Gyms gear up for surge in membership as residents set new year fitness goals

Gym chains in Dubai anticipating a 20-30 per cent increase in sign-ups in January

- Mazhar Farooqui

Fitness centres across Dubai are seeing a surge in memberships, with residents eager to burn off holiday calories and make their fitness resolutions a reality in the new year.

Gym chains like GymNation are anticipating a 20-30 per cent increase in sign-ups in January, reflecting a global trend of renewed commitment to health and fitness at the start of the year.

“It’s no secret that January is one of the busiest months for gym membership sales, not just in the UAE but globally,” said William Rasmussen-Dean, UAE country director for GymNation.

“Driven by New Year’s resolutions and a surge in motivation, GymNation typically observes a 20 per cent increase in new memberships compared to an average month.

"However, the rush doesn’t begin immediately on January 1. Many take time to settle back into their routines and the momentum picks up in the last two weeks of January, making it the busiest period for gym visits and new signups.”