The fast-growing Middle East fitness operator continues to push the boundaries of fitness, with its newest offering soaring 2,200 feet above Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Nearly 70% of exercisers across the GCC are craving more memorable fitness experiences, and GymNation’s answer comes 2,200 feet above Riyadh.
The fast-growing Middle East fitness operator, no stranger to headline-grabbing activations, has launched the world’s highest gym class, held inside a hot air balloon floating above the city’s skyline.
Developed in partnership with sports scientist Aderito Manuel, the in-air workout taps into the growing interest in altitude training.
“The concept for the World’s Highest Gym Class is rooted in science,” Manuel said. “Altitude training can increase the overall volume of red blood cells by 3 to 10% and hemoglobin from 5 to 10% in the body due to the low oxygen content in the air at a high altitude.”
That increase, he says, can fuel recovery due to increased oxygen being fed to the muscles and can even help participants burn between five and 15% more calories.
“It’s a popular method for different athletes, including runners, cyclists and Hyrox athletes looking to boost their aerobic capacity,” Manuel added. GymNation partnered with Hyrox last year, launching dedicated Hyrox Performance and Hyrox Training Centers for athletes in training mode.
For the adventurous, the hot air balloon experience begins with a dynamic warm-up and stretching session on the ground before participants ascend. They then complete a 30-minute, full-body strength and conditioning workout combining both bodyweight and weighted movements.
In addition to the workout, class participants are treated to sweeping aerial views of Kingdom Tower, Majdoul Tower and Al Faisaliah Tower.
“As the research shows, exercisers are demanding more from their fitness provider and ever since GymNation opened its first gym in KSA, we have delivered — from state-of-the-art equipment, contemporary interiors and dedicated studio spaces alongside some of the largest free weights zones in the region,” GymNation chief marketing officer Rory McEntee said.
“Our expansion in the KSA is moving at pace, and this new class takes things to new heights, delivering a first-of-its-kind fitness experience for a region that is becoming a global benchmark for setting records,” McEntee added. “I mean, where else can you curl with views over the Kingdom Tower or squat while peeking at the Majdoul Tower?”
The classes will take place every Saturday throughout the month, with limited spaces available.
Beyond the attention-grabbing marketing, GymNation’s growth appears to be translating into real momentum. The fitness operator sold 3,000 memberships in just 24 hours ahead of the opening of its first Bahrain location last month and following its expansion across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, where the brand now operates 34 locations.
A second Bahrain location is in the pipeline at Oasis Plaza in Muharraq, scheduled to open in April.
The Bahrain expansion marks the latest step in a regional growth strategy that will bring GymNation to 60 open locations and more than 300,000 members by the end of 2026, according to the fitness operator.
In addition to its fitness equipment and training zones, GymNation, which touts an affordable, 24/7 model, offers a range of group fitness classes spanning Pilates, Les Mills, Zumba, sound healing, yoga and more.
