The Rise of Luxe Lagree Studios in the UAE

A new fitness trend is taking the UAE by storm, led by boutique studios where high-end aesthetics are as important as the high-intensity workout.

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The method is Lagree, a challenging fitness regimen that combines core stabilization, strength training, and controlled muscle engagement on a special Megaformer machine.

In Abu Dhabi, Salama Alghfeli, dressed in pristine white Lululemons, instructs a class at Form, the studio she co-founded with her sister, Aysha.

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As her students hold their lunges on the machines, their limbs trembling, Alghfeli is working to become the first Emirati master trainer in the Lagree method.

"To us, Form is more than a business," she explains. "It’s a creative outlet and a space to connect, move and just be."

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The studio, located on Saadiyat Island, reflects this ethos, with bespoke grip socks embroidered with chilli peppers sold alongside Loewe candles in its retail section.

The trend extends beyond the capital. In Sharjah, sisters Alya, Aysha, and Hana introduced the workout to the Emirate with Ora Wellness Lounge.

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They were drawn to Lagree for its ability to blend intensity with control while protecting joint health.

"Sebastien [Lagree, the founder] truly revolutionised the way we think about strength training, especially for women’s bodies," they share. Aesthetics were central to their vision.

"We built our brand primarily on aesthetics... We wanted the space to look like an earthy minimalist art gallery."

Gone are the days of bare, utilitarian gyms. These new studios balance the imposing Megaformer machines with understated and often feminine design touches.

The recently opened Soul Mvnt in Dubai Design District features marble and mother-of-pearl countertops displaying custom socks and hair accessories, setting an upscale tone.

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"Every detail, from the texture of the walls to the way light flows through the space, was thoughtfully chosen," says co-founder Sirine Bekdache.

She and her partner, Paloma Nassar, knew their clientele from the surrounding fashion offices would appreciate a space with elevated interiors. 

"A beautifully designed space invites you to be fully present, breathe more deeply and move with more intention," reflects Nassar. "When the energy of a room is calm and considered, it creates a sense of ritual, which transforms a workout into a holistic experience."

Source: voguearabia

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.