Rising Fitness Aspirations

A landmark survey conducted by GymNation, a leading fitness brand in the UAE, reveals a sharp rise in fitness awareness across the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Notably, an impressive 92% of respondents shared aspirations to improve their health by 2025. Yet, high gym costs and feelings of intimidation have kept many from embarking on their fitness journeys.

GymNation’s mission is clear: to make fitness both inclusive and affordable. Living up to their vision, the brand recently launched the UAE & KSA Health & Fitness Report 2025—the largest survey of its kind in the region.

This in-depth report gathered insights from over 9,600 residents in the UAE and KSA, shining a spotlight on challenges, opportunities, and shifts within the regional fitness industry.

The Region's Push Towards Healthier Lifestyles

"Our goal with this research was to empower local communities to prioritize health and wellness," said Karl Foster, GymNation's Chief Technology Officer.

"This report not only showcases the region’s significant progress toward developing healthier communities but also underscores the need for more affordable and beginner-friendly gym experiences."

Here’s what the findings revealed:

• A staggering 92% of participants aim to lead healthier lifestyles by 2025—far surpassing similar metrics in the UK (76%) and USA (75%).
  
  
• Approximately 82% of respondents describe themselves as “somewhat active," with 79% working out at least twice a week.
  
  
• 64% of individuals reported improved health over the past year, and an additional 26% stated they had maintained it.
  
  
• Mental well-being also emerged as a top priority, with 92% of respondents acknowledging exercise as key to reducing stress and enhancing overall health.
  
  
• Over 40% of participants increased their fitness spending in the previous 12 months—nearly double the rate observed in the UK (24%).
  
  

The fitness industry in the UAE and KSA is experiencing unparalleled growth.

For instance, gym membership penetration rates are climbing rapidly, with Saudi Arabia leading with a 16.8% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2020 to 2023, followed by the UAE at 5.8%.

Obstacles on the Path to Fitness

While enthusiasm for fitness is at an all-time high, affordability remains one of the biggest barriers. Over half of non-gym members in the UAE and KSA cited cost as their main obstacle.

Cities like Dubai and Riyadh rank among the world’s most expensive for gym memberships, with prices soaring up to 150% higher than Stockholm and 25% higher than London.

"Dubai and Riyadh rank as the 3rd and 5th most expensive cities globally for gym memberships—a challenge we need to address," stated Loren Holland, Founder and CEO of GymNation.

"Our aim is to make fitness accessible to everyone by reducing costs and offering flexible monthly payment options."

This approach is already yielding results. Many first-time gym-goers are discovering a path to fitness through affordable alternatives like GymNation.

The report reveals that over 50% of new GymNation members had no prior gym experience in the 12 months leading up to joining.

Another significant barrier is "gymtimidation," particularly among women. Nearly 50% of women and 42% of men admitted to feeling intimidated at the gym.

This often stems from unfamiliarity with exercise equipment, a lack of fitness knowledge, or self-consciousness when exercising in front of others. Among women, 72% pointed to unfamiliar equipment as their biggest concern.

Leading the Movement Towards Accessible Fitness

GymNation's approach reflects what modern gyms should strive for—affordability, inclusivity, and accessibility.

The company's vision prioritizes breaking fitness barriers while creating welcoming spaces for all individuals, regardless of their skill level or background.

"As the region’s movement partner, we aim to improve health and wellness outcomes while making gyms less intimidating, more accessible, and enjoyable for everyone," said Foster.

This commitment is visible through GymNation’s continued expansion, with 10 new gyms opened in the last year alone, including 6 in Saudi Arabia.

With over 110,000 members currently, the brand plans to launch 20 additional locations by 2025 to meet growing demand.

The Path Ahead for Regional Fitness

The UAE & KSA Health & Fitness Report 2025 paints a vibrant picture of a region ready for a fitness revolution.

By addressing the core challenges of affordability, inclusivity, and accessibility, the Middle East could set new benchmarks for success in the fitness sector.

GymNation’s efforts serve as a blueprint for transforming industry obstacles into opportunities, aiming to help more people take the first step toward healthier lives.

The report provides further insights into motivations, barriers, and key factors like nutrition and financial considerations.

To explore the full findings and gain a deeper understanding of the regional fitness landscape, view the complete UAE & KSA Health & Fitness Report 2025.

Source: athletechnews

The opinions shared in the GymNation blog articles are solely those of the respective authors and may not represent the perspectives of GymNation or any member of the GymNation team.