Residents of two high-rises in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) are expressing their discontent after management implemented a ban on personal trainers using the building’s gym and pool facilities. This decision has ignited a discussion about residents’ rights and the use of communal spaces.
Notices have been posted in the elevators of Green Lake Towers 1 and 2 in JLT's Cluster S, informing residents of the new policy. Management claims the ban is necessary to prevent overcrowding and minimize wear and tear on equipment. The owners' association management company stated that the ban is in line with community rules and a directive from the master developer, DMCC.
However, DMCC has explicitly denied issuing any such directive. 'The matter of allowing personal trainer activities falls under the responsibility of the individual towers in JLT and their respective homeowners associations, not DMCC,' the company stated in a recent communication to Khaleej Times. 'No directive or instructions was issued by DMCC banning personal trainers in JLT,' the statement confirmed.
Several residents, who rely on personal trainers for health reasons, are now left in a state of confusion. One resident, SB, who has lived in the building for seven years, expressed her disappointment: 'I hired a personal trainer because my husband has a back issue from exercising incorrectly. We opted for professional help to use the gym facilities safely.' Another resident, SM, voiced concerns over the impact of the ban on his health, stating that his doctor recommended vigorous physical training, which he now cannot pursue without a personal trainer.
Other residents, like NN, question the management’s concern about potential equipment damage. 'The gym is part of the facilities we rent. Are we now being told we can’t use it because it’s getting damaged?' he asked, noting that the gym is often underutilized.
The ban also extends to personal trainers at the pool, causing further frustration among residents. RK, a resident for four years, shared his disappointment: 'We were abruptly notified that swimming coaches are not allowed, disrupting my son’s lessons.'
In response to the ban, residents have formed a WhatsApp group with nearly 50 members to discuss their grievances and propose solutions. However, the property management company has been unresponsive to these suggestions.
Despite acknowledging residents' concerns, the community manager remains resolute: 'I can't speak for other buildings, but I have to prioritise the well-being of the majority. If anyone needs a personal trainer for medical reasons, they can show me a doctor's note, and we will allow it. However, I cannot have personal trainers running amok in the building.'
