Introducing the capital’s newest gym Arena Fitness - CrossFit Abu Dhabi

Facility offers newbies an introduction programme to sometimes-confusing sport

Arena Fitness - CrossFit Abu Dhabi, located in Al Zeina by Yas Island, is a massive 724 square metres. Photo courtesy Arena Fitness

Ask a local physiotherapist what impact the explosion in popularity of Crossfit has done for their business and they could well respond “it’s been good”!

It was in knowing the popular sport's reputation for causing a variety of injuries that can come with the onset of sudden and extreme workouts that Hisham Awad crafted a "safety first" ethos in launching Arena Fitness - CrossFit Abu Dhabi.

Unlike others of its ilk the new CrossFit box, which officially opens to the public on March 4 in Al Raha Beach’s Al Zeina neighbourhood, offers a four-day “On Ramp” programme to newbies.

That way they can spend a full four hours learning the basics of sometimes-confusing moves including squats, dead lifts and overhead presses before hitting an actual class.

“CrossFit is amazing but the risk of injury is high,” says Awad, 33, a predictably super-fit Palestinian who was born and raised in the UAE. “What I would like to be known as is, Arena Fitness is injury-free.”

The new space offers a suitably industrial feel at a massive 724 square metres, decked out in slick greys and bright primary colours.

Arena Fitness, which joins Vogue Fitness on Yas Island and MProve Fitness in the Al Maqta area on the capital’s growing CrossFit scene, will offer a full roster of classes throughout each day, with a mix of beginner and intermediate levels.

Although Awad is still working out a pricing structure, he promises an enticing opening offer and assures monthly packages will be competitive.

• Arena Fitness - CrossFit Abu Dhabi is located in Al Zeina and will offer a full range of classes each day from 5.30am through to 8pm. For more information go to the Facebook page, website, email [e-mail] or call 02 552 9002.