If you’re stuck in a rut at the gym, it might be because you’re doing the same routine over and over again and could do with a change. It’s true, the standard gym membership is out (as well as admittedly hard to commit to), and fun class-sampling programmes, such as Dubai’s GuavaPass, are in.
Through the innovative online fitness network, bored, busy and wannabe fitness fanatics can have their fill of the whole buffet trying various gyms and classes across town for a teensy monthly fee.
On top of that, the hand-picked classes and facilities are far from traditional. Through GuavaPass, this could be the year you finally give aerial silks, pole or trampoline fitness a go; just some of the crazy classes on offer alongside tried and trusted burns like kickboxing, spin class and CrossFit.
Founded in Singapore early last year by Jeffrey Liu and Rob Pachter, GuavaPass was created to change the way people perceive and pursue healthy living, to motivate and build an active community. Pachter said: “We want our members to always look forward to their next workout, live their full potential and be inspired every day.”
Adding to GuavaPass’ flexible approach to discovering fitness, users can also gain access to thousands of other branches that have partnered with the brand worldwide, including those in Manila, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Jakarta, Melbourne and other parts of the Middle East, to name a few.
Push and pull: HIIT and crossfit training are options available.
Needless to say, the service has gained huge popularity with airline crew and the jet-setting population in general, and excuses not to work out are fast becoming a thing of the past.
GuavaPass’ Head of Product internationally and Dubai General Manager, Melissa Tran says: “The founders were expats in Singapore and, while there, were finding it difficult to look up fitness classes in their area and so came up with the idea to bring different studios together to make the process of discovering new classes easier. It’s similar to ClassPass in the US, but reaching out to the Asian market.
“We launched in Dubai in September 2015 and are already tied with 55+ studios across the city, and we’re hoping soon to expand to other places in the UAE and GCC,” she adds.
Some of the popular high-end (and generally not cheap!) facilities in Dubai you’ll get to have a taste of as a GuavaPass member include Urban Energy Fitness, FAST Athletic Training, Bounce Middle East, Physique 57, Rawr Yoga, Fit Boys Gym, Round 10 Boxing Club, and Club Stretch, all for just Dh449 per month.
This fee allows you to take as many classes as you want at any partnered facility (although up to three per studio), and according to the website, there are about a dozen different workouts offered each day at varying times.
The GuavaPass allows you to take as many classes as you want at any partnered facility.
It’s an incredibly affordable way to stay motivated, and you can try your hand at widely varied workouts, from Parkour to Power Yoga, as well as take advantage of ‘GuavaPerks’ such as exclusive access to wellness events and health experts across the city.
“I think it’s great for the studios themselves too,” adds Tran, “because it allows them to reach a new audience that they’ve maybe not thought about before.
“Most of all, GuavaPass gives people flexibility and choice. It allows people to find whatever form of fitness it is that best fits into their schedule and their lifestyle. You’re not tied down to one single gym any longer, and you can try, and learn, different things.
“The best feedback that I get from members is like ‘I’ve tried three different activities this week that I otherwise would never have thought of doing before’, and we really like to hear that.”
“Also, we’ve had some members say they’ve fallen in love with one particular studio or class offered somewhere and have gone on to tack on a membership there as well. That’s one of the reasons we exist too – to help people discover their next fitness passion and the place to do it.”
Until January 31, GuavaPass has a buy-one-get-one-free offer on monthly memberships. It also has a regular referral programme that allows members who have referred a friend, 50 per cent off their next month, as well as 50 per cent off that friend’s first month.
What: GuavaPass
Where: Locations all over Dubai
Cost: Dh449 per month
More information: www.guavapass.com
