Trial Period: November 16th - 30th, 2013
(Omg it's been FOUR years since I've reviewed ANYTHING! I've decided to revive my "Gym Reviews" section of my blog because I'll be dropping into a few more fitness/yoga/dance type-facilities during the next couple months... thank you, Groupon lol)
So, I've just finished my 2-week trial at Chevron House. I went every single day (yes, even on weekends), and I took a lot of classes (even though my sales consultant said I could only sign up for four, but meh~) hehe =x
First impression of the gym was OMG they extended to three levels (from the two levels, since I was there in 2009) - yay, there's more space! ^^ The new 8th floor holds this really cool workout centre that kinda reminded me of a jungle gym. Words can't describe it, so here're a couple pictures:
I didn't use it because I didn't even know where to start with it. The jungle gym looked interesting and complicated, and I really really wished that there'd been an instructor dedicated to just introduce what can be done (since it's something unique). I think that stationing an instructor there would #1 encourage new people / first timers to use it, and #2 onlookers would be less intimidated if they knew that there was a friendly person available to guide them whenever they have time to try it out.
And, is that a running track in the background of the picture? O_o Why, yes it is! Apparently it's an indoor sprint track. I have seen it being used for sprinting, and there are other people who have used the area for doing warm-ups, stretching and yoga.
Now, back in 2009, I complained about classes being so full during after-work hours. Sorry guys, but this time I can't comment about the the 6.00pm to 6.30pm classes because I really can't get to them (Teh Office is half an hour door-to-door away). I was pleasantly surprised that the 7.30pm classes weren't crowded at all, and the 8:30pm classes even less so. I've also been able to make several lunchtime classes - these are the 12:15pm, 12:30pm and 1:30pm timings - again, plenty of space for your to move around without worrying about bumping into anyone. Uncrowded classes means that you get more attention from the instructors, and if you didn't book the class in advance and you showed up just before class starts, you'd still be able to get in. I love the classes! ^^
And what about those unavailable lockers and long shower queues I complained about last time? Practically non-existent problems now! Girls, I've not had to hunt for an available locker, and I've never had to queue for showers this time. I don't know whether it's because of the later timings that I'm hitting the gym, or maybe it's because this isn't the time of year that True Fitness is trying to flood the gym with prospective new members.
I do have to rant about one thing - and it's about the Class Schedule:
#1 The Online Class Schedule page pisses me off. I'm talking about this page - http://truefitness.com.sg/index.php/classes/schedules. I should be able to do a Google search for "True Fitness Chevron House class schedule" and the first link that appears should take me directly to the Chevron House's class schedule, NOT the AMK Djitsun Mall's. The 3G connection is already sucky enough on the train. First, it takes forever to load the page, and then I have to click on the drop down to change gym location, and then wait again for the page to load up, and then I have to select my desired studio because by default, I see the bike studio and I'm not interested in bike classes. Grrr... build a more search-friendly + user-friendly Online Class Schedule page please!
#2 Why doesn't the Online Class Schedule state what level the classes are? I accidentally went into a "Level 3" Body Jam class, and I was completely lost. I wasn't the only newbie in that class too. Another girl was just as lost as I was, and we both ditched the class halfway through.
#3 Why are you guys still handing out PAPER versions of the class schedules? It's the digital age, build an app or something. Save the environment, stop wasting paper. Not sure what functionalities to put into the app? No problem, here's some ideas - members can see what classes are available, book classes, set timed reminders so we know when to get our asses out of the office, rate and review instructors, give feedback (I overheard some members telling an instructor that they wished he taught at Chevron more often... I'm sure this this wish fell on deaf ears), and if True Group wants to be brave, start a community with the app. A community is gonna allow members to suggest ideas, other members can read and rate ideas, the gym can make changes to improve according to member's needs. Members bond with other members online and at the gym, members stay members longer. And remember, when you're building an app, make sure it's for both the Apple-y folks and the Droid-ers too!
End spiel. Now, onto the in-depth review...
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Staff Peoples
Overall friendly. Still nothing to complain about.
- Sales consultant = He wasn't really pushy. There wasn't the usual, sign up now-now-today-today for a magical discount that you can only enjoy todaaay. I hate those.
- Receptionists = They're quick to get you signed in and hand you your towels. Sometimes it takes a couple minutes for them to print out class tickets.
- Trainers = Not proactive. What I mean is that you won't see them walking around, saying hi and asking members if they needed help. I have a feeling it's because you have to pay to engage in their "Personal Training services." But I think, if you don't at least show people how valuable you could be, or at the very least, how friendly you are, people aren't going to buy into your service.
Facilities
The receptionist gives you two towels. One body size towel for your shower, one smaller towel for your workout usage.
- Lockers = Now you have to bring your own little padlock like True Yoga. I've always got one with me, so I don't know what the protocol is like when you don't bring one. Like I said before, this time there's always an available locker when I'm there, and I'm talking about chest-level and lower-level lockers (because I'm short and yes, this matters a lot to me).
