Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – GymNation, the region’s most disruptive and fastest-growing fitness brand, has sent social media into meltdown, after launching the World’s Highest Gym Class.
Known for pushing boundaries through innovative classes, GymNation’s latest concept class takes fitness to new heights – delivering a workout in a hot air balloon 2,200ft above Riyadh’s stunning skyline.
Since announcing the class, interest on social media has soared with thousands of fitness lovers reacting to the unique experience.
The class was developed in partnership with GymNation’s award-winning fitness team and sports scientist, Aderito Manuel, after research conducted across the GCC revealed 67% of exercisers are increasingly seeking more memorable fitness experiences over traditional workouts.
Athletes and professional sports teams have often integrated altitude training into their schedule, and that principal “was the basis” for the World’s Highest Gym Class, according to Aderito Manuel, a leading sports scientist.
Manuel commented:
“The concept for the World’s Highest Gym Class is rooted in science. 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.
This increase can fuel recovery, due to more oxygen being fed to the muscles. It’s a popular method for different athletes, including runners, cyclists, and HYROX athletes looking to boost their aerobic capacity.”
Participants can also expect to burn between 5 & 15% in extra calories when training at altitude according to the brand.
Following a dynamic warm-up and stretching session on the ground, participants can expect to ascend to around 2,200ft for a 30-minute full-body strength and conditioning workout in the air.
The class combines tailored bodyweight and weighted movements, including:
- Cloud Crushers (Squats)
- Altitude Lunges (Lunges)
- Overhead Ascent (Overhead Press)
- Wing Spans (Lateral Raises)
- Bicep Take-Offs (Bicep Curls)
During the session, participants are treated to breathtaking aerial views of Riyadh’s most iconic landmarks, including Kingdom Tower, Majdoul Tower, and Al Faisaliah Tower.
For Rory McEntee, Chief Marketing Officer at GymNation, the World’s Highest Gym Class is just the latest example of the company’s commitment to delivering memorable fitness experiences.
McEntee commented:
“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.
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.
I mean, where else can you curl with views over the Kingdom Tower or squat while peeking at the Majdoul Tower?”
Saudi Arabia is no stranger to landmark achievements in recent times. The Kingdom will soon be home to the world’s tallest building, the Kingdom Tower in Jeddah, set to become the first kilometre-high building in the world when completed in 2028.
The World’s Highest Gym Classes will take place every Saturday throughout January, with limited spaces available due to the exclusive nature of the experience. The class has been developed in collaboration with leading Healthy and Safety experts to ensure a safe, and memorable, experience for participants and onlookers alike.
Bookings are now open at https://events.gymnation.com/worldshighestclass/
