Looking for a workout with a view? The sky might be the limit.

Some workouts promise a “lift” but this one delivers it quite literally. A fitness brand in Riyadh has launched what’s being called the world’s highest gym class, held inside a hot air balloon floating about 2,200 feet above the city skyline. 

The experience begins on the ground with a dynamic warm-up before participants ascend into the sky for a full-body session while taking in views of famous landmarks. It’s part spectacle, part serious training ...and entirely unforgettable. 

Once airborne, the class runs for around 30 minutes and focuses on practical strength and conditioning - think squats, lunges, overhead presses, lateral raises, and bicep curls - adapted for the balloon basket environment. The programming mixes bodyweight and light weights, designed to be safe yet challenging while literally suspended above the city. Sessions have been scheduled on select Saturdays with limited spots allocated via ballot because, unsurprisingly, demand is sky-high. 

The concept taps into growing interest in “experience fitness.” Research suggests about 67% of exercisers are looking for more memorable workouts rather than routine gym sessions, and altitude-inspired training has long been used by athletes to stimulate adaptations like increased red blood cells and potentially greater calorie burn, sometimes estimated at 5–15% more in lower-oxygen environments.  While exact pricing hasn’t been widely published, the exclusivity and limited capacity implies that yes, it would cost a bomb! 

This new trend reminds us that fitness doesn’t have to be confined to four walls...sometimes a fresh perspective is the best training tool of all. And if your heart rate spikes a little faster up there, let's call that enthusiasm, shall we?

Turns out, the quickest way to elevate your routine… is to actually elevate it.