So far, 2016 has carried 2015’s fitness torch brilliantly by introducing new and wonderful ways for people to get and/or stay fit. This time, the torch has led us down the rabbit hole where we discovered a wonderland of fitness at The Burrow. Marked solely by their logo, an abstract rabbit’s head, it’s quite easy to miss entirely or stumble into as you peruse the café scene at the Murouj Complex. Inspired entirely by Lewis Caroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, it all feels a little topsy-turvy whilst packing a literal punch. The bazaar team was lucky enough to find its way into this fitness haven and we stepped through the looking glass into this gym to find out more.
Right off the bat, you won’t realize you’ve entered a gym due to the lack of a traditional reception area. As soon as you walk in, you’re met with mirrored walls in front of you with a simple, slanted red door resting nonchalantly on the mirror. Seating is available on either side to welcome weary visitors to grab a seat and wait for someone to greet you and offer a tour. This doesn’t take long, since there’s usually someone on the premise waiting to greet random drop-ins. Within this unassuming room, you’ll notice some mismatched items decorating the space. Take them all in and enjoy the space’s quirky sense of humor – from the old-school bike in one corner to the partial rowing machine in the other, the place is set to mimic Alice’s home above ground.
Don’t leave the “reception” area just yet, because just to your right – assuming you’re back is to the front door – is a wonderful spacious yoga studio that will soon enough be offering ballet-barre training too! You’re then led through the rabbit hole where you can find identical changing areas to either side – a men’s locker room and a women’s locker room – marked by the King of Spades or the Queen of Hearts. Go into your designated area to find subway inspired lockers and spacious changing areas and showers to get you ready before and after your intense workout session. Equipped with your basic essential needs, all you need to bring is your sense of wonder, a change of clothes and a ton of enthusiasm.
Once you’re through the rabbit hole-esque hallway, you’ll find yourself in a room filled with CrossFit equipment on one side, regulation punching bags on the other, and a regulation boxing ring smack in the middle. Affiliated with the CrossFit association, their equipment and training is fully certified. The coaches and trainers there, well lets just say they’re all ready to work you to the bone. Leaving no room for “I can’t,” “this is too hard” or “I quit!” you’re pushed to your extreme potential, and a little further still to achieve your pre-set personal goals. Be sure to check out the left wall for some fun hidden artwork painted directly into the stone facade.
On both sides of the room are hidden rooms – one is a spin studio and the other a multipurpose room for all other “undesignated-space” activities The Burrow decides to offer. Walk up the stairs on the far left and head upstairs to check out their relaxation and self-propelled workout space – they also have a wicked smoothie bar and boutique for all your fashion-workout needs. “Your body is all the equipment you really need” is a statement heard several times over with true fitness gurus, and at The Burrow, it’s no different. There are blocks you can use for step-ups and base-jumps, but the real show stoppers are the treadmills and bikes that only work when you start moving. No, really. The treadmill is powered entirely by you, and it will only go as fast you go.
Completely invested in their members, the coaches will all know your name and will hound you if you miss too many classes or workouts. The first thing you notice about The Burrow is that it’s more of a community than a regular gym. Everyone is supportive and will help you reach your fitness goal in a fun and safe environment. While their focus is mainly on group classes, you’re more than welcome to come in and do your own thing – granted you don’t get in the way of group classes.
Personal Training is available but it’s entirely up to the trainers to decide if they can offer you that or not. But their classes are what take the cake. While spin, yoga and CrossFit classes are well-known, there’s a plethora of options like Muay Thai, Boxing and sparring, and of course, Bootcamp. Offering memberships that are monthly and yearly – and the regular suspects in between – you’re bound to find something that suites your needs.
Disclaimer: No rabbits, White or other species, were harmed in the making of this burrow!
For a mad workout followed by royal pains, fall into The Burrow – located around the back in the Murouj Complex, Sabhan. Follow them on Instagram @TheBurrowLife for more information! Photography courtesy of Paris Recinto.
