The best fitness centres and gyms in Dubai

Ask someone where to go spinning in Dubai and it’s likely they will direct you to Crank, a homegrown boutique fitness space. The spinning sessions are led by enthusiastic and well-trained instructors and their classes work for people of all fitness levels. There are also ladies-only slots on the schedule. And for those who need it, Crank's classes are also fun parties – there’s disco lights and energetic music to keep you going through a tough but satisfying ride.

Padel as a sport has been taking off everywhere across the world, including in Dubai – resulting in plenty of cool spots to practice your game cropping up across the city. A must-see padel venue is Matcha, a boutique club with six courts, allowing you to play to your heart's content. And then what better way to unwind after your game than by heading to the on-site restaurant, Nette, for French-Japanese fusion cuisine.

For a serene Pilates experience in the heart of Dubai, you can head over to Reform Athletica – with branches in both Jumeirah and DIFC – for an intimate class. The signature Pilates classes are inspired by the Reform Method and Microform, and the studio also offers other class options such as vinyasa yoga and deep stretch. Reform Athletica is also a sustainably-led space and is a plastic-free zone.

If you're looking to shake a leg while also burning calories, head to T6 Dance studio in Jumeirah Lakes Towers for an endorphin fix. Offering dance classes across a range of styles – dancehall, afrobeats, belly dancing, contemporary, reggaeton and more – taught by some of Dubai's most prolific choreographers, if you're a dancer on holiday and craving some movement, you'll find a beat to suit your rhythm.

A boxing experience that packs a punch for both your body and mind, Underdog is a great space to strap on the gloves and just focus on the bag. There’s three types of workouts in the boutique studio: from straightforward boxing through to pairing it with strength training or even yoga. It’s the perfect place to let off steam in an environment with pulsating music and low lights. Stay on your toes even while on holiday and keep yourself fit.

If you’re after a workout with a wide range of equipment, then look no further than Warehouse Gym, with locations across Dubai open 24/7. The chain offers a range of packages, including day passes, and provides a vibrant atmosphere with bright colours to get everyone in the right mood. With cardio, strength and stretch equipment, along with group exercise classes to complement your training, you can find Warehouse Gym in areas including Al Quoz, Dubai Design District (d3), Jumeirah Park and more.

There are plenty of yoga practitioners in Dubai, so you’ll definitely be able to book a yoga class wherever you are. Zoga has two sites, in Downtown Dubai and Dubai Internet City, both including a wellness studio and café. Zoga focuses on community and wellness, and often hosts a variety of workshops and masterclasses in addition to its regular repertoire of ashtanga, vinyasa, yin yoga and more. After class, check out the menu at the plant-based café for nourishing treats.

Dubai has a number of fantastic outdoor spots to get your fitness game on. For outdoor cycling, Al Qudra Cycling Track is one not to miss – and you can rent bikes, too. Runners should definitely head to Kite Beach and pound their way along the winding 14km-long track with stellar views of the sea. You can also leap on free-to-use fitness machines in green spaces like Al Barsha Pond Park for a quick workout.