I went for the True Fitness Grand Launch the other day. The consultant called and invited me to go get my free 1 week trial pass. Now, I had been eyeing this gym to open since I knew about it. The verdict? Well, the built-up area is approx 70,000 sq feet. The difference between this spanking new outlet and the other 2 is the layout. Where the previous 2 outlets were located in shop lots, this new gym was located in an office block.
What’s the difference? Well, the difference lies in the building structure and the layout plan. The shop lots that the 2 gyms were located were meant for small shops hence there are a lot of pillars around. So considering that the Taipan gym has a built-up of almost 80,000 sq feet, the place doesn’t feel spacious. When there are 2 to 3 pillars in the studio and every 500 metres away, it automatically makes the studio and around looks and feels smaller even with mirrors all around. And there were just too many levels to go up and down; with the changing rooms straddling in the middle makes it a hassle. I always like those gyms which has just one level so not only does it look more spacious, it’s also more convenient to go to the lockers or to the studios. For FF outlets, by far the one with the best layout are Axis, IOI and Curve.
The decision to make this new outlet their signature club gives it a different look and feel. The club definitely looks classier and more sophisticated. Instead of the usual dodgy darker disco lightings, this one has brighter lights and not so disco-ey feel. Even the flooring uses better polished tiles. Same goes for the showers. They’ve adopted the FF style with the drainage located within the showers instead of outside like their previous 2 outlets, which tends to jammed up the drainage and makes for a puddle of water when you step out of the showers. The showers though, still use shower curtains albeit nicer ones, not those which gets moldy fast. I can see money’s been well spent at least. Lockers were also similar to FF ones with wood panels but still need to bring your own safety lock.
Now the best part; the swimming pool. I have harped on FF to build a pool but was told that pools are not part of the gym facilities offered. The 30 metre pool is located on the 4th floor and is adorned with cabanas which house the spa offering services like massages, pedicures and manicures. There is also a juice bar beside the pool so if you don’t feel like dipping into the waters, you can just lie on the sundecks and sip some juices and visualize holidaying in Club Med looking up the sky. Hahahahaa…..
A slight disappointment to the pool tho’. I was under the impression that it was gonna be an Olympic size pool but it turned out to be only half Olympic size. But oh well, just beats going to other pools still I guess. All in all, I was rather impressed with the entire gym layout. As for their PT sessions, there are 2 free PT thrown in with the membership similar to FF. The only diff tho’ is that these 2 PT sessions includes drawing up a program for you in line with your fitness goals, a concept use by Clark Hatch. I reckon this is a good move as some members may not want to splurge a whole lot of money on PT without knowing whether the PT trainer is good or whether it’s gonna yield the results that they want.
Last but not least are the yoga studios. There are 2 studios with one catering for hot yoga. It’s located right at the back with the rooms being sound-proofed. Now, for those who have been to the Mind & Body studio over at the Curve, the loud music generated from the Laundry bar is clearly heard and felt in the studio. It certainly didn’t make sense to be doing something as relaxing as Yoga and Pilates when you don’t even feel relaxed in the first place with thumping beats accompanying you. Seriously, even the thumping vibrations can be felt in the ladies locker!! Ok, the yoga studios have pre-laid mats on the floor which makes it easier for those yoga practitioners as it eliminates the need to bring your own yoga mats and spaces in between the mats are nicely spaced out already as the shape of the mats are pre-printed on the carpets. If you can’t visualize, go have a tour of the gym!
