AusLeisure

Fitness First Middle East has announced that it will launch womens-only gyms in Saudi Arabia this year, complementing its existing portfolio of men’s clubs.

With Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Sports announcing last month that it would begin issuing licences for women’s gyms, the new clubs will offer classes, including BodyPump, Zumba and RPM and exclusive group training 6D, which is based on six dimensions of fitness: move, lift, core, burn, function and recover.

Members will also be able to use other Fitness First ladies-only clubs in Middle Eastern countries, with Fitness First regional licences the Landmark Group already operating a network of female-only gyms across the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan and Kuwait.

In line with new regulations issued by Saudi Arabia's General Authority for Sports, the operator will be recruiting internationally qualified female personal trainers.

Facing rising levels of obesity, Saudi Arabia wants to increase the ratio of individuals exercising at least once a week from the current 13% of population to 40% by 2030.

Fitness First Middle East Chief Operating Officer George Flooks explained "Fitness First are excited to be bringing ladies-only gyms to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“Our concept will have over 70 GX classes a week and will be purpose built for ladies.

"Fitness First will bring the most talented and highly qualified staff in the region to the Kingdom, together with the best experience for ladies. Our clubs will be designed for exercise, comfort, a great social environment and convenience. We will also ensure all of our clubs have Arabic speaking female staff to ensure we have the best connection with our members."

Fitness First has 66 clubs across 50 locations in the Middle East.

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