We’ve all done it: joined some swanky gym that seemed like a great idea at the time, but after a month or so the novelty quickly wears off and then suddenly the prospect of going there loses its appeal.

As the New Year approaches, you might be looking for a new gym and half expecting that your health kick will only last a month or so, but it’ll be better than nothing.

But if you join one of these sports clubs, you can expect to keep going past that initial honeymoon period and well into 2015 and beyond. Why? Because they’ve all got something a little bit different from your average, boring workout spot.

Here are our top five coolest gyms in Dubai:

FitRepublik (also main image)

Dubai’s newest sports facility, FitRepublik is set to open in a sparkling new Sports City location in early January 2015.

Boasting state-of the art facilities including gymnastics, swimming, mixed martial arts, strength and cardio equipment, it promises to be one of the best-equipped sports clubs in the UAE.

Details: Fit Republik, Sports City. Visit fitrepublik.com

Tribe Fit

Much as the name suggests, TribeFit places a huge emphasis on the social aspect of fitness, encouraging its members to make friends, widen their social circle and keep in shape at the same time.

The club itself has an impressive 22,000 square feet of workout space, including a strength studio, cardio studio and spin studio, or if you prefer to exercise al fresco then there are regular bootcamps on the adjacent JBR beach.

Details: Silverene Tower, Dubai Marina. Visit tribefit.com

U Energy

Conveniently located in the heart of Dubai’s financial district (DIFC), U Energy is the perfect workout spot for the busy metropolitan man.

With specially commissioned art on the walls, a set of DJ decks to entertain while you sweat and even a UFC cage in the basement, this is not your average place to train.

Details: Building 4, The Gate Village, DIFC. Visit uenergy.me

Symmetry Gym

If you’re looking for a weekend pastime, Symmetry gym is not for you. Run by no-nonsense New Yorker Amir Siddiqui, this is a place for those who are serious about getting fit and willing to devote plenty of time and effort to the cause.

The gym offers comprehensive physical assessment, personalised training programmes, periodic measurements and body-fat testing and even individual nutrition planning to give you a complete health and fitness package.

Details: Building 5, Gold & Diamond Park, Sheikh Zayed Road. Visit symmetrygymdubai.com

Gold’s Gym

In a list of top gyms, it’s hard to ignore the largest international chain in the world, started by Joe Gold more than 45 years ago in Venice Beach, California.

Now with 10 UAE locations spread throughout Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah, the chain offers an annual ‘fat to fit in 60 days’ competition where its members can win up to AED 50,000 in cash.

Details: Various locations throughout the UAE. Visit goldsgym.ae