#360fit: Exclusive gym will have you speaking the language of luxury

Kara Martin 12:52 26/03/2015
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Worth the effort: Body Language may be a journey away but boasts top-class facilities.

    Locating Al Barari is the sort of trek that will have you make a couple wrong turns first, or even doubt its existence, but you’ll forget all about any prior headache seconds into driving through its winding roads, overrun with gorgeous greenery and neatly hiding some attractive exclusive venues, such as this month’s Gym We Love – Body Language.

    If you’re looking for an inspiring fitness experience and tailor-made programmes, set in stylish indoor and outdoor facilities that feel more like a retreat than a place of exercise, Body Language is your spot.

    We imagine training here to be like doing so at your rich best friend’s house in the Hollywood Hills; its state-of-the-art gym, infrared steam rooms, spacious group class studio, tempting swimming pool and two sunken tennis courts give off a relaxed air of exclusivity. 

    Fitness Manager Rameen Evans is one guy who loves to come to work, particularly for its atmosphere: “I live in Dubai Marina and to come out here for work every day, it really just takes you away from the hustle and bustle. It’s a bit of a sanctuary or an escape, and actually it being so hidden away is kind of a big selling point; it makes you forget about all the other every day city stresses.” 

    The exercise studio is our favourite feature. It’s large, bright and airy, so stunning and inviting that we were ready then and there to throw down a yoga mat. The floors are polished wood and the walls of mirror and glass so that all you can see outside is lush vegetation.

    What’s cool is that when the weather permits, the glass can be removed; just expect the curious company of the occasional turkey, oryx, desert fox, deer or quail; just some of the docile wildlife that freely roam the property.

    Green living: The outside view of the entrance to the gym.

    Other classes held in here alongside their unique progressive blend of PranaVayu yoga include Spinning, Circuit Training, Pilates, Zumba, Power Pump and more, plus Body Language occasionally runs special sessions for the adventurous such as the current bootcamp and circuit-style Sand Pit training ahead of Al Barari’s upcoming Sand Pit Run event on April 17.

    And just a quaint winding walkway away is the small but luxurious pool area, which gets quite a lot of attention nearly all year round, not just because the pool is temperature controlled but because “generally we’re about 4°C cooler out here than anywhere else in the city, it’s like an oasis in the desert literally,” says Evans. “Also, we’ve got some great views from here; you can see the Burj Khalifa if seated in the cabanas out here.”

    The main gym space is so well kitted out with a variety of Technogym and other specialised equipment that those who don’t work out regularly all the way up to professional athletes can easily find their thing here and really get to work.

    Even so, the staff are more than eager to assist and come from various countries and fitness backgrounds and specialisations, whether you’re looking for rehabilitation and sports-specific training, body sculpting, strength training or CrossFit, or to tone, lengthen and lean up.  

     “We have a lot of athletes coming through here actually, football players, basketball players…,” says Evans. 

    “We are very based around functional movement and training but obviously do have all the free weights, bar bells, treadmills and all that. We do like messing around with kettle bells, ropes, the TRX, medicine balls et cetera as well.”

    Family fitness is a big part of the Body Language vision too and kids are not left out. They offer a class for little ones called Mini Movements which combines elements of dance, aerobics and body weight exercises set to a fun and motivational soundtrack.

    End your workout with a sports massage, steam or a refreshing beverage – yep, they have an in-house juice bar serving up fresh wholesome detox juices, protein shakes and more on top of offering personalised detox cleanse programmes. 

    Membership rates are attractive and vary depending on what you’re after but members do benefit from access to the two nearby tennis courts, their luxe swimming pool and all studio classes.

    Additionally there is an awesome day rate for external visitors –pay Dh100 and have access to all of the above for the whole day. 

    Lucky dip: The swimming pool is temperature controlled.

    If you needed any convincing to check this place out, added perks in the vicinity include the awesome The Farm restaurant which offers good wholesome food in a relaxed, tranquil setting; and its spa-meets-sanctuary equivalent, Heart & Soul.

    “Dubai residents lead a really fast-paced, hectic lifestyle so when it’s really time for them to relax they need to be somewhere that gives them that nice chilled out vibe so that they feel refreshed and recharged,” adds Evans.

    “When you leave this place and go back to what you’re doing, take a minute to notice how you feel – all the trees and greenery here give you energy and a sense of positivity you were seeking. That’s our unique selling point.” 

    We’re sold!

    WHAT: Body Language Health Club
    WHEN: Saturday to Thursday: 06:00-23:00; Friday: 08:00-20:00
    WHERE: Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road, off the E311 junction.
    CONTACT: www.bodylanguage.ae | 04 326 7277

    Recommended