Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai — Residents of Green Lake Towers 1 and 2 in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) are voicing their frustration following a recent management decision to ban personal trainers from the buildings’ gym and pool facilities. The move has ignited a debate over residents’ rights and the use of community amenities.
Notices posted in the elevators announced the ban, which management claims is intended to prevent overcrowding and minimize wear on equipment. The owners’ association management company cited directives from the master developer, DMCC, as a basis for the ban. “The situation was getting out of hand,” stated the community manager, referencing a communication from DMCC that supposedly disallowed personal trainers in common areas.
However, DMCC has denied issuing any such directive. “The allowance of personal trainer activities falls under the responsibility of individual towers and their respective homeowners associations,” the company clarified. They confirmed no instructions were given to ban trainers in JLT.
The ban has left many residents, who rely on personal trainers for health reasons, feeling confused and frustrated. One resident, SB, expressed her disappointment, noting that professional training was essential for her husband’s recovery from a back issue. Another resident, SM, voiced concerns for his health, emphasizing that he had been advised by his doctor to engage in vigorous physical activity, which now requires a personal trainer.
Residents have also raised questions about the rationale behind the management’s concern over equipment damage, pointing out that the gym is often underutilized. With maintenance fees at Dh37,000 annually, homeowners are questioning whether this amount is adequate for upkeep, especially as the ban extends to personal trainers at the pool, disrupting swimming lessons for children.
In response to their grievances, residents have created a WhatsApp group to propose solutions, such as registering certified trainers and maintaining a usage log to monitor gym traffic. However, the management company has reportedly not responded to these suggestions, leading to further dissatisfaction.
While acknowledging residents’ concerns, the community manager remained resolute in enforcing the ban. “If anyone needs a personal trainer for medical reasons, they can show me a doctor’s note, and we will allow it,” she stated. Nonetheless, she emphasized the need to regulate the presence of trainers, noting that multiple clients per trainer could lead to overcrowding.
As residents continue to voice their discontent, the situation highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing community rules with individual rights in JLT.
