FAQs

Memberships

How old do I have to be to join the Fitness First gym and health club?

To join a Fitness First club in the Middle East, you must be 16 years old and above. To promote fitness as part of your lifestyle from an early age, we offer a Junior Membership with the supervision of a Personal Trainer or parent/guardian. Our Community Clubs also have family membership options where you can enjoy your time with your kids following our club guidelines and Child Care Policy.

How much is the Fitness First membership?

Membership rates vary depending on the type of package that is best suited for you; corporate rates are also available. Please contact your preferred Fitness First club, where our staff will be happy to discuss the various membership options available. Find a club

How do I pay for my Fitness First membership?

Most members pay through auto debit on Credit Cards; however, Up-front payment options are also available. We also accommodate exclusive rates for our corporate partners.

When I join, can I use all Fitness First clubs in UAE?

One of the great advantages of your Fitness First membership is the reciprocal use of other clubs in our portfolio. Your membership package determines access to other clubs:

Platinum Plus – You can use All Fitness First Clubs

Platinum – You can use all Platinum and Plus Clubs

Plus - You can use all Plus Clubs 

Community – You can use Community Clubs Only (The Lakes/Meadows & Town Centre). Also Arabian Ranches and Mudon based on the type of Community membership

Home Club: You can access your home club only

 

Can I work out while traveling overseas?

We’ve got hundreds of clubs worldwide; your Fitness First membership can come in handy when you’re traveling internationally. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, you can visit a Fitness First club near you. Ask our reception team for an International Passport before leaving the country.

What is an International Passport, and how do I use it?

The Fitness First International Passport enables you to access the Fitness First Middle East clubs when you travel. To obtain your passport, you can inform your home club before your departure. When you access a club overseas, you will need to present the International Passport and your active membership card. The passport is valid for 12 months from the date of the issue, and a maximum of 30 visits is permitted. Fees might apply.

Can I put my Fitness First membership on hold?

Yes, you can. We call our hold option - freeze. At Fitness First, we believe that exercise is a lifelong habit; however, we understand that sometimes you will need a break due to personal circumstances. To accommodate that, you can put your membership on hold for a minimum of 1 month by giving us an appropriate notice. For further information, please refer to our reception team. A freeze fee will be charged.

Am I obligated to a long-term contract when I join Fitness First?

You will get the most value from fitness when it’s part of your everyday life. That’s why we offer a 12-month membership as standard. We also have short-term options available as we recognize that circumstances don’t always allow for such a commitment.

What if I want to cancel my Fitness First membership?

We hope that you achieved your health and fitness goals, enjoyed your time as Fitness First member, and benefitted from all the facilities offered as part of your membership. If you decide to continue your fitness routine away from our club, we are still here for you!

You may cancel at any time provided you’ve reached your minimum contract period, excluding any freeze period. Just before you leave us, we would like to remind you about some of the reasons to stay with Fitness First Middle East. There are some exciting fitness concepts you might not have tried yet, like XFit, our purpose-built High-Intensity Functional Training studio or MYZONE, an innovative tool to measure, track and review progress or The Swim Academy!

Please note that cancellation is by appointment only, so contact our Front of House team to arrange a meeting with the Club General Manager. For all the details around canceling, please refer to our Terms and Conditions

How do I send my feedback about your products and services?

We love to know what we’re doing well, so do tell us about your success stories, share your positive thoughts, or tell us who in our team made a real difference! We welcome your feedback, and we want to hear about ways we can assist you and answer any concerns you may have. You can speak to any member of our club team, or if you would prefer to speak with the club management, please let our reception team know. If they aren’t immediately available, they will ensure you are contacted as soon as possible. Alternatively, please email us your query, and we will respond as a matter of urgency.

What are the terms and conditions of my Fitness First membership?

We call this our Club Rules, and you can download a copy of it here

Gym

Can I bring a guest to the club?

Working out with a friend is more fun and helps keep you motivated. To bring a guest with you to the club, they will be required to sign the guest register and undergo a PARQ assessment before using the equipment or attending a GX class. Each guest can only visit the club once as your guest before they join as a member, but you can invite all of your friends and family to try our facilities as a guest. During special events held at your club, friends and family will be invited to attend for free. Guests can also enter the club by using a guest pass obtained externally or by paying for each visit.

What are the club opening hours?

You have the flexibility of being able to work out any time, day or night. You can usually start exercising from as early 5:30 am to as late as 11 pm weekdays*, 7 am to 9 pm on weekends* and Public Holidays are generally 9 am to 8 pm*. It’s best to check with your club for exact opening times.

