DUBAI // Body beautiful fitness fans can now work up a sweat at a fully-equipped outdoor gym that aims to rival Los Angeles’ famous Muscle Beach.
The gym, at The Beach at Jumeirah Beach Residence, is one of several wellness initiatives in Dubai that seek to raise people’s fitness levels.
Kevin Teixeira, co-founder of The Warehouse Gym, which created the outdoor facility, said it offered something that “was missing from Dubai”.
“When people think of Venice Beach they think of bodybuilding, so we’re trying to capture that ‘old school’ feel, but with a modern twist and by adding new things,” said Mr Teixeira.
The outdoor gym features a full-sized fitness rig for functional training, such as pull-ups, rope climbs and squats. There are also bikes and rowers, as well as spinning classes.
Unlike Muscle Beach, however, staff will be present to assist people working out.
Mr Teixeira hopes to attract not just residents, but also tourists.
“There are a lot of people who want to exercise when they’re on holiday, but sometimes to be inside feels like a waste of your holiday. This way, you can combine being outside with being active,” he said.
Fans and a canopy will be set up during the hotter months. Mr Teixeira said it was important to adapt to the summer heat by changing workout times and shortening sessions.
“Training outside is a very liberating feeling and can be quite spiritual, especially first thing in the morning when it’s just you, the ocean and the sand.
“We are telling people to be sure to have plenty of sunscreen on, because when you’re training it is easy not to notice you’re burning, unlike when you are just lying in the sun.”
Derrick Branford, an American trainer based in Dubai and the owner of HEAT cafe, said the outdoor gym would be an important addition to the city.
“I think its a fantastic idea,” he said. “Of course it will only be used six months a year by the majority, due to weather, and only year-round by the most extreme, but it’s about way more than a gym on the beach.
“The real importance of this is that the Government approved it. Whether in the end it turns out to be a fantastic idea or a failure, as with any great city, we need the Government to allow ideas to be executed. This isn’t about a gym at all. It’s about creating a city with options. Whether those options work or fail is irrelevant in the bigger picture.”
British expatriate James Reed, who lives in JBR, said: “Normally I travel to JLT for my training but this is a great thing to have on our doorstep, because JBR doesn’t really have anything right now.
“It’s also really cool to have as a social thing. You could bring your mates down for a workout, or if you have visitors this is something fun to do as well.”
Personal trainer Hend Rees said: “Having an open gym on the beach is something new to Dubai and the Gulf in general, so it’s definitely an attraction, for residents or those on holiday.
“It’s a fun idea and people in Dubai like to change and like unique things, as Dubai itself is unique. I think it will target mainly residents in JBR and the Marina, because it’s in walking distance and they can make one trip to the gym and the beach.”
mswan@thenational.ae
