One thing this city doesn’t lack is top-notch gym facilities. Membership packages aren’t cheap, though, so before you make good on your New Year resolution and sign up, better make sure you pick the right one for you.
If You Want Everything Prepared For You
Pure Fitness
Housed in the stately Knightsbridge building, Pure Fitness is as close as it gets to exercising in the comfort of your own home. Designed with the busy executive in mind, this gym comes equipped with everthing you could possibly need, right down to complimentary sportswear. It’s perfect for anyone who hates having to plan ahead or lugging kit around with them all day. Most of the fitness equipment boasts built-in entertainment systems with cable channels and there’s even an impressive DVD
collection you can borrow from. Top all that with iMac computer stations, pleasant walnut paneling and a small kitchenette and you’ll probably want to move in.
Stats: 15,000 square feet of space stretched across one floor with spinning and kickboxing studios plus a free weights zone.
Equipment: 15 percent consists of cardio equipment such as exercise bikes and treadmills. The rest are resistance equipment with a big focus on free weights. All equipment from Life Fitness. Cardio machines are equipped with an iPod-compatible DVD entertainment system.
Amenities: Over 20 rainforest showers, over 180 full-length lockers with hangers per changing room, steam bath and sauna facilities, stylish and well-stocked vanity tables with wood and marble finish.
Classes: Up to 11 sessions a day; including Pilates, BodyPump, BodyAttack, BodyCombat, kickboxing, dynamic dance, Muay Thai, yoga, TRX, pole dancing, cardio sculpt, Hip Hop and Latino jam.
Price: $129-209 per month for basic membership at Pure Fitness Knightsbridge. Special price packages available for Pure Yoga, Pure Fitness & Pure Yoga SG as well as All Asia Pure Yoga & Pure Fitness (including Hong Kong outlets). Personal training fees available upon application.
Outlets: So far, just the one (3/F Knightsbridge, 270 Orchard Rd., 6100-3813).
Overall: 4/5
For a relatively small space, Pure Fitness sure packs a punch.
LEARN ABOUT GYM PRICING
DON’T LIKE THE GYM?
If You Like Exercising Outdoors
Fitness First
When it comes to alfresco workouts, a lot of us usually turn to sports or, when desperate, take turns using the fitness stations in public parks. We like how Fitness First’s Capitol Tower and UOB Center outlets provide gym equipment as well as cycling and free weights facilities outdoors so you can surround yourself with a refreshing garden landscape as you exercise. Even better is the heated infinity pool at their One George Street outlet, which provides a breathtaking view of the city skyline.
Stats: There are nine outlets altogether, all equipped with cycling and Mind & Body Studios as well as indoor and outdoor pools.
Equipment: All equipment from Technogym, furnished with a built-in entertainment system.
Amenities: VCD collection, juice bar, members’ lounge, steam and sauna facilities,
computer stations and complimentary workout attire available.
Classes: Yoga, Pilates, dance (Latino Jam, Groove & Jazz and Hip Hop) as well as Les Mills courses in BodyPump, BodyCombat, BodyBalance and BodyStep at The Cathay outlet, which focuses on group exercise.
Price: From $155 per month for a Premier four-month membership. Personal training fees upon application. Complimentary 3-day trial available. Members get to bring a friend for free on weekends.
Outlets: #B1-36 AMK Hub, 53 Ang Mo Kio Ave. 3, 6483-5775; #08-13 Paragon Shopping Centre, 290 Orchard Rd., 6737-7889; #04-05 The Cathay, 2 Handy Rd., 6732-4111; #23-11 & #24-00 Connexis (North Tower), 1 Fusionopolis Way, 6438-4484); #09-01 Capital Tower, 6536-5595; #02-38 Millenia Walk, 9 Raffles Blvd., 6339-7555; #05-01 One George Street, 1 George St., 6538-7666; #06-00 UOB Centre, 1 Raffles Plc., 65434-4333; #08-01 One Raffles Quay (North Tower), 1 Raffles Quay, 6327-5550.
Overall: 5/5
Luxurious views. State-of-the-art equipment. Numerous outlets distributed island-wide. Variety of group exercise classes. What more could you ask for?
NEXT: The Gym at Orchard & True Fitness
HONORABLE MENTIONS
The Price Isn’t Right
All the major gym chains are cagey when it comes to sharing the price you’ll actually pay, as opposed to the rack rate (typically much higher). True Fitness are probably the worst offenders, insisting you sit down for a lengthy “consultation” and bamboozling you with promotional offers, waived fees and ultimately a price that can be as low as 50% of rack rate. But they all do it. A plea for transparency: Cut it out, guys.[TOP]
Go (boot) Camping
Team Fitness Guru’s Fun Fitness Bootcamp
Want the sort of intensity you get from a personal training session but work beter with group motivation? Try attending an intensive 60-minute session with the certified instructors of Team Fitness Guru, who will incorporate various creative exercises into a program designed to help you reduce weight and tension while upping your endurance and strength levels. Sessions are conducted outdoors and cost $29.90 each. Packages are also available. Log on to www.fitnessbootcamp.sg for more information.[TOP]
