Summer officially started this week (though temperatures have been soaring for weeks in the Middle East), and while many look to the season for time off, travel and holiday indulgences, others focus on ways to maintain their swimsuit bodies for the summer months. Upholding a regular workout routine is of course central to this. We speak to five female founders of UAE fitness studios to get their insight on key classes to try, how to stay disciplined and what songs they’ll be listening to while moving their bodies this summer:
At Barre Effect, instructors raise the heat with props like long bands, mini bands, Y-bells and weights to target every muscle in the body. “We work efficiently to get to a burn out in all major muscle groups,” shares founder Nora Hameidani. She points out the benefits of the studio’s Cardio Effect class, which not only strengthens and tones muscles, but also helps improve cardiovascular health. “Because of the class’s fast pace, heart rates are kept right up, so bodies are put into a cardio zone,” she says. “It’s fast, effective and guaranteed to have you feeling and looking fantastic.” She urges clients to set aside time dedicated to exercising while on their holidays. “It doesn’t need to be a traditional workout or class – something as simple as a nice, brisk 30- minute walk outside does wonders, and helps keep that step count high. Simply staying active and being in nature is great for your body and mind," she explains. "Whenever I’m away with my husband and kids, I love to get everyone involved – and we often hire bikes so we can explore a new city or area (with the added benefit of working out).”
Special package this season: BE Summer Ready package, AED 1,400 (Includes 20 classes, valid for 30 days)
Hameidani's summer workout song: Lately (Vintage Culture Remix) by Rufus Du SolForm
Combining practices from dance, yoga and meditation, Synkro encourages mindful awareness while embracing the liberating power of movement. Founded by Mariam Sawedeg and Brittany Small, the transformative experience involves wearing headphones and tuning into a collective soundtrack while following the steps of the instructor. “It's a beat-driven practice that works the entire body – think full-body sculpting through high-intensity movement inspired by 80s aerobics, yoga, Pilates, and functional training. But it goes beyond just movement – it’s a feeling,” explain Sawedeg and Small. “It’s about reconnecting with your body, mind and energy.” Summer naturally brings with a it a new pace and flow, and the co-founders advise we stay open to these shifting rhythms. “Lean into it,” they say. “The key is balance: consistency in movement and kindness to the mind.”
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Special offer this season: Synkro Online will be launching in the coming weeks – stay tuned
Their summer workout song: Who Keeps Changing Your Mind? (Daniel Bovie & Roy Rox Remix)
Lagree is a fitness method that resonates with pilates practitioners, and in Abu Dhabi, Form on Saadiyat Island is the destination to visit for this gruelling workout. Co-founder Salama Alghfeli, a certified Lagree instructor, is strict with her fitness regimen and advises her clients take similar steps to stay on track this summer. “The night before, I set aside my outfit so it's ready when I wake up. I arrive early to give myself time to settle in, drink my coffee and set an intention for the class,” she shares. “These small rituals create structure and help me stay consistent, especially on days when motivation is low. Movement is something I get to do, not have to do, that shift in mindset makes all the difference.” For Alghfeli, movement isn’t a choice; it’s a privilege, and this is where her discipline stems from. “I treat my workouts as standing appointments with myself,” she says. “I schedule them ahead of time and mark them on my calendar, just like any other commitments.”
Special offer this season: Complete 20 classes in July for a free 3-class package
Her summer workout song: Candle Flame by Jungle
Founded seven years ago by Palestinian-Saudi entrepreneur and practicing lawyer Dina Elshurafa, Reform Athletica offers a range of classes that blend high-intensity and low-impact workouts rooted in functional movement and Pilates, and inspired by the Lagree Method. Nestled in two locations in Dubai — Jumeirah and DIFC — and all set to soon open in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi this year — the studio is best known for its small scale sessions, bringing together no more than fourteen participants at a time. While the Reform Method classes rely on the Megaformer and Microformer to create an experience like Reformer Pilates, but more intense, yoga is a hot favourite among those looking to unwind and relax.
Along with fitness, Reform Athletica has also become a hub for art and design lovers thanks to its mindfully curated displays from around the world. Inspired by spaces in New York, LA and London, this is a space that promotes fresh ideas, a feeling of community and most importantly, a feeling of homecoming.
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Special offer this season: Starting July 10, Reform Athletica is launching an offer that allows guests to access 10 classes for AED 1,200 plus VAT.
Dina's favourite workout song: Overdrive by Ofenbach feat. Norma Jean Martine
Lucy Komolka Walsh, founder of pilates destination Studio14, has teamed up with SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences to offer monthly rooftop pilates mat classes on the first Friday of every month this summer. Amid panoramic skyline views of Dubai, the class revitalises and awakens your body as the city beyond slowly comes to life. “This is a head-to-toe sculpt. It deeply engages your core, tones your glutes and thighs, defines the arms, and lengthens the spine — all while improving posture and flexibility,” she explains. “You’ll leave feeling powerful, aligned, and elevated."
To stay disciplined this summer, Walsh recommends starting the day early and seeking special experiences to make each workout more meaningful. “Morning movement sets the tone for the day – especially when they come with a view, spa access, and a nourishing smoothie,” she says. “When your routine feels like a mini retreat, it becomes something you crave, not skip."
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Special package this season: Pilates in the Sky Summer Package at SLS, AED 235 (Includes an 8am rooftop pilates session, full access to the SLS Dubai spa facilities and a refreshing smoothie)
Her summer workout song: Water by Tyla
Located in Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai-based reformer pilates studio Revive recently opened up a second location, Revive+, at the Jumeirah Golf Clubhouse. Founder Louise Leighton recommends the popular full-body reformer workout for a challenging and dynamic session that blends strength, stretch and sweat. “It hits your core hard – you’ll feel those deep ab muscles the next day,” she admits. “But it’s also brilliant for glutes, inner thighs and postural muscles. You walk out feeling taller, more aligned, and ready to take on the day.” Leighton offers a fun approach to staying committed to your fitness routine this summer: by investing in outfits that will help motivate you to show up to your classes. “Let’s be honest – a cute activewear set and a killer playlist can make all the difference,” she says.
Special offer this season: Unlimited reformer pilates per month (July and August), AED 999
Her summer workout song: Illusion by Dua Lipa
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