If you think the Middle East’s fixation with ultra-tall skyscrapers and record-shattering hypertowers is astonishing, this will truly leave you stunned. Saudi Arabia has pulled a similar stunt with a gym class. GymNation is gearing up to launch what it calls the world’s highest gym class inside a hot air balloon, rising to about 2,200 ft (670 m) above Riyadh’s skyline. Starting the year on new heights has taken on a whole new meaning in Saudi Arabia, where even gym sessions refuse to be run-of-the-mill. You will not need an hour of cardio to get your heart racing either. This exceptionally unique workout experience will run every Saturday throughout January, and it is as much about adrenaline as it is about fitness.
GymNation’s latest concept is not just fresh air and photography. It is about challenging yourself in an atmosphere that feels almost out of this world, while soaking in panoramic views of Riyadh’s standout silhouettes, including Kingdom Tower, Majdoul Tower, and Al Faisaliah Tower. Sure, you can enjoy a skyline view on a treadmill in a high-rise gym, safely tucked behind glass. GymNation, however, is clearly chasing the outdoorsy, adventurous fitness crowd.
If you are keen on joining the program, here is what to expect; it is a 30-minute full-body strength and conditioning workout. The warm-up and stretching begin on the ground before you ascend. Once you are “on cloud nine,” GymNation trainers take over with a fast-paced circuit, featuring exercises cheekily named Cloud Crushers, Altitude Lunges, Overhead Ascents, Wing Spans, and Bicep Take-Offs. It sounds like a lot of fun, doesn’t it?
The class was developed in partnership with GymNation’s award-winning fitness team and sports scientist, Aderito Manuel, as reported by Dailymail. According to Manuel, “The concept for the world’s highest gym class is rooted in science.” He adds that altitude training can increase the overall volume of red blood cells by three to 10 percent, and hemoglobin by five to 10 percent, because of the lower oxygen content at higher altitude. That, in turn, can support recovery by feeding more oxygen to the muscles. He notes it is popular with athletes such as runners, cyclists, and HYROX competitors who want to boost aerobic capacity. GymNation also claims you can burn 5 to 15 percent more calories by taking your workout to the sky. What is not to like about that?
Saudi Arabia has been doubling down on headline-grabbing lifestyle experiences as it builds toward its ambition of becoming a luxury tourism magnet. While that bigger vision continues to take shape, this balloon workout taps directly into the kind of novel, once-in-a-lifetime experience people are hungry for. If you are part of that clan, registration is now open, so throw your name in and take your fitness to new heights.
