AusLeisure

Dubai fitness facility GymNation has reported reaching its one-million-member visit milestone since opening its first location in the Emirate’s Al Quoz district in July 2018.

The one millionth member checked into GymNation Bur Dubai on Tuesday last week and received a free lifetime GymNation membership, as well as prizes worth more than Dhs10,000 from GymNation partners.

The low cost fitness club operator, which is proud of what it calls its “unrivalled price point” at around a third of the cost of other Dubai gym operators, offers 24/7 opening at its clubs, more than 400 free classes a month, over 500 pieces of Matrix gym equipment and free parking at all sites.

Dubai residents Loren Holland, Frank Afeaki and Anthony Martland came up with the idea for GymNation, which they call “Dubai’s first affordable gym” out of frustration at the high cost of gym memberships in the UAE.

Holland told TimeOut Dubai “we felt that the Dubai gym industry needed a shake-up as it had become stagnant and over-priced.

“We saw a gap in the market for a world-class offering that was priced fairly so we could make health and fitness available to everyone … and that’s just what we have achieved.

“Everyone told us the concept wouldn’t work in Dubai, but at GymNation there’s no social status, everyone is welcome and we’ve provided an affordable price for all. It’s just a great and inspiring environment that more than million people have benefited from in under 24 months.”

However, GymNation's promotional campaign 'Stop Wasting Your Money on Your Over-Priced Gym' has prompted a local competitor to issue the business with a legal notice.

Responding to this on LinkedIn, Holland explained "they are trying to force us into taking down our ... advert!

"Shame on you multinational corporation bullies ... instead of throwing your money at your ... lawyers, I challenge you to actually come up with your own innovative promotional advert."

GymNation currently operates clubs in Al Quoz, Bur Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah, with five more GymNation branches coming this year in Motor City, Mirdif, Silicon Oasis, Downtown Dubai and Khalidiyah Mall in Abu Dhabi.

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