How This Started
My fitness routine started at a tiny club near Avenida da Liberdade in Lisbon. It wasn't perfect, but it was accessible and affordable, and it helped me establish consistency.
After that place shut down, I observed how quickly the fitness scene in Portugal was evolving. New gyms opened, fresh concepts emerged, and marketing grew louder than the actual experience of members.
I began trying various gyms and classes, jotting notes after each visit. Those notes gradually formed this site, created to help others make more informed choices.
My Approach to Reviews
Each review here comes from genuine visits and time spent inside the facility. I emphasize practical details that matter when selecting a membership.
When I review a fitness center, I typically:
- Spend sufficient time to grasp routines, peak times, and overall patterns
- Visit across various days and times
- Experiment with more than one training format and coach
- Use facilities regularly to assess cleanliness and comfort
- Speak with other members about what's consistent and what isn't
- Take notes right after each visit
I refresh reviews when there are meaningful changes: renovations, changes in management, price adjustments, or new facilities. Each article displays its most recent update date so you can gauge how current the information is.
What I Look For
My priorities may differ from yours, so here is what matters most to me when evaluating a gym:
Comfort and Privacy: Does the space feel thoughtfully designed for members, with clear boundaries and a tranquil atmosphere?
Equipment Quality: Are machines well-maintained? Is there sufficient variety? Are repairs prompt?
Crowd Management: Can you train during your preferred times without constant waits?
Clean Facilities: Locker rooms, showers, floors, and equipment surfaces. Cleanliness reflects how seriously management takes the member experience.
Honest Membership Practices: Transparent pricing, clear rules, and no unexpected charges.
Beyond the Gym
Away from training and writing, I live and work in Lisbon. This project exists to simplify fitness choices and make them more transparent for those seeking the right environment.
Get in Touch
I hear from people considering memberships or kicking off their fitness journeys. I try to reply when possible.
The best way to reach me is through the contact form.
If you have particular questions about a gym I reviewed, I’m glad to share additional details. If you have suggestions for places I should visit next, I’d welcome them as well.
Thank you for reading. I hope some of this proves useful in your own fitness choices.