What I Love About Gyms in Saudi Arabia

One of the very first missions I set for myself when I landed in Riyadh was finding a gym. For me, keeping my routine is the only way to stay sane during a big move.

Back home, I already started my fitness routine. I loved rotating between Pilates, spin classes, and strength training.

Before moving, I looked up a few Pilates studios in Riyadh and was genuinely shocked: a single drop-in class can cost around $53 (SAR 200) or more. That is nearly five times what I was used to paying back home!

As much as I love a good reformer session, I quickly realized that joining a gym for strength training was going to be way more practical and sustainable option for me while living in Riyadh.

Gender-Segregated Gyms in Saudi Arabia

If you are new to Saudi Arabia, you might be wondering…

What does a ladies-only gym actually look like? 

Is it weird? 

Is it different from the mixed gyms I’m used to?

First, you need to know that gender-segregated gyms are the standard here. 

Unlike in the US or Europe, here you won’t find mixed commercial gyms where men and women work out on the same floor. 

The only exceptions are usually private gym inside residential compounds.

If the idea of a women’s only space sounds intimidating or restrictive, let me tell you, it is actually quite the opposite.

I admit, when I first learned about this, it felt like a bummer because I couldn’t work out with my husband. 

We both go to the gym and used to love syncing our workouts. But after a while, I got used to it. 

We still go to the gym together, he just drops me off at my entrance before heading to his!

What To Expect When You Join a Female-Only Gym?

The first time you walk into a female gym in Riyadh, you might experience a bit of a visual shock. 

You will walk in from the street seeing everyone covered in black abayas and niqabs. 

But the moment you pass the receptionist area and enter the locker room, the “veil” literally drops.

Underneath those abayas, women here are wearing the trendiest, brightest, and most fashionable matching gym sets you’ve ever seen. 

Yeppp, the kind you see on Lululemon or Gymshark’s Instagram, or the exact outfits worn by your fitness influencers.

If you are new to this scene and have a million questions, don’t worry. It can be confusing at first.

Why Do Muslim Women Cover in Saudi Arabia

The rules of covering might seem strict or mysterious to outsiders, but the logic is actually quite simple once you understand the concept of public vs. private space.

(I discuss the public dress code for women in my 10 Things You Must Know Before Moving to Saudi Arabia guide)

In Islam, modesty is a big deal, but it isn’t a 24/7 rule. It depends entirely on who is in the room.

When women are in public spaces where men are present (like malls, streets, or airports), they cover part of their bodies to maintain modesty and privacy. 

However, among other women (or immediate family members), those rules of covering relax completely.

Think of a female-only gym as a massive extension of a woman’s living room. Because no men are strictly allowed inside, the need for that outer layer of privacy disappears.

This is why these gyms are so popular and vital here. They aren’t just places to exercise, they are sanctuaries. 

For many Muslim women (especially those who choose to wear the hijab or niqab), the gym is one of the few places outside their actual home where they can take off the abaya, let their hair down, and just move their bodies freely.

So, when you see that transition from a full abaya to a cute gym outfit, you are witnessing a shift from the public world to the private one. 

It’s a space where everyone can just breathe.

I guess this is also the reason why living in Saudi has unlocked a part of me that I really like, it allows me to truly be in my feminine mode (as cliché as it sounds).

Women-Only Gym Etiquette in Saudi Arabia

If there is one rule you must never break when you’re going to a gym here, it is this one.

In mixed-gyms, taking a mirror selfie to document your gains is normal. 

In these female-only gyms, taking pictures or videos are technically prohibited.

Now, that’s not to say that none of the ladies at my gym take pictures. They still do, and I still do sometimes. 

But, and this is a big but, 

Everyone is extremely mindful.

You must be 100% certain that no one else is in your background. 

You can capture your outfit or your progress, just make sure absolutely no other ladies appear in your picture or video. 

I once saw a Tiktok video of a female expat recording freely in a gym, and I figured she might not have been aware of the local custom and sensitivity.

So, don’t forget to be mindful. In Saudi Arabia, the privacy of women is considered sacred.

Other than that, to keep that privacy secure, the staff at the gym are also entirely females. 

