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The 5 Best CrossFit Boxes To Try In Dubai
There was a time when the UAE indoor exercise scene consisted of apartment building gyms, big chains like Fitness First or exclusive and high-end gyms/clubs like the Aviation Club.
Even five years ago, it is estimated that big chains had about 50% of the gym market. That has changed, independent fitness studios now make up around 80% of the market share. This has happened for a variety of reasons. There is a big trend in different kinds of exercise, and there is real innovation happening with fitness gurus and entrepreneurs.
Often these studios are hidden away, they are independent so don’t have big budgets to let people know about them, but once inside, you realise they are amazing places with great people.
This list is a shout out to the great CrossFit gyms littered across Dubai
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This is very much a community-led gym and surprisingly happens to be the only CrossFit gym in Dubai Marina.
Lead by owners/coaches Andy and Reyhana Harper, Iconic stands out for its unintimidating and encouraging atmosphere where the well-established team of coaches help you reach your fitness goals, whether its strength training, specialised training or weight loss.
Members here will tell you it’s the same faces and encouraging spirit from the entire community here that will keep you coming back.
Curious to try CrossFit? There’s a two-week beginner course here where you can learn the ropes and see if you like it. More info about Iconic here. Rates here.
Who is this for? Anyone looking for a long term fitness family
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2. Base3 DXB, JLT
Founded by Craig Harriman – one of Dubai’s most popular CrossFit coaches, Base3 just opened prior to summer and has gotten very popular. Thanks to the spacious facilities at Mazaya Avenue in JLT, Base3 can accommodate a huge number of members in each class.
Harriman is friendly and effective in guiding everyone through the movements and there are strength and conditioning classes that run without a barbell for those looking for the thrill of CrossFit without the strenuous nature of some of the heavier movements.
Who is this for – There’s a great range of classes including conditioning, balance and strongman, so this gym is ideal for those wanting a little variation to their CrossFit, or for those who enjoy elements of Crossfit but want to try different movements.
Cost – AED1100 per month unlimited.
Class times – classes start 6am, 7am and 9am, and evenings and weekends.
See base3.ae
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3. CrossFit Aptior – Fit Republik, Sports City
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Dubai Sports City, as you would expect, has a pretty impressive gym facility. Nestled in between the ICC (International Cricket Committee) Academy and the Spanish Soccer School, is Fit Republik.
The CrossFit box is called CrossFit Aptior, its membership is like a gym membership +1 (which you can add on) and still works out at about 40% cheaper than regular boxes.
They have both indoor (summer months) and outdoor rigs. They do regular events such as slams and throw-downs and have a thriving WhatsApp group, Facebook group, all in all, it’s a strong community.
They also have a Beyond The Whiteboard (BTWB) mobile app so you can track your PBs.
There’s been a bit of turnover on coaches since the gym opened in January 2015, but now barbell group head coach, Karl Foster has a team in place and Crossfit Aptior is an ever growing community.
Who is this for – From the hardcore cross fitter to the newbie (they do 101 classes), it’s good for those who want to pay less, want a good gym membership too and like a bit of outdoors. It’s sole focus isn’t cross fit, so you may not get as many hardcore members here, and the rigs haven’t been purpose designed, so although bigger and good equipment, you may want someone that customer made box.
Cost – AED 7,000 up front for 12 months, more details here.
Location and times – Classes start daily during the week at 6am, there are team WODs at 9am and 10am on Saturday.
Full details on the site.
4. Inner Fight, Al Quoz
One of the most competitive boxes in town, Inner Fight is known for its tight-knit community and its notorious Red Zone – the performance classes for competitors and long-term CrossFitters.
They don’t take walk-ins, and take CrossFit seriously. There are also recipes and meal plans available, podcasts, personal training, and all kinds of stuff.
Who is this for – The hardcore CrossFitters will enjoy this gym, and those wanting to adopt the holistic lifestyle.
Cost – AED1,500 per month, unlimited.
Class times – Weekdays: 5.30am, 6.30am, 7.30am, 4.30pm, 5.30pm, 6.30pm, Fridays 9am team workout.
See innerfight.com
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5. XFit by Fitness First
Fitness First’s answer to the growing CrossFit community, XFit takes all the similar elements of CrossFit and dances the line of imitation with a few small twists.
The gym is smaller than others, with cardio-based classes as well as the usual, with MMA and boxing classes.
There’s no outdoor area which is a bit of a bummer in the cooler months, but the community is thriving with a good group of people that share a love of CrossFit and enjoy organising weekend workouts on the beach too.
Who is this for – Ideal if you’re wanting to get a bit of MMA and boxing training in too, or try out a variation of CrossFit.
Cost – Prices available on consultation (around AED600-700 per month)
Class times – Weekdays: 7am, 8am, 8.30am, 1pm, 5pm, 6pm, 7pm. Weekends: 8am & 9am.
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