Ramadan 2022 in UAE: Gyms report rise in memberships during holy month

Ramadan 2022 in UAE: Gyms report rise in memberships during holy month

Boxing coach Marat Kaldybekov, who trains at Punch 360 at Jumeirah Islands, says he is impressed by the discipline he has seen in his fasting clients.

“Most people come in a few hours before iftar,” he said. “They are ready to go full power and don’t want to back down. It is like they want to challenge themselves physically, mentally and spiritually. Some people come after Iftar, having consumed just dates, water and a light snack so that that they can train. The discipline that people are showing is something I respect.”

The facility has also seen a rise in membership numbers. “I think people are mindful of the fact that they may be eating more than usual with Iftar gatherings and family meals,” he said. “So, we have seen more members signing up.”

At the F45 gym in Motor City, the trend has also been that more people are training around Iiftar time.

“Usually our early morning classes - the 6.30am ones - are fairly full,” said Jessie Bremus, head coach and manager of F45, in Motor City. “However, since Ramadan began, we have had to cancel some of our morning classes. Instead, we are seeing more people training during the late afternoon