If you want to get fit in Abu Dhabi and set your hearts a-racing then surely this is HIIT.
HIIT classes in Abu Dhabi are here to stay, and we’ve got the best classes to try. High-Intensity Interval Training might have seemed like just a fad back when it became a proper thing in the 1990s but given every right-thinking gym in Abu Dhabi offers these classes clearly it has stood the test of time.
So what’s HIIT all about? Well it’s a sprint, not a marathon. Then a pause, then another sprint, then another pause, then another sprint – you get the picture, right?
That might be oversimplifying the art of HIIT but these short, sharp bursts of cardio exercises really get results. In professional terms, we’d liken it to being an estate agent. Meet your clients, give them a torrent of ‘sell’ as you show them around, then take a breather until your next appointment and start all over again.
Here’s where you can find some of the best HIIT classes in Abu Dhabi. Our friendly estate agents are most welcome, too…
Barry’s Abu Dhabi
If you love to sweat it out at HIIT classes in Abu Dhabi, Barry’s is a top choice. The new studio at The Galleria Al Maryah Island is bringing some of the city’s most intense workouts with it. Group sessions at Barry’s Abu Dhabi studio run in both rooms throughout the day. Classes will be offered every day of the week throughout the day. There will also be ladies-only classes, themed classes, live DJ classes, team teaches, challenges and much more to look forward to at one of the top gyms in Abu Dhabi.
To learn more about the new Barry’s studio in Abu Dhabi, click here.
Opening Sat Sep 3. The Galleria Al Maryah Island, barrys.com
Cobra Fitness
Looking for top HIIT classes in Abu Dhabi? This impressive space in Khalifa City provides a heady mix of boxing, muay Thai, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and MMA depending on your fitness weapon of choice. And although we don’t subscribe to its mantra of ‘push till ya spew’, we can vouch for the fact Cobra Fitness will test you to your limits. The instructors here are all thoroughly professional, and hugely likeable. Along with learning those aforementioned disciplines (each full of that absolute HIIT action), the strength and conditioning sessions at Cobra are legendary.
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From Dhs120 for a day pass. Open Sun-Thu 6am-10pm, Fri-Sat 7am-7pm. Upper Basement, Al Bandar, Al Raha Blvd, Khalifa City, www.cobrafitnessuae.com/ (02 449 6524).
F45
Unless you’ve ever been sent on as a half-time super-sub to successfully win a game of football, it’s rare that you would have had the pleasure of getting a full workout in precisely 45 minutes. But this fitness sensation from Australia promises (and delivers) just that. The perfect mix of HIIT and circuit training, F45 uses both cardio and resistance sessions (or a combo of the two) to build your strength and endurance. Best of all, you’ll be part of a team.
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Prices vary. Open Mon-Fri 6am-8pm, Sat 7.30am-10pm, Sun 8am-11pm. Zayed Sports City Main Football Stadium, Ramp 40, f45training.ae/zayedsportscity/home (056 332 3113).
Punch
If you’ve ever wanted the chance to re-enact that famous scene from Rocky where Mr Balboa batters frozen meat suspended from the ceiling then this is your chance. Punch’s punchbag room resembles just that. But rather than giving yourself permanently flat knuckles (as Sly Stallone apparently did filming said scene), the perceptive Punch trainers will take a look at your stance and pugilistic technique before pointing you on the path to heavyweight glory.
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Prices vary. Mon-Thu 2pm-8.30pm; Fri 1pm-7.30pm; Sat 10am-11am; Sun 9am-11.30pm. International Tennis Complex Zayed Sports City, www.punchclub.ae/ (02 666 9717).
Roar Fitness
Perhaps inspired by the end-of-millennium desire of many people to forget partying like it was 1999, Roar Fitness started the Noughties as it meant to go on – by helping we layabouts get into shape. More than two decades on, you can tap into its main man Lee Harrison’s knowledge of strength and stamina training on a one-to-one basis or as part of Roar’s boxing or core strength training sessions. Looking for HIIT classes in Abu Dhabi for the whole fam? He also offers kids’ fitness classes, giving you the perfect excuse to drag the lot of you off the sofa.
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Prices and venues vary. Visit www.roarfitness.org (050 882 7618 ).
Strike Fitness
Now, if the thought of being confined to a gym, other people’s perspiration dripping from the ceilings has put you off trying some HIIT action, this lot should surely Strike a chord. With its idyllic location on Al Bahar Beach, you will have the shimmering waters and pristine sands as your backdrop as you convert yourselves from sun lounger slumberers to healthier humans in no time. Boxing calisthenics, yoga, muay Thai and the real art of stretching are all on offer. A top HIIT class in Abu Dhabi to check out.
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Prices vary. Sun-Thu 5pm-9pm; Fri 7am-8am; Sat 7am-9pm Al Bahar Beach, Corniche Street, www.strike.ae (050 303 2594).
Sweat
This small but perfectly formed fitness studio promises to ‘push your inner warrior’ by tapping into the power of your mind, body and soul. A big ask, you might say, but as soon as you enter this boutique arena you will realise how dead set they are on helping you fulfil your potential. These is HIIT classes in Abu Dhabi as you’ve probably not seen them before. The ‘Super Sweat’ class is one to aspire to, aimed at the ‘intensive warrior’ but for now, let’s just keep it sweet at Sweat.
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From Dhs80 a session. Opening times vary. Andalus Hotel, Al Seef Mall & Resort, sweatuae.com/ (02 444 5543).
The Room
Peter Pastijn is a man with a plan, and the co-founder of The Room has taken his superlative spinning sessions to another level by bringing Abu Dhabi an all-inclusive HIIT haven that gives us all the space to manoeuvre. Split into the Balance, Live-In, Cycling, Flow and Reformer rooms, this Belgian import prides itself of being welcoming and thoroughly unintimidating. The Room doesn’t have a gang of instructors, it has a ‘Care Team’.
For the best spin classes in Abu Dhabi, click here.
Prices vary. Zayed Sports City (Gate 16), International Tennis Center, theroom.ae (02 444 4945).
Universal Dance & Music
We were waiting for you, our faithful readers, to suggest dance as the ultimate fitness HIIT class. But thanks to Jane Egbe, aka Ginger, we were already one step ahead. Depending on how much heart you put into it, dance could well be the most beautiful way to not only improve your fitness but also your chances of not embarrassing yourselves at your bestie’s next birthday shindig. Ginger and her troupe offer a dizzying array of lessons (from salsa to hip hop, ballet to bachata, zumba to kizomba). The vibe here is truly Universal.
For the best dance classes in Abu Dhabi, click here.
Prices vary. Open Mon-Thu 10am-9pm, Fri 11am-10pm, Sat 4pm-8pm. Al Niyadi Building, Airport Road, universaldmauae.com/ (02 644 5557).
Vogue Fitness
Rugby fans Billy Graham and Patrick Hegarty were so determined to try another way of fitness that they propped each other up while spending the last of their money pushing their Vogue Fitness venture over the line. Expanding from its Yas Marina HQ, this client-centric concept has pitched up at many other prime locations across Abu Dhabi. Expect CrossFit, yoga, weightlifting, spinning and gymnastics. A top HIIT class in Abu Dhabi to really get your heart racing.
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Prices and timings vary. Locations across Abu Dhabi, including Yas Marina. www.vfuae.com (02 583 2380).
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