Feel a spark of excitement and a sense of belonging at the gym or wellness centre. It is more than just a place to work out, it is a nerve for both your body and mind, a place where you can find strength, peace, and community.

Once considered a niche activity, wellness has become a cornerstone of life for Saudi women. Thanks to ambitious initiatives like Vision 2030, the Kingdom is witnessing a remarkable transformation. Women are now more empowered than ever to prioritise their health. The movement isn't just about physical fitness, it is a holistic activity that includes mental and emotional well-being.

As the stigma around mental health fades, practices like yoga and meditation are becoming mainstream, offering women socially acceptable ways to manage stress. The result? A surge in women-only gyms, wellness retreats and fitness festivals that provide safe and empowering spaces. The choices are endless, from boutique gyms with high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and dance classes to natural retreats that offer a digital detox. The Kingdom is even transforming its deserts into health hotspots with luxury resorts and fitness facilities, proving that wellness is truly everywhere.

The Sandy Times will explore the best women-only gyms and wellness centres in Saudi Arabia's two most vibrant cities: Riyadh and Jeddah. Let's start with ladies' gyms in Riyadh and then gyms in Jeddah.

Tired of the same old gym routine? Litheness is the perfect alternative for those seeking a fun fitness experience. This innovative centre is half fitness spot, half nail salon, where you can get fit and get pampered. Obviously, after an empowering workout, you deserve to treat yourself, and the on-site nail spa is the perfect place to indulge. The name itself speaks to the gym's focus on graceful movement, flexibility and stretching. You can join exciting classes, such as belly dancing, aerial yoga, and mixed workouts, all led by professional trainers. Litheness is where your journey to fitness feels less like a chore and more like a treat.

Looking for more than just a gym? Head to Said Ibn Zayd Rd, behind Jarir Book Store, Olaya Street, where there is the Spectrum Wellness Centre. The wellness centre gives you a complete approach to well-being by fusing fitness, nutrition, and beauty under one roof. With a team of nine expert women trainers, you can elevate your routine with everything from Pilates, Zumba, and Spinning to CrossFit and TRX.

The centre provides group classes, personal training, and semi-private sessions to cater to every need. It is a place where self-care and self-empowerment intersect, and with a salon, spa, and health café, you can reward your body after an intense workout. They even inspire the next generation with their Starz Program for young girls aged 6 to 16, teaching them Hip-Hop and Zumba.

Founded in 2012 by Princess Sara Al Saud, NuYu Fitness Club has become a premier destination for women's fitness, giving an experience that goes beyond traditional workouts. With its loft-inspired, boutique-style spaces, NuYu combines a vibrant atmosphere with state-of-the-art equipment and international trainers.

The club pitches over 90 diverse group classes a week, from high-energy sessions like Zumba, BodyFit, and spinning to more mindful practices like yoga. Beyond the gym floor, NuYu adopts a holistic approach to wellness, providing members with access to a spa and a health food café. With five convenient locations across Riyadh and the option for online classes, NuYu gives absolute flexibility to train your way.

With over 25 branches in the city, Fitness Time is one of the most popular and accessible gym chains in Riyadh. This leading brand, also present in the UAE, furnishes separate, well-equipped gyms for women (look for Fitness Time Ladies locations). Focusing on the concept of "Exercise for Health," they provide a wide array of options, including core training, high-intensity workouts, and boxing.

For those who enjoy a refreshing aquatic workout, their facilities include a pool perfect for toning muscles with some Olympic-style backstrokes. With subscription packages for three, four, and six months, Fitness Time makes it easy to commit to your fitness journey.

Searching for the best women's gym in Jeddah? Look no further than GymNation Stars Avenue Mall. This fitness hub helps you to crush your goals with over 500 pieces of top-tier cardio and strength equipment, featuring free weights that go up to a massive 60 kg.

Whether you are new to the gym or a seasoned pro, you will find everything you need. The club also has a wide range of group fitness classes, from high-energy HIIT to relaxing yoga and more, all led by experienced instructors. To kickstart your journey, every new member gets a free personal training session with one of their expert trainers. In a friendly, supportive environment, you can get fit and have fun at GymNation.

More than just a gym, Aura Gym invites you to "embrace the aura of a healthy life" with a blend of serious fitness and serene luxury. With two locations — Aura Elite in Ash Shati offering stunning sea views, and Aura Luxury in Al Sheraɺ — Aura provides an exclusive experience. You can choose from a list of classes, including mat pilates, zumba, yoga, spinning, and body sculpting. For a truly unique experience, try out aerial yoga, EMS, or TRX.

After your workout, you can unwind at the elite spa, which includes a jacuzzi and massages, or treat yourself at the on-site salon. There is even an Aura café to refuel. You can turn your fitness journey into a full-fledged wellness retreat. Aura Gym grants a free trial so you can experience it firsthand before you commit.