Forget the snooze button. I have found my new obsession: indoor cycling classes. And the perks are hard to argue with: an early dose of energy, great music and a workout that makes waking up early feel worth it. Best of all, you can ride alongside the most advanced cyclists without worrying about keeping up — no matter how hard you pedal, the bike stays exactly where it is. Which means I can finally cycle alongside my husband without him disappearing into the distance after the first five minutes. A win for our marriage, really.

Now that the weather is finally tempting us back outdoors, you might expect me to swap the studio for the open road. And I get the appeal, honestly. But me? Not quite. For now, I am perfectly happy staying indoors, music blasting and legs burning. And if you are tempted to join me, here are the studios I would recommend.

Location: Alserkal Avenue (Warehouse 43) and Town Square

If you follow Dubai’s cooler sporting scene, you have probably seen the photos: people cycling at minus 4°C inside Ski Dubai, or pedalling on an airport runway while planes take off and land right in front of them. Behind those shots is CRANK Cycling Studio.

They already run two studios in Dubai and one in Abu Dhabi, and they aren’t slowing down. Qatar is next, and a new venue is on the way in Dubai Marina. No wonder: every time we go, the room is full. So if you plan to join, better book your spot several days in advance. Leave it too late, and you might have to skip your workout altogether.

My tip: Keep an eye out for their live DJ sessions — those are the ones I would go for. With the DJ playing right next to the instructors, you get something halfway between a cycling class and a night out. Only here, you are guaranteed to work up a sweat.

Location: Mirdif 35 (ladies-only) and Palm Jumeirah (Golden Mile 5)

Storm Cycling opened in Dubai in 2019, and if you think that sounds like terrible timing, think again. The studio launched with a waitlist of people eager to ride. Of course, Covid had other plans, but Storm made it through, and today it is very much back in full swing.

Its founder, Ivana Bruic, grew up in a Croatian family in Australia, where sport wasn't always considered something girls should pursue. Luckily, she had other ideas. She even carried the Olympic torch at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, so her passion for sport clearly goes back a long way. And when it came to opening her own studio, she wasn't about to settle for anything less than the experience she believed in. The result? A stylish but classy space where you come to work hard, enjoy the ride and leave feeling a little better than when you arrived.

My tip: Come here if you want your workout to do as much for your mind as it does for your muscles. Every class ends with a meditation, and no, it isn't an optional extra. It is part of the ride, whether you came for it or not.

Location: Business Bay (Anantara Towers) and Jumeirah 1 (Mercato Mall)

Motion is one of the pioneers of boutique indoor cycling in the UAE. Founded in Dubai in 2017 and inspired by America’s SoulCycle, it is all about emotional release. And psychology can explain why this works: moving in sync with others can strengthen your sense of social connection, while music helps regulate your mood, boost motivation and make the effort feel easier.

My tip: If your idea of a good cycling class revolves around distance, speed and competition, Motion probably isn't for you. This is more of a mindful experience, though your muscles won't be getting a free pass. Upper-body choreography adds another layer to the workout, especially for anyone who finds simply pedalling and pushing a little boring.

Location: Downtown Dubai and Dubai Studio City (Laya Heights)

Some cycling classes make you feel like you can conquer the world. The LAB makes you question whether you can survive another five minutes. At least, that was my experience. I went there once and honestly thought I was going to die. Maybe I wasn't in my best shape, or maybe that is simply what happens when you walk into a studio that takes performance rather seriously.

Unlike Motion, where emotional release is part of the philosophy, The LAB is more about testing your limits. And it gives you two ways to do that: SYCLE, with its focus on rhythm, coordination and choreography, and POWER, where heavier resistance takes priority over choreography.

My tip: Choose your class before you choose your instructor. If you love moving to the beat, SYCLE is your pick. If you prefer heavier resistance and less choreography, go for POWER.

Location: DIFC (ICD Brookfield Place)

If you have ever wished your workout felt more like a night out, 1Rebel might be your place. Originally launched in London in 2015, the brand arrived in Dubai in 2022, bringing its nightclub-inspired approach to fitness to DIFC. Think dramatic lighting, powerful sound systems and music loud enough to make you forget just how hard you are working.

But there is more to the Dubai location than the party atmosphere. It became the first 1Rebel studio to introduce an open gym alongside its signature group classes. So, while the brand built its reputation on immersive workouts, its UAE outpost offers something a little different.

My tip: Go for a ride here if you love the atmosphere of a nightclub but prefer getting your adrenaline rush on a bike rather than a dance floor. It is less about emotional release or meditation and more about getting completely caught up in the music and energy of the room.

Location: Dubai Marina (Park Island), DIFC (Index Tower), Dubai Hills Mall and Downtown Dubai

Some people are fiercely loyal to one type of workout. Others are ready to commit to a membership but would still like the freedom to change their minds. If you belong to the second group and can't decide whether you are a cycling person, a Pilates person or someone who would rather lift weights, Platform Studios might be your answer. Though cycling clearly gets plenty of attention here. How else would you explain the fact that the Dubai Hills location alone has room for more than 55 bikes?

My tip: Don't overlook RIDE:30 just because it is shorter. Unlike the regular 45-minute ride, which leans into rhythm and choreography, this one strips things back to speed, resistance and endurance. A good option if you are just getting into cycling, though don't expect those 30 minutes to be a walk in the park.

Location: Roda Al Murooj, Downtown Dubai

Some people leave a workout thinking about how many calories they have burnt. Others leave wondering what else they might be capable of. Train with Camp is very much interested in the second group.

Cycling is one of its main disciplines, alongside bootcamp training. And there is another detail worth knowing: CAMP offers dedicated ladies-only cycling sessions, so you don't necessarily have to share the room with the boys.

My tip: Come here on a day when you feel ready to challenge yourself rather than simply tick a workout off your list. CAMP is all about pushing past the point where you would normally slow down.