* Some clubs may differ.

Do I need to pay for the Group Exercise Classes?

Fitness First offers a wide range of Group Exercise Classes. The majority of our classes are included in your membership. However, payment options might be subject to membership package and club locations. At Fitness First, we believe in the power of habit creation and the benefits of training in a group. So that is why we have created several programs like Freestyle Group Training. Plus, we offer over 500 free group exercise classes every week ranging from Zumba, Yoga, RPM, Belly Dancing, and the ever-popular Les Mills classes like Body Pump, Body Combat, and Attack. We have created several programs like TUFF, HardcoreMax, and many more so you can explore new ways of challenging yourself! For specific timings and bookings, please view our Class Timetable or contact your club.

Can my children wait for me in the members' lounge while I workout?

Fitness First is an adult training facility with clear terms and conditions around its use.

Whom can I ask if I have trouble using the equipment?

Our highly qualified fitness team is always available, happy to help you and answer your questions. You can find them on the gym floor or approach the reception for any help.

Do I need to bring my own towel as a member?

A bath towel and a small towel are provided at every visit where you will be asked to leave your membership card in exchange. It is recommended to wipe down the equipment after use, so it’s sweat-free for the next user. Do remember to return towels to the designated collection bins/counter after use. Help protect our planet, be environmentally friendly by limiting use to one set per member/guest per visit.

How do I use the lockers?

Our lockers are code operated with instructions found on the locker doors. For safety reasons, we ask our members to select different lockers with different codes when visiting the club.

Note: lockers are only available for use during your workout, and we will automatically open when the club closes in the evening. While care is taken to ensure the security of our lockers, we can’t accept responsibility for items lost or damaged through theft or misplacement.

For further assistance, please speak to our reception team in the club.

What happens if I lose something in the changing rooms?

Let reception know as soon as possible so we can check if someone’s handed it in. Please remember that your belongings are your responsibilities at all times.

What if I lose my Fitness First membership card?

Don’t worry. Let reception know, and they’ll issue you with a new one for a replacement fee.

Which clubs have swimming pools?

Clubs with swimming pools currently include our community clubs, The Meadows, Town Center, and The Lakes. Also available at Al Seef Village, Uptown Mirdif, Burjuman Center, Dubai Media City, Mirdif City Centre, and Al Manzil, Arabian Ranches, and Mudon.

What should I do if the fire alarm sounds?

Don’t panic. Our fully trained team will tell you what to do and guide you to safety. From time to time, we will run tests, and our team will notify you in such cases.

Are the team first aid trained?

Yes, we always have several first aiders on duty with a fully equipped first aid box located at the reception.

Are there any social events for members and staff?

Yes, they’re great fun and an excellent way of getting to know everyone. To find out more about our fitness challenges, special themed classes, or club events, keep an eye on the member notices around the club and our website.

What are safety and security measures in place in the clubs?

Fitness First holds the personal safety of its members and staff in the highest regard. To reinforce and strengthen safety measures across our clubs, CCTV cameras are installed in public areas.

VAT

What is VAT?

VAT stands for Value Added Tax. VAT has been adopted in the Bahrain by the National Bureau of Revenue (NBR) under the common VAT agreement of the states of Gulf Co-operation Council, with effect from 1st July 2019, goods and services sold will incur 5% VAT. This will apply to all goods and services unless specifically exempted by law.

How much is VAT?

VAT is charged at 5% of the value of the goods/services purchased and rendered.

Why is FF charging VAT?

Fitness First (including other service providers in the Bahrain) are legally obliged to comply with government mandate on VAT from 1st July 2019 onwards.

This means that all goods and services provided by Fitness First will have VAT added. This will apply to all existing and new members of Fitness First.

When will VAT charges start from?

VAT will be applicable from 1st July 2019. However, as per VAT legislation, from the 1st July 2019 onwards, any goods or service that has been paid for but not utilized, will also incur VAT. This means that if you purchased any services (as listed below) before 1st July 2019, and the same has to remain proportionately unutilized, then from 1st July 2019 onwards, you will be required to pay 5% VAT on the unutilized portion of those services on a pro-rata basis. For example, if you have paid membership fee in advance for 12 months (period starting 1st May 2019 until 30th April 2020), then VAT will be due only for the unutilized portion of your membership, i.e., for 10 months from 1st July 2019 until 30th April 2020 and VAT will be charged at 5% of that amount on a pro-rata basis. If you are on a monthly payment plan, your monthly payments will automatically have VAT added from 1st July 2019 onwards.