- Changing rooms = OMG they have changing rooms now! I wonder if it's because they read my past review lol. Here's a picture:
- Steam room = There is one. I still haven't used it, so I can't say much about it.
- Showers = I've NEVER had to queue this time. There are more than enough hooks outside of the shower so you can hang stuffs and they won't get splashed on. Same advice as before, leave your shoes at the lockers if you don't want them getting wet. Two soap dispensers (blue colored shower cream and peach colored shampoo) but if you're picky, bring your own goods... they have a metal tray thing in the shower stall. They got rid of the floor mat thingie in the the shower stall so if your neighbour is washing off lots of soap, well, you can probably expect some of that entering your space and coming into contact with your feet. I just let that happen and walk barefoot back to my locker, then wipe them dry there with a towel.
- Misc = Hair dryers are still there, they have cotton buds too, and the common clothes rack (with hangers) is still there for those who can't afford to have their outfits crumpled. So what's new? Well, I think the shoe racks in the ladies' room are an addition, but I see mostly runners on them. I'm guessing this is the cheap alternative if you don't want to pay to rent a shoe locker to store your shoes.
Equipment:
Good range of cardio, weight machines, free weights, yoga mats and yoga balls.
You'll definitely be kept occupied - if you know how to operate the machines. I was being a newb on the stair climber machine and I couldn't figure out why it kept restarting, and I was randomly pushing buttons for a good 5 - 8 minutes. Again, if there'd been a personal trainer around who was keeping an eye out for people struggling with machines, it'd have been good service for help to be offered.
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Workout Classes:
I took Body Combat and Kick Boxing. Same advice as before, if you've never done any sort of combat class or martial arts, you may find it hard to follow + hard to keep up. You need tons of stamina. The instructors really need to tell people how to throw proper punches and kicks, because I don't see people using their hips at all.
Yoga Classes:
These are my favourite of all the classes. I took Body Balance, Power Yoga, Kalari Yoga and Hot Yoga. I must say one thing though... True Fitness, THANK YOU for ditching the disgusting old peeling yoga mats and getting these new dark grey ones (these ones have waaay much better grip and they don't smelly like a million people's stinky feet).
- Body Balance = This is a mix of tai chi, pilates and yoga. Tracey is the instructor you should be looking for - she's really good and very positive, you'll love her energy!
- Hot Yoga = Great for beginners because the heat will let you go into stretches you thought were impossible.
- Power Yoga = Take these classes only if you have done yoga for awhile. Choose either Marian or Poh - they're both equally friendly and really good instructors, but I'd say Marian is tougher because she really pushes you. I really felt like my yoga skills leveled up!
- Kalari Yoga = This was a new one for me. My gawd, my thighs were killing me after the first time I took Amanda's class. Amanda is also another really good instructor and she'll even give you some tips on how to cheat with holding some poses!
(And when I say someone's a good instructor, I mean it. They verbalize what you're supposed to do step by step, they point out common mistakes, and they go around to help and encourage you.)
Step Classes:
Didn't try these this time around (sorry folks, I was too busy leveling up on yoga).
Dance Classes:
Like I mentioned, I accidentally stepped into a level 3 Body Jam class, which I had to abandon halfway. It was too difficult to follow, especially when the instructor started fast-forwarding through her moves. I took a Shbam class too, it was slightly easier but still a challenge to follow/copy. Maybe it's just me, but the footwork was confusing, and adding in hand movements just messed everything up for my severely uncoordinated body lol
Spin Classes:
Didn't try these this time around either.
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Price Range:
You're looking at $105 or $120 per month depending on whether you want access to one gym club or all gym clubs, for 12 months. Yes, they've upped the price tag since 4 years ago (maybe the price increase is the reason why the gym isn't super crowded like last time). If you commit with them longer though, the price drops to $75 a month, but you're bonded for 3 years.
What I Loved:
- Yoga Studio's classes
- Location from Raffles Place MRT (once you get to Street Level, you take one escalator into Chevron House, trade in your IC / driver's license with the security guy on the right, head to the gantry on the far left, take the lifts up to the 7th floor and you're there!) Please note that the lifts are hands-free activation, so don't be a newb and press the arrow-looking button thing at the lift okay?
What I Didn't Like:
- Online class schedule
- Monthly price tag
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Well, that's it from me. If you have questions, feel free to drop me an emew (liankitty@gmail.com) or leave a comment. Otherwise, my last advise for you is to try out (any) gym first before signing up for anything. You gotta spend time seeing if you're okay with the commute to the gym, and you gotta spend quality time with the instructors, because if you love them, you're gonna be so much more motivated to join their classes every week.
Stay tuned to my next gym review (California Fitness @ Novena), which should be up by the end of this month or after I'm back from New Year's Bali surfing trip.
