There's now a kids-only gym in Dubai...

Cardio and gymnastics classes designed especially for your little ones…

Dubai’s first kids-only gym has opened its doors with plans to help fight the growing childhood obesity epidemic.

Located at Golden Mile Galleria Mall, Palm Jumeirah, the endearingly titled ‘Little Gladiators’ occupies an area of 7,400 sq ft and offers a range of activities to get your tykes active.

Targeted at kids aged 3 to 14 years, activities include gymnastics, yoga, tree climbing kickboxing, cardio and an interactive climbing wall.

There’s also a swimming pool with sessions led by qualified instructors, and a kid’s spa because… well, Dubai.

Co-founders Javed and Shanna Gani said the inspiration behind opening the gym came from the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum: “When we moved to Dubai a year ago we were looking for a business idea to launch in the emirate. We looked at many options but it was Sheikh Mohammed’s work to improve the health of the nation that really captured our attention,”

The Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai has previously declared that the UAE should strive to reduce childhood obesity down from the current rate of 34 per cent to 12 per cent by 2021.

Javed added: “We used [Sheikh Mohammed’s decree] as a springboard to create a place for affordable family fun that is also another first for the emirate of Dubai, while also tackling one of the decade’s most pressing health problems.”

Little Gladiators also offers aerobics classes for mums, taught by female instructors, and private family swimming lessons so parents can get in on the action.

The centre can currently accommodate up to 1,000 members, with annual membership fees starting at Dhs999 per child for unlimited visits. Two further Little Gladiators are planned to open elsewhere in Dubai over the coming months.

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Images: supplied