That includes the receptionists, the personal trainers, the cleaners, and the managers. 

It really adds to the sense of comfort.

Occasionally, a male maintenance worker might need to come in to fix an AC unit or a broken machine, but what I noticed they only came outside the opening hours.

So you don’t need to worry one bit.

4 Best Female Gyms in Riyadh: My Personal Review

Now that you know the unspoken rules and the dos and don’ts, the next question is: where should you actually sign up?

The fitness scene in Riyadh has exploded in the last few years. There are a lot of options for every budget and workout style.

Since traffic in Riyadh can be brutal, my biggest tip is to pick a gym close to your home or office.

This is the only way to stay consistent. Otherwise, it will get too draining every time you think of battling the traffic just to go for a workout session.

(And if your partner works out too, make sure they sign up to the same gym brand, as the buildings for men and women are often next to each other with different entrances.)

Fitness Time Ladies

If you drive around Riyadh for more than five minutes, you are guaranteed to spot the distinctive purple logo of Fitness Time Ladies. 

From what I understand, this is the largest gym chain in the Kingdom, and they have a massive presence specifically for women. 

When I was first surveying which gym to sign up for, they were naturally at the top of my list just because of how visible they are.

Their facilities are usually huge and most of their branches also come with serious amenities like swimming pools, saunas, and jacuzzis, which is a luxury you don’t find in the budget gyms.

And because they have so many branches, you can never really skip “leg day” no matter where you are.

 If you are traveling to Madinah or Jeddah for the weekend, they are there too, and your membership usually allows you to access branches across the Saudi Arabia freely.

How much is their fees:

For a 12-month contract: $826 (3099 SAR)

Why I didn’t choose them (yet)?

Despite the perks, I decided to pass at that time. The main reason was the crowd factor. 

I heard it gets incredibly busy during peak hours, and as a newcomer to the city, I found the huge gym a bit overwhelming. 

I preferred something simpler and quieter to start my journey.

I’ll share which gym I eventually chose in a bit.

Puregym

If you are an expat who is hesitant to sign a 12-month contract the moment you land, PureGym will be your lifesaver. 

This UK-based chain has expanded aggressively across Riyadh and they are famous for their flexibility.

There’s a branch of them near by me and i really want to check them out soon!

The interiors are modern with their signature mint green and black branding, neon lights, and “pods” for different workouts. 

The biggest selling point is their no contract model. You can pay monthly and cancel anytime, which is incredibly rare as most gyms try to lock you in for a year. 

Plus, most of their ladies’ branches are open 24 hours, so if you love late night workout session or a night-shift nurse, this is your spot.

If you just want to workout and don’t expect a post-workout swim (like I do), this is the best value for money in the city.

How much is their fees?

Per month: $71 (SAR 269)

Gymnation

I first spotted Gymnation in the UAE and it turns out they just landed in Riyadh.

I kinda love their vibe. The interior is incredibly industrial-chic and quite Instagram-worthy.

I even went to a viewing as I was considering them after my current gym membership expires.

They have a great option of group classes. 

However, there is a catch: which classes you get depends entirely on which membership tier you choose.

If you want to attend their Reformer Pilates classes, you need to subscribe to the “Signature” package for SAR 399/month.

While they also advertise very low monthly rates (sometimes as low as ~99-150 SAR/month during pre-opening), be very careful with the contract terms. 

They don’t have the “cancel anytime” policy. Their low rates often require a 12-month commitment that is strictly enforced. 

Many expats have found it difficult to cancel before the year is up, so make sure you are ready to commit before you sign up.

Monthly fees: SAR 200-SAR 400 

IN2 Fitness

IN2 Fitness is the gym I actually signed up for (at least for the time being!)

To be honest, I chose them primarily for the price and the lesser crowd as compared to the Fitness Time. 

And when I was comparing options, I found them to be one of the most affordable choices that didn’t require a scary long-term commitment. 

They are also incredibly accessible; it feels like they have branches popping up all over Riyadh, so there was one conveniently close to my place.

(Note: The best branch with all the amenities like a jacuzzi and sauna is actually the Jeddah branch.)

