well as personal training.

Extras

We love the rooftop pool to relax and refuel after your gym session. If you’ve got time, book some downtime in the spa: the 60-minute Signature Massage (Dhs450) is a deeply relaxing combination of Swedish massage and aromatherapy that turned our muscles to jelly.

Burj Khalifa (Residence entrance), Downtown Dubai, Dubai, daily 6am to 10pm, Dhs275 weekdays, Dhs375 weekends, Dhs1,950 monthly. Tel: (04) 8883900. Metro: Dubai Mall/Burj Khalifa. burjkhalifa.ae

READ MORE
*The largest inflatable waterpark splashes into Dubai*
*Head in the clouds? Check out this Dubai Marina base jump*
*Warehouse workouts: 9 fitness centres & gyms in Al Quoz*
*Gyms in Dubai – the deals, classes, fees and hidden costs*
*Get fighting fit! Dubai’s boxing gyms*

I CAN PT

1

In a nutshell:

A results-driven gym offering one-on-one personal training.

Overview:

Whether you’re getting ready for a wedding or planning a holiday, there are times when you want serious results from your work out. That’s when you should book a session at I Can PT. The five-star fitness club has been offering bespoke training plans for more than a decade from its UK studios and it’s hoping to bring that same success to Dubai.

The workout:

The minute we step into the studio in 1 Lake Plaza we’re handed a green juice and asked about our goals (a stronger core and thinner thighs would be great, thanks). Our trainer George takes us through a mix of stretches, cardio and rigorous ‘supersets’ – alternating upper body and lower body exercises with little recovery time in between. The one-on-one sessions means constant attention – but sadly, no slacking.

Extras

The facilities are stylish, and while the changing areas aren’t big, the Molton Brown toiletries add a nice touch. There are plans to open a terrace area once the temperatures drop. Plus, there’s a car park solely for clients, which anyone who’s ever driven around JLT will confirm is a mark of luxury.

Floor 29, 1 Lake Plaza, Cluster T, JLT, Sun to Thur 6am to 9pm, Fri 6am to noon, Dhs4,333 per month. Tel: (04) 5573188. Metro: Dubai Marina. icanpt.ae

The verdict 

If fitness is your main focus, you’re looking to make a big change and commit to months of one-on-one training, I Can PT is the way to go. For a more relaxed approach, not to mention a gorgeous spa and rooftop pool, we’ll see you at the Burj Club.

– For more about Dubai straight to your newsfeed, follow us on Facebook.

Images: Supplied