Can you imagine a place where you can exercise, eat healthy food, have a spa session and then get your hair and nails done? M Active Ladies has it all and Hannah Nesbitt went there to check it out.
MActive Ladies recently celebrated its fifth birthday. Dubbed Duhail’s ‘all-inclusive, ladies-only health club’, I was excited to spend the day exploring everything it had to offer. To ensure privacy, the health club is strictly for women only. Upon entering, you are immediately enveloped in a warm and vibrant atmosphere designed to foster a holistic environment, catering to all aspects of well-being. It serves as a comprehensive destination for all your health and beauty needs, not just for exercise.
The ground floor and main entrance area are centred around the coffee bar, serving freshly ground coffee and nutritious meals and snacks. Every dish is thoughtfully labelled with its calorie count for those mindful of their health, and it boasts enticing options like the avocado kale salad and the Asian beef poke bowl.
M Active caters to a diverse range of interests, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re passionate about spinning, CrossFit (at the BOX), group fitness classes, cardio workouts, strength training or aerial yoga, you’ll find a dedicated space tailored to your preferences. They will soon introduce classes using individual trampolines that combine choreography and bouncing to deliver an exhilarating and dynamic group exercise experience.
The timetable for group sessions rotates on a monthly basis, offering members a diverse range of options to explore. The comprehensive schedule ensures that there’s something to meet everyone’s needs at different times. I was excited to join the Strong (by Zumba) workout. This class suits all fitness levels, with exercise variations to cater to different abilities. As I walked into the studio, I saw the community spirit this gym has created, as women stood in small groups chatting with an enthusiastic vibe created by the background music. As the instructor introduced the class, everyone spaced out and the pumping music began. The positive morale amongst the group was evident; even when a more challenging movement was offered, women looked to each other with thoughts of ‘how am I going to do that?’ Everyone had one clear goal: to exercise and have fun! The class ensured that I worked up a good sweat whilst training all the different muscle groups.
The main gym on the second floor is home to cardio equipment, free weights and assisted weight machines. The ultra-new Matrix equipment is top quality and excellently maintained. The grey and purple colour scheme runs throughout the space, giving a feminine feel without being overbearing and girly. A unique feature I had never seen in a gym before was the 150m running track around the upstairs gym floor – perfect for an indoor run. The gym was always busy throughout the day, but even at peak times, the vast space never felt overcrowded.
To relax and unwind after my workout session, I took advantage of the dedicated spa area. There are two plunge pools: one is ice cold, which helps to reduce inflammation, improve recovery and ease aching muscles, and the other, a traditional, bubbling hot tub, to reduce stress and improve circulation and sleep quality. Cold water treatment is not one I am brave enough to endure, though I did dip my fingers in to test the temperature. The hot tub was definitely more to my liking and a perfect way to unwind.
The facilities can be enjoyed at any time. With the all-inclusive concept, it can be used on its own, after a busy day at work. Now open on Fridays too, it is a lovely place to spend a few hours on the weekend, relaxing before a new busy week ahead. A spacious and sleek steam room and sauna are also available.
What sets this establishment above other gyms in Doha is the addition of the health and beauty facilities. With spacious changing rooms, the dedicated spa section is home to three treatment rooms for massage and a compact but very well-appointed hair and nail salon. Ladies needing a prayer area can find a dedicated space in a tranquil section of the gym.
I was invited to experience the new candle massage. For 60 minutes of pure relaxation, this massage was a perfectly indulgent session. The room was dimly lit, with soft, calming music playing in the background, providing an atmosphere of relaxation and creating a serene environment. During this soothing experience, a special candle made from a blend of nourishing oils was poured and used to moisturise and massage the skin. Its fragrance filled the room, adding to the overall sensory journey. The therapist worked on the whole body, ensuring the pressure was appropriate throughout. Following the treatment, a dedicated shower room is available with fluffy white towels, slippers and a bathrobe provided.
A nutritionist is also on the staff to help all members meet their dietary goals, provide meal plans, and analyse body statistics using the ‘IN body’ scan. An in-depth composition analysis to provide measurable data based on fat, protein, minerals and body water. This analysis provides a more precise depiction of your healthy weight and offers valuable insights into your overall health, in contrast to the traditional BMI measurement. Subsequently, tailored workout routines are developed for each individual based on these findings. Nutritionist follow-ups are conducted after one month to track progress. To further reward members for their loyalty and consistency in attending classes and workouts, a free massage is available to those attending over and above five sessions per week.
It was great to see women from all nationalities coming together to unite in one goal: to improve one’s health and well-being.
For more information, please call M Active Ladies on 3030 0610.
@mactiveladies