Racquets, Reps and Rides: The Brit’s Guide to Getting Fit in the Emirates

If your usual gym routine involves dodging rain puddles on the way to a leaky leisure centre, it might be time to shake things up — big time. The UAE is where fitness goes full throttle: state-of-the-art gyms, squash courts that look like something out of a sci-fi film, and roads so smooth you’ll want to drive just for fun. The best way to do it? Snag a weekly car rental Dubai deal and build your own health-and-hustle itinerary. No waiting for buses. No excuses. Just sweat, sunshine and a bit of swagger.

Whether you’re a gym rat, a weekend warrior or just trying to outrun your last kebab, this guide’s got you sorted.

Level Up Your Training: Gyms That Mean Business

Forget cramped spaces with broken rowing machines and dodgy music. In the UAE, gyms are more like luxury wellness clubs — think spa-level changing rooms, in-house smoothie bars, and equipment so clean it practically shines.

Hit up:

Binous Gym (Dubai) – Pure vibes and powerlifting heaven. The who’s-who of the Dubai fitness scene trains here.

GymNation – Affordable, massive, and open 24/7. Perfect for expats on a mission.

Train SF (Al Quoz) – Serious kit, CrossFit setups, and rooftop views. You’ll train hard and feel like a legend doing it.

Weekly passes are a thing at most places — so with your rental sorted, you can easily bounce between them and find your tribe.

Squash in Style — Not Just for City Bankers Anymore

Squash is making a proper comeback — and in Dubai, it’s anything but stuffy. You’ve got courts with LED lighting, pro coaching on tap, and booking apps that actually work.

Top squash spots:

NAS Sports Complex – Slick facilities and competitive leagues.

Emirates Golf Club Squash Courts – Fancy, but worth it.

Dubai Creek Club – Iconic, central, and full of players who don’t mess about.

Fancy a rally after work or before brunch? Your weekly car rental Dubai makes it easy — no faffing with taxis or sweating it on the metro. Just chuck your kit in the boot and go.

Fuel Right, Eat Smart

Dubai’s food scene isn’t all gold-covered burgers and £25 milkshakes. The healthy food options here are class:

Wild & The Moon – Organic, trendy, and TikTok-worthy.

Kcal Life – Meal plans, smoothies and macro-friendly everything.

Comptoir 102 – Wholefoods heaven with beachy vibes.

Most gyms and squash centres are near solid food joints, so you’ll never be far from a protein fix.

The Open Road Is Your Cardio

Let’s not forget the ride part. Driving in the UAE is a buzz. Desert highways, city cruises, and coastal stretches that make every trip to the gym feel like part of the adventure.

A weekly rental means freedom — hit the beach in the morning, gym in the afternoon, squash at sunset. No waiting. No squeezing into hot buses. Just you, your playlist, and a car that doesn’t smell like your mate’s leftover curry.

Affordable options like the Toyota Yaris, Nissan Sunny, or even a cheeky Ford Mustang are available on Drive Yango, and most rentals come with full insurance and delivery to your hotel. How’s that for convenience?

Fitness, But Make It a Lifestyle

This isn’t a holiday where you come back bloated and skint. This is the kind of break where you actually level up — body, mind and driving skills included. One week in Dubai with a proper plan, a decent motor, and access to top-tier facilities can do more for your fitness than months slogging it out in a gloomy UK gym.

Train Like a Boss, Drive Like a Local

Racquets, reps and rides — it’s not just a clever title. It’s the ultimate combo for Brits who want more from their trip. So chuck your trainers in your suitcase, get your playlist sorted, and book that car. The Emirates is waiting — and it’s not here for half-measures.