Similarly, if you purchased a PT package previously and have any remaining sessions after the 1st July 2019, you will be required to pay VAT for those remaining sessions, to be utilized after 1st July 2019, on a pro-rata basis

What services will VAT be charged?

VAT will apply to the following Fitness First goods and services, but not limited to:

Membership (current membership, a new purchase, upgrade, and renewal) Personal Training – PT (current and renewals) MYZONE products Supplements and protein Swim Academy/Masters Swim classes All other paid classes All other paid goods/services Fully subsidized corporates (VAT payment will be applicable through your company).

Are VIP memberships applicable for VAT?

Yes, VIP memberships are applicable for VAT. They will be required to pay 5% of the rack rate value of their membership. Payment is to be made via POS by checking the current rack rate of the membership as of 1st July 2019.

Are competition winners required to pay VAT?

Yes, competition winners who win contests from 1st July 2019 are required to pay VAT. They will be required to pay 5% of the rack rate value of their membership. Payment is to be made via POS by checking the current rack rate of the membership as of 1st July 2019.

Are Fitness First memberships given through a barter deal required to pay VAT?

Yes, memberships given through a barter deal are applicable for VAT. They will be required to pay 5% of the rack rate value of their membership. Payment is to be made via POS by checking the current rack rate of the membership as of 1st July 2019. This applies to all existing and new barter deal memberships.

What if I purchased my Fitness First membership before the 1st July 2019

As per VAT legislation, from the 1st July 2019 onwards, any goods or service that has been paid for but not utilized will also incur VAT. This means that if you purchased any services before 1st July 2019, and the same has to remain proportionately unutilized, then from 1st July 2019 onwards, you will be required to pay 5% VAT on the unutilized portion of those services on a pro-rata basis.

What if I purchased my PT package/Swim package/other packages before 1st July 2019?

As per VAT legislation, from the 1st July 2019 onwards, any goods or service that has been paid for but not utilized will also incur VAT. This means that if you purchased any services (as listed below) before 1st 1st July 2019, and the same has to remain proportionately unutilized, then from 1st July 2019 onwards, you will be required to pay 5% VAT on the unutilized portion of those services on a pro-rata basis.

What about Corporate memberships?

Every service is applicable for VAT. Fully subsidized corporates will be applicable for VAT through the company that pays the Fitness First membership, not the individual. Our CWP team is in contact with all Fully Subsidized Corporate accounts to collect the applicable VAT charge via an invoice.

For other corporate accounts where the member is not fully subsidized and on a corporate rate, the individual is required to pay VAT like all other members at 5% of the membership rate they are on. Again, on a pro-rata from the 1st July 2019.

What happens to the VAT on a refund?

No refunds apply as per T&Cs. However, with any exceptional refunds, the standard refund process is to be followed by clubs.

How will I pay VAT on new PT contracts purchased after 1st July 2019?

VAT will be added/included in the payment made at POS with the revised pricing.

How will I pay VAT on new PT contracts purchased after 1st July 2019?

VAT will be added/included in the payment made at POS with the revised pricing.

For further information on VAT

Web: www.mof.gov.ae

FF Call Centre for members: 800FITNESS (3486377)

Child Safety

Changing Rooms

Children between the age of 5-15 years MUST be escorted to/from changing rooms by Parent or Activity Supervisor.

Children under 5 years are permitted in the changing rooms or to use the toilet or shower only under direct parent supervision. 

Children above the age of 7 years will not be permitted in the changing rooms of the opposite sex. 

Swimming Pools

Children of 16 years and above will have normal individual access permitted but MUST BE able to swim competently in pool deep end  

Children between 5-15 years will have access to the swimming pool only under direct parent supervision on the pool side or as a participant in a Swim Academy Lesson

Children of 4 years or less will have access to the swimming pool only under direct parent supervision in-pool or as a participant in a Swim Academy Lesson

It is mandatory for all children under 30 months to wear swim nappies at all times whilst in the pool

Child swimmers who require the use of arm bands or buoyancy aids are permitted to swim in a pool whilst under the supervision of a parent in the water to a depth the parent is able to ‘stand’ on the pool floor

The Swim Academy

Children of 16 years and above will have normal independent access and Swim Lesson access permitted

Children aged 13-15 years can attend Swim Lessons without a parent present but must be escorted between facilities at all times by a member of staff

