Abu Dhabi Country Club :-
This sports complex has everything going for it - a polished, leisurely atmopshere, state-of-the-art equipment, and surprisingly low rates 聳 for the ladies at least. When you sign up, they throw in a free health screen, fitness assessment, personalized programme and two personal training sessions to get you off to a good start.
Rates: Dhs5000 for annual membership for women and Dhs10,000 for men.
Best feature: There are (believe it or not) spacious green grounds if you fancy taking a stroll to cool down after your workout. 聭Country Club聮 might be stretching it, but it聮s the closest you聮ll get in the capital
Opening hours: 7am-11pm
Al Saada street (02 657 7777).
Al Wahda Health Club :-
The largest health club in the city (including a 2700 sqm spa), swimming pool and a supersized gym equipped with top-of-the-line Technogym aerobic and weight training machines. Staff are refreshingly helpful here too.
Rates: Dhs14,000 for annual membership (with 35 per cent off until the end of September)
Best feature: Their fitness classes are a little on the expensive side, but the price includes access to the sauna, stream room and Jacuzzi, even if you聮re not a member. Bonus!
Opening hours: 6am-11pm
Grand Millennium Abu Dhabi (02 495 3831).
Armed Forces Officers Club:-
As you聮d expect of a military complex, Afoc聮s fitness centre is a macho domain, where men lift weights the size of buses and sweat like Niagara Falls. But don聮t be intimidated, everyone聮s friendly for the most part. Still, best leave the Lycra shorts at home.
Rates: Dhs6,000 annual membership for men or women; includes access to the swimming pool
Best feature: What do Eamonn Holmes and Cheryl Cole have in common? Well, extremely little, except that they聮re both fans of Hypoxi 聳 a high-tech training system that targets your 聭problem areas聮 for a more efficient workout. For men, this involves stepping into a wetsuit-like one-piece that increases pressure around your belly, making your time on the treadmill more efficient. For ladies, the suit squeezes the bum and thighs, helping you shift the wobble while you pedal. Afoc is one of very few places in the city to offer this celebrity-approved technology, available to members for an additional fee. Strap in.
Opening hours: 10am-1am
Afoc (02 4415 900).
Bodylines at Beach Rotana:-
With more equipment than most, you聮ll seldom find yourself waiting in line at this beachfront gym. And even if there聮s someone hogging your bench, you can always take the opportunity to pick up some training tips from the staff, who are some of the friendliest we聮ve ever encountered.
Rates: Annual membership costs Dhs12,000 for men and Dhs8,400 for women. Plus Dhs950 joining fee.
Best feature: With a lush view of the Arabian sea to check out while you聮re exercising, you ought to emerge feeling tranquil as well as trim. And if not, there聮s even special massage rates for members.
Opening hours: 6am-11pm.
Beach Rotana, Tourist Club Area (02 697 9000).
Haddins Fitness Centre:-
A very social gym in Zayed Sports City, Haddin聮s Gym is known for its varied training programs and activities, as well as top-notch equipment.
Rates: Haddins offer five tiers of membership, but basic yearly access is Dhs3,360
Best feature: A regular Corporate Contender boxing program, which provides intensive specialist training over a three month period, culminating a fight night where you get to put all your newfound skills to the test.
Opening hours: 6am-11pm weekends and 8am-10pm throughout the whole week
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