They also offer standard group classes. The only one I’ve joined so far is their spin class, which was fine. They have some other interesting classes too.

On my wish list is the belly dance class, but I’m still unsure… I can’t really dance 🫣

Things to keep in mind if you choose to sign up to IN2 Fitness:

Some branches, like the one I go to, are quite small, and people are often competing for space.

You also have to wait in line to use popular equipment like the Lat Pulldown or the Smith Machine. If you go during peak hours, you need a lot of patience.

However, I love going to the gym during the weekend as I find it much less crowded, and it is the best time for me to use all the machines I like.

Despite that, the management is quite solid.

The staff are helpful, and I have to give them credit where it’s due: the bathrooms and locker rooms are always clean and spotless.

For a budget-friendly gym, cleanliness is a huge win.

How much is the fees?

$346 (1,300 SAR) for a 6-month membership – I managed to grab this promo price during their Saudi Founding Day offer, so I highly recommend keeping an eye out for holiday sales.

Otherwise, this is their latest price:

Quick Comparison: Ladies Gym in Riyadh

Gym Name	Best For	Key Amenities & Vibe	Contract / Flexibility	Price (Approx.)
Fitness Time Ladies	Luxury & Access	• Swimming pools, saunas, & jacuzzis • Huge facilities • Access to branches across KSA	Flexible (3,6,12 months option)	$826 (SAR 3,099 ) per year
PureGym	Budget & Flexibility	• Open 24/7 • Modern & functional • No pool or spa	No Contract (Pay monthly, cancel anytime)	$71 (SAR 269) per month
GymNation	Classes & Aesthetics	• Industrial-chic & Instagram-worthy • Huge variety of group classes • Reformer Pilates (in top tier)	Strict 12-Month Commitment (Hard to cancel early)	$50-$100 (SAR 200 – 400) per month, depending on package
iN2 Fitness	Value & Cleanliness	• Solid management & spotless facilities • Standard classes (Spin, etc.) • Accessible locations	Flexible (e.g., 6-month options)	$346 (SAR 1,300) for 6 months (During promo)

FAQs about Ladies Gyms in Riyadh

1. Are there mixed gyms in Riyadh?

For the general public, the answer is no. Commercial gyms in Saudi Arabia are strictly segregated by gender. The only place you will find mixed fitness facilities is most likely inside compounds or within certain diplomatic quarters. These are exclusive to residents and their guests.

2. Can I wear shorts and a sports bra inside the gym?

Yes. Once you are inside the locker room and have removed your abaya, the dress code is flexible. You will see women wearing shorts, tank tops, and sports bras. Just ensure you have your abaya handy for when you leave the gym floor to go back out to your car.

3. Do all ladies’ gyms have swimming pools?

Not all of them. If a pool is a must-have for you, you should check out premium gyms like Fitness Time. Budget-friendly options like PureGym and GymNation keep their prices low by stripping away wet facilities like pools, saunas, and steam rooms.

4. Is it expensive to join a gym in Riyadh?

It really depends on which gym you join. You can find memberships as low as $53 (200 SAR) per month at budget chains like PureGym or IN2 Fitness. Standard commercial gyms run about $800 (3000 SAR) per year. Pilates studios and elite wellness clubs can charge upwards of $1,800+ (7,000+ SAR)per year.

My advice is always look for Founding Day (February) or National Day (September) offers. You can save a lot during these times (often 30-50%). This is exactly how I managed to snatch a great deal for my membership at IN2 Fitness!

5. Can I cancel my membership if I leave the country?

This is a major pain point for expats If you sign a 6 or 12-month contract, it is extremely difficult to cancel or get a refund, even if you are leaving Saudi Arabia permanently. Always read the fine print before signing a long-term deal! Getting a monthly membership (or a low-commitment one) in your first year will save you a lot of headaches and uncertainty.

6. What if I get pregnant? Can I freeze my membership?

The short answer is yes, most gyms offer the option to freeze your membership. However, different gyms have different terms. Some will freeze it for free with a doctor’s note, while others might still require you to pay a small fee during the freeze period. It is best to double-check this policy specifically before you sign up.