January is often the month associated with new fitness regimes, with gyms seeing an increase in sign-ups and people looking to try something new.
And 2026 is set to be no different – but there’s a new gym that will rival all others.
The world’s highest gym class has been launched in a hot air balloon – an impressive 2,200ft (670 metres) in the air.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is welcoming in the new year in true fitness style, with the latest gym offering by GymNation.
Known its innovative classes, GymNation’s latest concept takes fitness to new heights – delivering a workout in a hot air balloon 2,200ft above Riyadh’s skyline.
The class was developed in partnership with GymNation’s award-winning fitness team and sports scientist, Aderito Manuel.
Research conducted across the Gulf Cooperation Council revealed 67 per cent 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.
GymNation’s latest concept class takes workout to brand-new heights
The events will take place in a hot air balloon – the highest fitness class in the world
That principal ‘was the basis’ for the world’s highest gym class, according to Aderito Manuel, a leading sports scientist.
Aderito said: ‘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 three to 10 per cent and hemoglobin from five to 10 per cent 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 five and 15 per cent in extra calories when training at altitude according to the brand.
Following a dynamic warm-up and stretching session on the ground, participants will 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) and Bicep Take-Offs (bicep curls).
You’ll be able to take in incredible views above the city of Riyadh in Saudi Arabia
During the session, participants will see landmarks including Kingdom Tower, Majdoul Tower, and Al Faisaliah Tower.
Rory McEntee, chief marketing officer at GymNation, said: ‘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?’
The classes will take place every Saturday throughout January, with limited spaces available due to the exclusive nature of the experience. Bookings are now open online.
The class has been developed in collaboration with leading healthy and safety experts to ensure a safe experience.
