From Commando to Clubhouse: Toby Richards’ Mission to Redefine Fitness in Dubai
- By Loaded fitness editors
In the heart of Dubai’s ever-evolving fitness scene, a new name is making waves: The Locker. Dubbed the most aesthetic gym in the UAE, the newly opened premises is the brainchild of Toby Richards, a 32-year-old Brit who carved out a very nice career for himself, taking his skills in the Royal Marines Commando to become one of the world’s top fitness entrepreneurs.
Richards’ story begins in good old Blighty, where he served in the Royal Marines, honing not just his physical prowess but also the mental resilience that would later become the cornerstone of his fitness philosophy. After his military stint, he transitioned into bodybuilding, pushing his body to its aesthetic limits. Yet, the call for versatility led him to embrace endurance sports, blending strength with stamina in a way that few athletes dare to attempt.
Nearly a decade ago, Richards relocated to Dubai, a city known for its luxury and ambition. Starting as a coach, he quickly recognised a gap in the market: the absence of a fitness space that combined high-performance training with a sense of community and sophistication. This realisation planted the seed for The Locker.
“The Locker is designed to be more of a club than just a transactional gym,” Richards explains. “It’s about the community we’ve built, the athletes we’ve attracted, and the facilities we offer.”
Indeed, The Locker stands out not just for its state-of-the-art equipment but for its unique amenities. One of its highlights is a seminar/sports/workspace lounge, styled after a traditional cigar lounge. Here, members can socialize, play video games, watch live sports, or participate in seminars ranging from health and fitness to mindset and finance.
The aesthetic appeal of The Locker is undeniable. Its design reflects Richards’ vision of a space that is both luxurious and bespoke, catering to the modern athlete’s demands. But beyond the visuals, it’s the ethos of the place that resonates.
Richards’ training regimen mirrors the hybrid nature of The Locker. He maintains a bodybuilding-style training four days a week, emphasizing high volume and intensity. Complementing this are conditioning sessions involving running, rowing, and martial arts. This combination allows him to retain his muscular physique while staying agile and versatile.
“The one tip I would give to anyone trying to gain muscle or get very cardiovascular fit would be to make intensity your best friend,” he advises. “Ensure that the cardio or conditioning training you’re doing is measurable so you can track progress from previous weeks.”
While The Locker is his primary focus, Richards hasn’t shelved his athletic ambitions. He’s eyeing a return to the Arctic in early 2026 to complete the Arctic Ultra Marathon in Yukon, Canada, a testament to his relentless pursuit of pushing boundaries.
As for The Locker’s future, Richards envisions expanding its footprint across the UAE, creating more unique training facilities that blend performance with community.
The Loaded verdict: In a world where gyms often feel impersonal and transactional, The Locker offers a refreshing alternative, a place where ambition meets camaraderie, and where every member is part of a larger mission. For those dreaming of transforming their fitness journey or scrolling through Instagram for ideas, Toby Richards’ tangible story serves as a compelling reminder: with vision, dedication, and a touch of audacity, dreams can indeed become your reality.
