Mike Oyac, master trainer and the visionary behind 51 Gym, hopes to redefine fitness in Dubai with a deeply personalised approach to health and wellbeing. “It’s not a destination. It’s a way of life, a continuous journey toward your goals,” he explains, reflecting on the health and fitness journey that so many of us navigate today.
“There are no shortcuts,” he adds. “The first step is the hardest, but the courage it takes to start is the same courage that will carry you through. Trust the process and enjoy the ride.”
Mike’s story starts in France, where his passion for sports began on the track as a professional athlete. However, after deciding to pursue his studies in personal training, he moved to Dubai in 2010 to further his career. As a trainer, Mike’s popularity soared, and he quickly garnered an elite clientele looking for fitness and health solutions.
His personalised approach to training appealed to clients looking for something different from the “one-method-fits-all solution”. “Fitness is a personal journey, and no two clients are the same,” he explains. “Many people rush the process, but that’s not how lasting change happens.”
It is this personalised approach, tailored to individual needs and goals, that sets Mike apart in an industry where quick fixes are often touted over sustainable solutions.
As his success as a trainer began to grow, Mike wanted to take his dedication to fitness to the next level. “Having been part of all the stages in the fitness industry, I wanted to help on a bigger scale,” he says. “From freelancing to teaching classes, it was always a dream of mine to have a base I could call home.”
So, in November 2019, the fitness-fanatic opened 51 Gym in Jumeirah, Dubai. The vision was to provide fitness solutions for everyone and create a community around it. “From the enthusiasts that use 51 Gym to de-stress, to the members who want to improve their skills in Padel, we try to cater to all,” Mike explains.
51 Gym is a high-end fitness destination known for its holistic approach to health and fitness, fuelled by Mike’s methods. Trainers and staff are on hand to offer tailored nutrition plans, recovery treatments like physiotherapy and sports massages, and cutting-edge equipment that ensures effective and safe workouts.
The gym features state-of-the-art equipment and advanced technology. Members are also invited to join group sessions such as boxing, TRX, HIIT, yoga, pilates, and Reformer classes. At the heart of 51 Gym is a high-tech, immersive cycling studio featuring real routes and a 4D system that includes cold, warm, wind and water sensations.
“It really is a unique experience that strives to get better every day,” says Mike, speaking not only about the gym but the community he has created around it. “Having a team I can rely on to portray my vision was one thing, but providing the service I believe the fitness industry needed? That’s what makes the 51 community special.”
The UAE is increasingly placing health and fitness at the forefront of the national conversation. Initiatives like the Dubai Fitness Challenge encourage residents to commit to 30 minutes of daily physical activity, and Abu Dhabi 360 promotes year-round wellness.
More than ever, the importance of caring for our health is on all of our minds. “Movement is medicine. That’s something that never changes,” says Mike. “Nutrition is key – it’s the fuel to the engine. So, we encourage our clients to monitor this early on, which reflects on their performance and recovery. It is like a chain reaction. You can’t out-train a bad diet, especially as our bodies evolve over time.”
On his training philosophy, Mike says he’s a great believer in team or group sports. “If I had to pick a few, it would be striking the right balance between pilates, reformer, bootcamp and boxing,” he says. His own fitness regime also reflects this. “I try to work on all aspects of the game, including Padel, running strength, and football, but more than I ever, I appreciate the value in stretching, mobility and movement.”
So, what’s next for this ambitious business owner and trainer? While he regularly gets asked about the further expansion of 51 Gym, Mike’s focus for now is on sustaining its quality.
“We are here to master this model first,” he says. “I believe it’s always good to keep striving to make it elite before expanding, so we don’t compromise on quality. The community sees the effort we put in behind the scenes to help create the right environment.”
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