Looking to join a gym?
Yeah some of you have been asking me for advice on which gym to join in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor or Malaysia. i have been to most mainstream gyms in and around KL and always wanted to tulis this gym review post based on my personal experience.
But first, how to choose a gym
Before I’ll info the gym reviews, following are some quick tips (more in my book) on how to choose a gym:
- Location: Make sure you can get there easily.
- Cost: Make sure you are aware of all the hidden costs, cancellation fees etc.
- Facilities: They gotta be able to cater to your current and possible future needs.
- The crowd: Can you fit in the general going members? How busy are their peak hours?
- Special needs? Ask them beforehand.
Ok on to my Malaysian Gym Review. I sorted them in order I joined or visited them. Pls note that i have no affiliation with any of these gyms.
Ultimate Gym, Wangsa Maju
Its the first gym (in Malaysia) that I joined after coming back from the US in 2002. Compared to the US, gym membership rates in Malaysia were/are ridiculous so I was looking for an economical gym around my area (Ampang). Thats when I found Ultimate Gym that is owned by my (now) very good friend Terry Gallyot, former Mr Asia 1999.
…if thats not enough, you have the luxury of an experienced bodybuilder bernama Terry Gallyot to help you out….
The gym is extremely friendly as many regulars become your friends. Although it is not as big as the big players, it has everything you need to get a quality workout…. and if thats not enough, you have the luxury of an experienced bodybuilder bernama Terry Gallyot to help you out. He owns the place and is there all the time! Keep it up Terry!
Rating: 
Fitness First
Joined Fitness First as my work required me to move around a lot more. With their various locations all around the Klang Valley, it comes in handy.
…I have been extremely disappointed with the promises that Fitness First is making. I “worked” with them on my book as location sponsors but they have yet to fulfill their promises to me…
Facilities wise its adequate but probably lacks behind the other big players. Locker rooms are getting a lil old as well. Lately I have been extremely disappointed with the promises that Fitness First is making. I “worked” with them on my book as location sponsors but they have yet to fulfill their promises to me. Sad la I tell you.
Rating:
California Fitness
My good friend Tony worked at California Fitness for a while. Actually dunno if he still does hahaha. He a few photoshoots there. Definitely has a very American appeal with lots of alternative training facilities (i.e. kick boxing and some fancy equipments).
I feel they are lacking a little in the number of outlets compartment but overall, no complains. If I worked or lived near one, I would definitely consider joining but they should improve their website of lack thereof.
Rating: 
Celebrity Fitness
Ah that place. Also had a few shoots there. In fact just yesterday at their BSV II outlet. Behind Fitness First, they probably are number 2 in terms of outlets and memberships. Facilities are definitely excellent and the fact that Celebrity Fitness and I are sponsored by Adidas is a plus in my books at least. hahah. Cons? Well their whole “celebrity” craze and the fact their outlets fee like a nightclub ain’t my thing la. Visit their website for more info.
Rating:
Clark Hatch Fitness
Ah yes. They used to be da shit way way way back. Hahaha and I think thats their problem la as their equipment, brand and facilities are not as attractive as their competitors. That said, Clark Hatch are smart enough and have a niche in the hotel gym line. Would I join? Hmmm only if location and the package works for me.
Rating:
True Fitness
…found True Fitness a little arrogant in my opinion hahaha…dunno but probably just my experience….
Found True Fitness a little arrogant in my opinion hahaha…dunno but probably just my experience. In terms of area, they probably are the biggest around and add the yoga touch to their brand. Place feels a little too big for me but equipment and facilities are obviously impressive.
Rating:
Gold’s Gym
Visited them a few times. Got a free pass and since they are not too far from where I live, I trained at Gold’s Gym for about a week. Equipment wise they are decent but can’t compete with the big players. Sayang la in a way, especially since they have such a big brand/presence in the US and around the world. The mall they are in (Yow Chuan Plaze…hahah sorry probably mispelled that one) is dying as well..so that doesn’t help.
Rating:
Sweat Club
Are they still around? Worked out there a few times and did some photo shoots with them. Although a lil old, its a decent place to work out as the crowds are not that huge. So if you are looking for some privacy, a swimming pool and tennis courts, Sweat Club is great!
Rating:
Momentum Fitness
….was approached for a potential collaboration by one of the Momentum Fitness staff but it turned out to be a complete waste of my time!..
Never heard of it? Yeah you are not missing much. Its an effort to turn gym membership into some MLM business where you can make money to recruit. Was approached for a potential collaboration by one of the Momentum Fitness staff and it turned out to be a complete waste of my time! All that said the gym is decently equipped but location is only ideal of you work around Phileo Damansara. Would I advice you to join? No!
Rating:
Kelab Darul Ehsan (KDE) Gym
My current gym! Well probably the worst in terms of equipment and safety, but its the nearest to my apartment. Its just a 2 minutes walk away and I play tennis and go swimming there. But seriously la……the equipment must be like 20+ years old and and and some of the equipment are unsafe and actually harmful!
Rating:
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August 26th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
cool post man. thanks for that.
you work out at KDE ke?
August 27th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
kev,
rasanya sweat club tu dah xde… yg kat mid valley tu dah di take over by california fitness.. :)
August 27th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
hafeiz - yup usually @ KDE. Not the best gym around but its convenient lah.
apiz - thanks for the info. I thought so.
August 28th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
betul la….i pun frust giler ngan fitness first. service they all teruk….and their PT gatal gile.
August 28th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
I’m not in Klang Valley so won’t comment much on these gym. But I agreed that gym fee in Malaysia is ridiculous compared to our GDP. Not sure which part we went wrong, but I think one of the reasons is, going to gym not our preferred lifestyles. Most Malaysian still prefer “lepak” at mamak stall or sports at public fields. So, gyms imposed higher fees maybe to compensate the volume. Other matters maybe; quite a lot Malaysian ladies not comfortable exercising in unisex enviroment.
August 28th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
yanti - Fitness First PT gatal? hahahah not the first time I hear that one
firdhous - true true….in the US…gym memberships costs about US50 a month….based on income there, that would equal to about RM50 spending power here.
August 29th, 2008 at 11:06 am
do u do PT kevin? i’ve been to ur Maxtrition office some time back..ur staff said dunno. if the service is available, can u roll me in? thanks.
August 29th, 2008 at 11:09 am
hmmm..i was approached by some of the gym people thanx to my connections…but after reading ur post, i think i’ll pass them off
August 30th, 2008 at 5:09 am
wow. you’ve got quite an attitude don’t you? Bad mouthing all the health clubs? Come on.. there are better ways to get traffic on your website. And your youtube video of your speech.. goodness… you’ve got no facts or content. all bullshit.
August 30th, 2008 at 11:48 am
aastar - glad you find the post useful.
certifiedpro - based on your comments, I’m assuming you are working with one of those lowly rated clubs ;) Do you even know what bad mouthing even means? Try n google it :D
August 31st, 2008 at 7:13 pm
great job buddy and i agree. a friend of mine used to work for FF. she advised me not to join coz according to her they lack certified trainers and complains fell on deaf ears. what the heck.. i am considering celebrity fitness coz my sister did look as if she lost those extra pounds recently after joining them.. but then again another option is for me to make full use of my housing area facility that includes gym facility. Its free and i hardly see anyone in there.
August 31st, 2008 at 8:21 pm
Hi,
I have no choice but to go to fitness-first because its right next to my office. i save on petrol and parking. and on friday nights i can pump it up before i hit the laundrybar. but cmon kevin ppl visit your site for some advice not for personal bashing because u had a deal with them that went wrong. id say ur review is abit biased. Just One Star!? Cmon. Ive been to Golds-gym its even worst. and they got 2 stars. Not that im 100% satisfied with FF’s services. ill Reserve that comment for later. Cheers!
August 31st, 2008 at 8:51 pm
baby - thanks for the comment. yeah as consumers you have every right to voice out your opinions and choose as you please ;)
nochoice - thanks for the feedback. Most of my posts are that…just tips….this is probably one of the few posts that are more personal. My reviews are entirely based on my experience….just like a bank la. We all have our own views.
So yeah…based on my experience or disappointment with FF, I give them a lower review or rating :)
But thanks for droppin by.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Hey guys. I’m an ex trainer from Celebrity Fitness and my advise to you consumers out there is please be very very careful when choosing a trainer there. Majority of them aren’t qualified or certified to train you. They are only good at selling training packages which are expensive. They even dress like salesmen (collar shirts, ties, slacks and leather shoes hahaha!!). Wanna try something fun? Try asking them where and what the rotator cuff is and watch them come up with b.s or try to change the topic. What’s dangerous is they’re so clueless about training and anatomy and your safety is compromised. Did you know that most trainers there don’t have CPR certs?? I’m not blaming the trainers here. It’s the management who’s responsible for hiring them in the first place.
September 2nd, 2008 at 3:53 pm
man - thanks for the input but yeah I agree….quality personal trainers is a rare commodity these days. And even if they have some, they’ll have a hard time to retain them as most won’t stay very long.
Personal trainers in most gyms have to meet sales quota which stresses them our. PT afterall is a business model for gyms…they want quantity first, quality second.
September 3rd, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Kev….great pose…I went to True Fitness just because I got the membership offer, even it is a bit pricey. Anyway wich I can get a better shape in a near future (susah betul nak control makan)
September 3rd, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Hope it’s still not too late to post a comment here. Had a membership with FF since Dec last year and never had any other gym member before. Its a new branch so dont have much complaints about its facilities cause all brand new. Next year I’ll be shifting out to SJ so there are few gyms I can look at.
But what i want to comment here is the peoples attitude in the working-out area, changing rooms, spa & saunas and even in the shower. Some people can be so selfish and uncare towards fellow visitors. In the sauna, they (guys) sometimes can just flaunt their private parts around even though the room is only 10′ x 8′ wide and full with other visitors. it’s disgusting, they should at least wear their underwear.
Changing rooms, these people talks very loud as if there are nobody around. sighhhh, malaysia still have a long way to go to reach that developed nation’s mentality.
September 4th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
kev, actually how much it cost for in to the gym?
September 4th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
Personal opinions shared are always best taken with a ‘pinch of salt’. It’s enlightening to view a subject from various angles. Nothing read should be taken as gospel. There is always reasoning behind subjective perception…freedom of speech in Malaysia is something not fully supported or cultivated and as locals we need to develop tact and sensitivity in how we reflect our views on matters. Anyway, congrats on your initiative in getting the ball rolling on this topic for discussion…..
September 4th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
arch808 - i fell your pain hahahah…. ;)
pizul - depends on the gym kot. Tyicall gym memberships in Malaysia generally vary from RM80 - RM180 per month.
Irene - thanks for droppin by. sometimes people tend to take things too seriously, especially if the posts “critic” their interests.
September 4th, 2008 at 11:42 pm
Thanks for the review! After 5 years with Fitness First, I’m now looking for better gym. They increase monthly fees RM189. Your review on FF is all so true except I would have given 2.5 stars. Gold Gym has moved to the new wing Plaza Ampang. Looks amazing. If you google search on TrueFitness, you find a lot of TrueFitness bashing.
Your review on trainers really bruise their ego. They sometimes ask me for tips and I wonder how they become certified trainer.
Some trainers force overweight gymmers to do weight but actually these people should concentrate on cardio or classes to loose fat. Some trainers perform “fondling stretch exercise”. Its common at FF. One time I snap and told them to get a room! Its obscene.
Then there are the “flashers” in the sauna, steam room and locker. Annoying!
Years ago I complaint about smoking in the toilet. That is when they post NO SMOKING sign. Just last week I was at FF Maxis and still someone smoking.
I need a gym that can last me the next 5 years. I hate hopping gym. After reading all comments over the internet, I still have no choice.
September 4th, 2008 at 11:56 pm
zack - thanks for your comment. You are spot on. Fitness First is now charging RM189? WOW….i thought with all the competition and economies of scales that gym fees should head south.
You are absolutely right - sometimes we just dont have a choice when it comes to choosin a gym epspecially when location plays such an important role.
I should write a post on “how to choose a personal trainer” soon.
September 7th, 2008 at 8:05 am
Zack, Kevin,
I’m a FF Maxis goers most of the time and sometime the Curve one. Actually I’m quite happy with their facilities except that their machine is not standard. I love doing the Captain’s Chair for my abs tapi kat the Curve punya FF tak de…things like that.
I would give them 5 stars if
1. They will standardize their machines
2. Provide a surau.
3. Bigger locker
4. Introduce more interesting class like hip hop dancing or capoera ker..
5. Have some punching bags…
6. Reduce their membership fees to RM150 ( with towel service )
As for now I have to agree with Zack’s stars
September 7th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
Kevin,i think CF dont deserve a star. Last time i went there with my sister and my sister hire a private trainer. And guess what? The trainer start to call my sister “sayang” and asking a money from her. What a pathetic! After that, i quit and never join any fitness centre again but really miss the gym also cause it has a good facilities but bad PT
September 7th, 2008 at 11:55 pm
marjan - thanks for your comment.
yusri - “sayang” huh….yeah thats not suprising la. PT in Malaysia…well worldwide are known to have an eye for the ladies n abuse their powers hahaha. Human nature la..kinda like bouncers at a night club.
September 8th, 2008 at 11:58 pm
hi…i would like to find a private personal training studio around subang ss15 where i can train one-on-one with the instructor….could i know if there is any private training studios there? thx.
September 9th, 2008 at 2:53 am
ah kecewanya Gold’s Gym di Malaysia (esp. di KL) tak maju! i’m a Gold’s Gym Indonesia member. i’m a malaysian, live in jakarta for more than 3 years now, studying here. Gold’s Gym Indonesia has 3 outlets and is opening more soon. i bet that Gold’s Gym Indonesia is getting popular & becoming a stronger competitor to Fitness First & Celebrity Fitness here, particularly in Jakarta. hope that Gold’s Gym Kuala Lumpur will move out from its present location & opens more outlets so that they’ll succeed as its Indonesian counterpart. http://www.goldsgym.co.id
September 9th, 2008 at 5:37 am
thank god I’m not a PT… kalau tak lagi gatal :)
September 9th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
kevin how should we know the trainer is certified, is it true that overweight gymners should’t do much weight and need to do more on cardio? as i am overweight and just joined this TLS fitness in kajang, the trainer suggested me to do weight more to build my muscle as it can increase my metabolisme.
why dont u come down here and give review about this gym. As i dont even have any gym’s experience.
September 9th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
TLS Fitness Membership at Taman Sepakat Indah , Sg Chua , Kajang promotion at an affordable monthly fees
http://www.tlsfitness.com
I was the member of Fitness First since 2005-2006,hence I moved to Kajang,I have found the similar quality and brand of Cardio Equipment , Free Weights Area , Stretch Area with Fitball & Yoga Mats , Sauna & Steam Room and even better with a clean swimming pool and member’s lounge at TLS Fitness Centre.It has more that 50 classes a week and it provide quality facilities as per what is offered by other famous franchise fitness center.
I have attended few classes and it is no difference from the classes offered by the famous fitness-chain I used to visit.Apparently I was being transferred back to Puchong and was not able to attend this center as regularly as before.Therefore I have to opt to transfer this membership to those who appreciate fitness and at a budgetary cost.My current membership is only RM80 per month and I have committed for 36months.Hence I have used up 5 months and I am looking to transfer the remaining 31 months to interested individuals living in this area.Total cost would be : 31 months x RM 80 = RM 2,480.00 . Standard Enrollment is RM110.00 per month
Fees that will be borne by me RM73.00 ( Freezing Fees-Paid ) & Member Transfer Fees of RM120.All transfer procedure will be done at TLS Fitness Centre itself by the Member’s consultant with an official documents.
Please let me know if you are interested at 016-370 5700 before 31st August 2009
September 11th, 2008 at 9:08 am
how about Gym Rakyat (near to Bulatan Kampung Pandan)n some other places brotha. it near to my office n home. cheaper fees too. is’t a good starter for me considering that gym as working out place?
September 11th, 2008 at 6:43 pm
Lupa lak nak cakap…dalam buku Kavin yang Bahasa Melayu tu, on page 72 if i’m not mistake ade silap skit kat jadual workout. kalau compare with English book!! but i already bought the Malay version =(
September 12th, 2008 at 4:39 am
hello azizul…
1) i went to gym rakyat 1x @ taman titiwangsa. Hmmm my experience: its cheap but equipment not that well maintained and doesn’t look too safe. That was back in 2002 lah…I haven’t been there since.
2) Oh ye ke? Let me check it out. Thanks for highlighting.
September 12th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
HAI KEVIN…
YOU’RE RIGHT KEVIN…I’M ALSO DISSPOINTED WITH FITNESS FIRST PROMISE…THAT’S WHY I RESIGN FOR THIS COMPANY…ALWAYS MEMBERS ASKED ME,” SHAH, WHY FITNESS FIRST IS LIKE NOT AS BEFORE?” AND FOR INFORMATION A LOT OF MY FRIENDS(PT AND FC) AND MY CLUB GENERAL MANAGER WAS RESIGN FOR THE POSITION..I KNOW THERE WAS A EXTERNAL PROBLEM INVOLVE…
NOW, I’M HAPPY COZ I CAN HELP PEOPLE OUTSIDE THERE ABOUT FITNESS WITHOUT PAYING ANYTHING..THANKS KEVIN
p/s: last time i propose to my CGM to open CAPOEIRA class…he said ok but till 5 mths no action taken so i very2 dispointed coz many of members know about the class that i will open…
http://www.adwanigallery.blogspot.com
September 16th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
After read what zack mention abt FF, it really turn me off. I juz abt to check out their fee.. 189/month is ridiculous for 5yrs..I’m ex-FF (IOI mall puchong)..I join early bird at 135/m. cant recall much since is 2 yrs back.I’ve to agree that PT gatal,luckly free 2 session with tat PT he is not gatal at all,juz encourage.but another PT yes..hate to see his face.Yesterday, I drop by at CF sunway.. monthy after much neg is 150/m.. all join fee.. bla bla bla stil hv to pay.And they offer 28xx ech for couple (28xx kali dua = 56xx) sorry cant recall exact number.must commit 2yrs. 105/pax for 2 yrs. look cheap but dun want to trust.. is hard earn money mahh :).. Im oso Yogazone member.. now must call ex-YZ. YZ closing down and let me in the dark for a while.1488 for 12+6mth.. I only go mth.. rugi a bit.. sad..huhu.. anyone know a good yoga class - not prefer big big one.. pocket sakit nanti.. hhe
September 22nd, 2008 at 12:53 pm
hye kevin..salam aidilfitri :) me n my sis planning nak start going to gym after raya. we’re in ampang, so is there any suggestion gym mana….
October 6th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
hi kevin,
im interested to become a member of clark hutch in JB. wuts ur commnet obout that fitness centre?theres not much choice in JB..clark hutch looks good for me..but,i dont know about the service and the fees.
October 10th, 2008 at 4:02 am
hello guys!
i dont really care much about trainers in d gym, wut im looking for is an inexpensive gym around segambut,mont kiara, hartamas or jln kuching. if anyone knows, plz advice me.
cheers
October 13th, 2008 at 3:10 am
i am a newbie at all this. my husband gave me a three month membership with a PT for my birthday. my PT’s credentials are well… dubious. its a small gym but adequately equipped. i am overweight. when i started training on sept 1st, i weight 81 kilos and my height is 5′ 2″. but seriously, since then by eating correctly and training properly i have since dropped 6 kilos.
i have to disagree with one of the posters above who said that overweight people should not get into weight/strength training. this has helped me tremendously. i dropped more pounds as i trained with weights than i just did with only cardio. i still do cardio on a daily basis, either on the treadmill or stationary bike for about 40 to 50 minutes but i move on to working with weights for at least 45 to 60 minutes.
as I mentioned above, my PT.. well she doesnt know as much as I do (sometimes)… i have been reading, researching voraciously and i found most overweight people tend to lose more by working with weights.
thank god, i never joined any of the bigger gyms, because i believe it would have intimidated me :)
kevin, i have been reading that consumption of whey protein at night before bed can actually help the overweight person drop more pounds. I only just read one article about it… how much of it is true. Dymatize, i hear is a good brand for whey protein. I found your site after googling the brand.
what would you recommend?
by the way, i strongly believe that the only way to lose fat and build good muscle is via confusing one’s body. hence i have been increasing levels, speed and weights as i workout.. on a week to wekk basis. well i hope i am doing it right here :)
November 4th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
Huuh..i have no choice other that FF. I am under cooperate rate where company subsidies RM 40 and i pay RM 100 per month. Besides, FF near to my office in Subang Jaya. Shah Alam got no GYM lar..
Regarding the PT, one PT suggested me to do weight training under him to focus on my back. I have problem with my upper body actually. But, thru my reading. if I want to loose fat I need to do cardio. Weigh training is to tone up muscle. Which advise should I follow..
Abt PT gatal..wahh donno what to say.. Some PT used “ayat bikin cair” just to convinced me to do PT under him..kengkadang geli pon ader..but I take it +ve.
November 6th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
i just decided to register with Fitness first, but i made some research online and mostly all i heard and read about fitness first wasnt that great..
i am desperately need to loose my weight, and im still a student so can u give me any suggestion about which gym should i go? im thinking to hire a personal trainer too but i heard that not all PT have the right qualification.
i dont want to get cheated by them and i dont want my money just gone like that and at the same time i not loose my weight at all..
i think menara maxis FF is the nearest one to me tapi kalau dah banyak cerita tak best macam ni… how laa…
November 12th, 2008 at 11:13 am
salam kevin….sy ingin mencuba masuk gym…tp sy x tau bagaimana…sy tidak tau psl gym ni
November 12th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Hi all..
i was a fitness first staff before..as membership consultant at one of the worst outlet..i,ll be at that club since their was like should close the bussines.but for me takde keje yg senang..everything u must facing as a human..day by day,month by month we keep growth up the bussiness till the club hit the target for 7month in a row..seriously the head office dont know what are our problem actually…bcoz everything just refer to CGM (CLUB GENERAL MANGER)SERIOUSLY the manager just like to kipas the head office people (regional sales manger)to get appreciated but inside their dont know anything..a lot member complaint havent setel..just like to get new member till u can see ff the curve when peak period pack like sardin till no locker,member must wait to take shower…please la improve on that..still got a lot problem inside..no need to say la..my suggestion dont go fitness first better run at the field n jog at the park..price also main problem they all like to increase but see la fren our economy right now..last word country managr even regional sales manager please go back to your country if u think u wank to cekik darah org MALAYSIA
November 12th, 2008 at 11:15 pm
hey everyone,
thanks for sharing your stories and pengalaman with everyone here. As a consumer, it is our right to express kita punya perasaan…tak kira whether its positive or negative ;)
keep em coming guys.
November 13th, 2008 at 11:00 am
nk tanye..adakah Hydroxycut Advance elok….utk membuang lemak
November 16th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
i baru jer di transferkan ke KK sabah…ader tak gym or fitness centre yg OK kat sini…
November 21st, 2008 at 5:24 pm
dude, how much ar, the membership fee dekat ultimate gym? my friend told me that gym was owned by awie, hahahaha damn la, kena tipu
November 21st, 2008 at 10:35 pm
Zahri,hi!I baru join gym last 3wks, adala improvement,I do cardio 60min, and another 30min weights.I need some help but PT at my gym are so damn expensive,I just can’t afford it.I’m a housewife tak kerja n overweight, duit cukup2 jer.Masuk gym pun my last try to lose 10kg at least, I started at 76.8kg, now I am 71.4kg,I tak set goal tinggi2, I set small goals,2kg then another 2kg.Can u help me,am I doing this right…?