Trial Period: March 2nd - 15th, 2009
Currently on the third day of my 2 week trial period.
I've decided to post a review of what I've experienced so far...
First impression of the gym was OMG they really utilized the space! What with all the equipment they seem to be cramming into every available corner and space. Afterwork hours -- I'm talking about 6pm to 6:30pm -- are really busy so don't be surprised if classes are full and lockers are hard to find, but there will always be available cardio machines to keep yourself occupied. 7:30pm is when the shower queues get super long but the population empties out a bit so the classes aren't as packed. 8:30pm onwards, girls, don't be surprised if you still need to queue for showers... the classes are emptier and few, because who wants to stay in the gym until 9:30pm+?!
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Staff: Friendly. So far, nothing to complain about =)
- Sales consultant = He wasn't really pushy and he didn't make me feel I was locked down / trapped when it came to the sign-up-for-membership-now spiel, although he did contact me numerous times... like once a day numerous xD
- Receptionist = I liked the girls behind the counter. Maybe because they always seem to find me a slot in the classes I wanted ...or maybe I was just lucky.
- Trainers = The guy I was stuck with during my gym "orientation" wasn't receptive to me at all. He looked REALLY bored. And if you happen to be struggling with a machine, NO ONE will voluntarily come to your rescue... you need to open your mouth and ask. Trainers all seem to be focused on who they're with (which is good) or they'll be hanging around their little trainer's counter talking amongst themselves.
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Facilities: The receptionist gives you two towels. One for your workout usage, one for your shower. Now I can only speak of the women's facilities...
- Lockers = Unlike True Yoga, you don't need to bring your own little padlock. They'll give you a key card and you need to find out which way the card fits into the card slot before the locker decides to give you its key. The key comes attached with either a wrist band or a safety pin, so you shouldn't lose it. There was once during afterwork hours when almost ALL the lockers were taken save for the "out of order" ones and a few on the top rows... was quite pissed since I'm vertically challenged.
- Changing rooms = Don't look for one, there are none. Change in the toilet stalls (not recommended) or face a corner and strip.
- Steam room = There is one. It's tucked in the back after the shower stalls. I've never used it.
- Showers = I've ALWAYS had to queue. Bring your own bag / plastic bag to throw your clothes in if you dislike tossing it over the curtain railing. There are more than enough hooks to go around so you'll always find somewhere to hang your stuffs. Leave your shoes at your locker if you don't want them getting wet. They provide two soap dispensers (shower cream and conditioner+shampoo) but if you're picky, bring your own goods... they have a tray in the stall for you. Shower area has a floor mat thingie which allows water to pass beneath your feet so that you're not stepping in someone else's shower water, but the mat feels like it's been stepped on one too many times... it depresses on some spots.
- Misc = They've got hair dryers and a common use clothes rack for those who can't afford to have their outfits crumpled.
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Equipment: Good range of cardio, weight machines, free weights. You'll be kept occupied. They have a mix of new and old machines. There are 2 water coolers (unless I missed one, I remember there being 1 upstairs and 1 downstairs) with those inverted-u neck taps to fill water bottles too... there's hot and cold water.
And they have signs all over saying to wipe down the equipment after use but they don't leave around towels for you to use, and you kinda don't want to use the sweat towel that you'll be towelling yourself with. So I doubt machines get wiped by members... haven't seen that happening anyway.
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Workout Classes:
The high intensity workout classes (esp. Body Combat) are REALLY packed with people, I think also mainly because it's the first class afterwork hours.
If you've never done any sort of combat class or martial arts before, you may find it hard to follow + hard to keep up. You need tons of stamina.
Yoga Classes:
Body Balance -- My favourite class and according to the Sun (the instructor) it's a mix of tai chi and yoga. Was quite upset to see it appearing only ONCE a week on the schedule.
Power Yoga -- Was very intense. Do not attempt if you've never done yoga. There are a number of positions that are difficult to maintain >_<
Step Classes:
If you're really new at step like me, just go for Step I. The other step classes -- Multi Step and Step II and Step III -- thoroughly confuzes me. Much memory and leg coordination is needed to follow through all the stepping up-and-downs and turning-arounds properly.
Dance Classes:
Never tried these. I think with my horrid hand-leg-body coordination, I'd be so lost. Apparently every beginning of the month, the dance routine changes and you learn bit by bit the movements of an entire routine until at the month you get to pull off something awesome. Trial periods never last that long though.
Spin Classes:
You get on a bike and pedal. It's not that hard, so beginners will find Spin I and Spin II manageable. The only thing you MAY not like about these bike classes is that you'll find the seat uncomfortable and your bottom region will hurt. Stamina is needed to maintain cycling for 60 mins straight.
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Price Range:
You're looking at $79 - $99 per month depending on whether you want access to one club or all clubs. It's a tad pricey but if you manage to hit the gym 3-4 times a week or 12 times a month, per visit it'll come up to around $7 - $9. Minimum commitment period is 12 months. Usually places try to make you commit for 2 years... maybe they finally got the hint that people don't like long commitments.
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Shikyo hopes that you've found this review insightful, informative or at the very least entertaining. So if you've never been to a gym before, you won't be going to this one looking like a total newbie.
