GymNation Has Raised Some Eyebrows, After Announcing It Has Taken The Unusual Step To Remove All Weights From A Number Of Its Gym Locations Across The UAE and KSA.

GymNation “Unloads the Weights” for World Mental Health Day 2025

UAE / KSA, 6th October 2025 – In a bold and unexpected move, GymNation has raised eyebrows across the region after announcing the removal of all weights from several of its gym locations in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. But as it turns out, the decision comes with a powerful message and purpose.

While weights are central to the gym experience, GymNation revealed that it made the symbolic decision to unload the weights to encourage the public to “unload themselves” on World Mental Health Day 2025, taking place on 10th October.

“The Only Weight We Want You to Lift Is the Weight Off Your Mind”

With a thriving community of over 150,000 members across both countries, GymNation released a striking visual campaign this morning showing empty weight racks, dumbbells stacked outside, and floor signage reminding gym-goers of the day’s message.

According to Rory McEntee, Chief Marketing Officer at GymNation:

“The only weight we want people to lift on the 10th of October is the weight off their mind.”

The campaign, launched in partnership with leading mental health organisation Sage, aims to highlight the importance of mental fitness alongside physical health. On the 10th October, GymNation will host a series of drop-in mental fitness classes across selected gyms, combining workout sessions with open discussions on mental wellbeing.

McEntee added:

“For World Mental Health Day, we wanted to do something impactful that encourages people to think about their mental health as much as their physical health.
Unloading all the weights on the gym floor caught attention instantly. In partnership with Sage, we’re inviting everyone to ‘unload’ — to take the weight off their mind with one of our dedicated mental fitness classes.”

A Timely Call for Mental Health Awareness

The initiative comes at a crucial time. Recent studies indicate that nearly 60% of the UAE population and 40% of young adults in Saudi Arabia experience at least one form of mental health challenge. Experts point to social media pressures and financial stress as leading contributors to rising mental strain.

In response, GymNation’s new classes with Sage will focus on both sides of wellness — physical and mental. Each session begins with a signature workout (from HIIT to Dance), followed by a mental health talk and Q&A led by Sage specialists.

Participants can book their sessions online at GymNation.com. Additionally, GymNation members will enjoy exclusive discounts on private consultations with Sage’s professional team, offering individual, couple, and family support.

Sage: “A Bold Idea to Take the Weight Off”

Dr. Gurveen Ranger of Sage praised GymNation’s campaign:

“We loved GymNation’s bold idea to ‘take the weight off’ this World Mental Health Day. It’s a symbolic and meaningful act at a time when people around the world are prioritising mental wellbeing.
Physical activity is a natural mood booster — it reduces anxiety, enhances cognitive function, and builds confidence. But just as important is talking, sharing, and unloading — and that’s the message we want to champion together.”

Event Schedule — World Mental Health Day, 10th October

GymNation’s mental fitness classes (in collaboration with Sage) will be held at the following UAE locations, open to both members and the general public: