In 2025, the gym isn’t just about lifting weights, it’s a lifestyle, a look, and for Gen Z in the UAE, a whole vibe. Vivaan Shenoy takes a closer look at how fitness has become the new form of self-expression, socialising, and even self-care for the country’s young generation. From Al Quoz warehouses turned elite training clubs to TikTok-worthy mirror selfies at Fitness First, working out has become as much a cultural ritual as it is a health goal.
Gone are the days of boring treadmills and cheesy aerobics. Now, it’s all about HIIT circuits, strength training, and gym fits that match your water bottle. Gym sessions are often paired with aesthetic edits on Reels, carefully curated playlists, and the right lighting for that perfect post-workout snap.
The rise of GymTok a niche of TikTok dedicated to workouts, protein reviews, and transformation videos, has influenced everything from the supplements UAE teens buy to how they warm up. Think creatine over coffee, oversized pump covers, and lifting playlists that range from Travis Scott to Tamil beats.
What’s even cooler? The community vibe. Teens are joining group classes like CrossFit, RX Summer Runs, or powerlifting squads where friendships are built over deadlifts and post-gym karak chai. And mental health isn’t left out, many Gen Z gym-goers are turning to fitness for routine, focus, and self-esteem.
Whether it’s for the mirror, the mental peace, or the main feed, Gen Z’s gym culture in the UAE isn’t slowing down anytime soon. It’s fit, it’s fierce, and it’s unapologetically aesthetic.