For children aged 8-12 years, the parent must drop and collect the child from the poolside at the start and end of the session, and must be present in the club at an agreed location

For children aged 7 years or less, the parent must remain at the poolside at all times during the Swim Lesson

Kids Camps

Children of 12 years or less cannot leave the club at any time without their parents/guardians and will have designated area for parent handover and collection 

Children of 13-15 years will have a waiver signed by the parents/guardians to arrive/depart without the parents/guardians or leave the club at lunchtime

Children of 16 years and above will have normal individual access permitted

Parents of children under the age of 4 years old must remain in the club at all times to chaperone their child as/where required

Saunas, Steam Rooms and Spa Pools (Jacuzzis)

Spa Pools (Jacuzzis):

Children of 16 years and above will have normal individual access permitted

Children from 13-15 years will have access only under direct parent supervision with a maximum of 15 minutes a session.

Children of 12 years or less will not have access to the Spa Pools (Jacuzzis)

Saunas, Steam Rooms 

Children of 16 years and above will have normal individual access permitted  

Children from 13-15 years will have access only under direct parent supervision, with a maximum of 15 minutes a session

Children of 12 years or less will not have access to Saunas or Steam Rooms

Group Exercise Class Access

Children under 16 year will not have access unsupervised, or Adult/ standard group exercise classes

Children of 16 years will have access only permitted via Fitness First Supervised’ Kids Activities or Classes’. 

Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted to join standard ‘adult’ GX classes due to physical body development and maturity risk.

For children between 13-15 years, the parent does not need to be present in the club during the class.

For children 12 years and under, the parent must be present inside or directly outside the GX studio at all times during the class.

*Any child under the age of 16 has to have the PARQ form filled in by the parent on behalf of the child.  

Child Access in the Gym

Children under 13 years will not have access to the club without a personal training session in Gym Areas. 

Children between 13-15 years will have to be under direct parent supervision or by Fitness First personal Training.  Children of 16 years and above will have normal individual access permitted.

Any child under the age of 16 has to have the PARQ form filled in by the parent on behalf of the child. They will also have a gym induction undertaken.  

Children under 5 years will not have access to the gym floor.

Good Vibes

I am a business owner and would like to become a partner

Good Vibes creates on-going exposure and revenue opportunities for our partners. Becoming a Partner with us allows you to reach our loyal and active member base and provide your brand with new clients and engagement with an affluent audience. With over 500 partners and growing, we pride ourselves on linking with key players in the region and establishing successful channels for your brand growth. 

I have questions, who can I contact?

You can email us at info.ff@custhelp.com or connect with Janet at Janet.Esperas@fitnessfirst-me.com, we will get back to you asap.

Can I share the discount with my family and friends?

The app is individually linked to one person however, where the offer allows and is applicable on total bill, you may extend the discount to your friends and family at the time of experience. 

How many offers and how often can I redeem my discounts?

You have access to unlimited redemptions at all our partners’ outlets simply by showing Good Vibes loyalty app and following the redemption process of the offer, as long as your membership is active at the time of use. 

How can my membership pay for itself?

By becoming a member of Fitness First , in addition to continuous growth and innovation, you will have access to hundreds of amazing discounts and offers all across GCC in different categories such as Dining, Beauty and Wellness, Health and Nutrition, Hospitality and Leisure, Retail and Services and you will be able to save the equivalent and more of what you have invested in your membership!

How do I redeem my discount?

You redeem your discount by simply finding the vendor you are visiting and then showing Good Vibes app to them before payment.  Once you select the offer, you will click on Redeem and the partner’s team will type the amount of money you have saved and their unique Vendor PIN, when they submit your savings it will reflect in your app immediately! 

How do the savings work?

Whenever you redeem an offer in any of Good Vibes participating partners, at point of payment they will add your savings in the app. The amount you saved will reflect on “My Savings this Month” on your home. You can also keep track of all your savings history under  “My Total Savings”.

Do I have to be a member of Fitness First?

Yes, Good Vibes is an Exclusive Loyalty program for Members and Staff of Fitness First MENA only.

How do I register for Good Vibes?

You need to be an active Fitness First member to be able to benefit from the Good Vibes offers.

Follow the steps below to register successfully: 1.    Download the “Good Vibes by Fitness First” App on the App Store or Google Play 2.    Open Good Vibes 3.    Click “Register” 4.    Fill in your details (Membership Number and Date of Birth) 5.    Choose your Username 6.    Accept the User & Agreement 7.    Answer 3 Security Questions, And you’re good to go and enjoy your discounts!  

 

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