First Month with GymNation in the UAE (NOT a Gym Review!)

Dropping the bomb early, I HATE GOING TO THE GYM. But that’s all in the past when I didn’t know any better. Over the years, I learned the essence of strength training and gym workouts. Which of course are all for the sake of my RUNNING and HIKING activities. Since it’s off-season (of hiking) anyway, I finally took the commitment and signed up for a gym membership! Not really a review, but let me share the first month of my gym journey with none other than GymNation!

GymNation – Location & Facilities

An up-and-coming chain of fitness centers in the UAE, GymNation has multiple branches across the UAE. Open 24/7, GymNation takes pride in its latest equipment and machines you can use to your heart’s content. With the option of getting single-site access or multi-site access, you have the flexibility to decide.

Interested to know more about GymNation in the UAE? Check the GymNation Website!

Because I’m dependent on the Dubai Metro, I found the Bur Dubai site the most accessible one. Although quite a distance from where I live (in Al Barsha), I signed up with single-site access with the Bur Dubai site. A few-year-old building called M Squared between Spinneys and Centrepoint, GymNation Bur Dubai is occupying the whole mezzanine floor.

Apart from the equipment and machines, there’s also a ladies’ section and three studios (a spin studio, a virtual one, and a main studio) for group classes. No swimming pool nor a sauna facility though but I don’t think it’s really necessary anyway.

Gymnation Journey instead of a Gym Review

Similar to my first few hiking and running activities, I am at a point where I am just getting the hang of it. The habit of going to the gym, familiarizing the classes and equipment and learning which one I like (and hate), and the feeling of belongingness inside the gym. I guess it’s the first part of the journey.

So far, I am enjoying the Spin Studio where I usually go for either a 30-minute sprint class or the 45-minute virtual spin class. Despite facing the windows, I am struggling with the treadmill though. I realized I am forever an outdoor person on almost everything, running included. But as we enter the summer season, I have no other choice but to run in the treadmill on the next few months. Mentally preparing myself!

Stairmaster, on the other hand, is another issue. I’m so excited to get my hands on it because it’s the hype for people like me, y’know, training for the mountains. But when I tried it with myself, I realized it is more of a mental battle than a physical one. I will train more and try the 500-floors challenge (my current record is 120-floors only) courtesy of Nelly Attar’s Instagram post and God knows how I’ll handle it mentally. There’s no downhill option either, which I thought there is. I guess I didn’t know Stairmaster enough before trying it in person.

Personal Thoughts

A month is too short to tell whether my gym workouts are giving me good results. However, compared to previous years, I am probably out of shape by now because of the weather. But lo and behold, I can still hold up pretty well for 5K runs. I also joined the recent DXB Snow Run 2023 and my performance wasn’t that bad although the uphill part was really tough.

Fortunately, I have a friend coming with me and the accountability part is not a problem either. I still have a long way to go, but so far, I am enjoying GymNation. I can only commit 2-3 times per week and I don’t plan on pushing myself so hard to train every day anyway. The real struggle will come anytime soon, especially with an upcoming shift in my career.

For now, let me continue to enjoy my journey with GymNation. I may discover and learn a lot more and I am eager to share it with you next time. Until then, ciao!