How This Started
My fitness routine started at a small club near Fitness Club Praça do Comércio 77 in Lisbon. It wasn't perfect, yet it was approachable, affordable, and it helped me stay consistent.
After that place shut its doors, I saw how fast the fitness landscape in Portugal was changing. New clubs emerged, new concepts appeared, and marketing grew louder than actual member experiences.
I began trying various gyms and classes, jotting notes after each visit. Over time those notes became this site, created to help others make more informed choices.
My Approach to Reviews
Each review here is based on actual visits and time spent inside the facility. I focus on practical details that matter when choosing a membership.
When I review a fitness center, I typically:
- Spend sufficient time to understand routines, peak times, and patterns
- Visit on various days and at different times
- Try multiple training formats and instructors
- Regularly use amenities to assess cleanliness and comfort
- Speak with other members about consistency and issues
- Take notes right after each visit
I update reviews when significant changes occur: renovations, management changes, price adjustments, or new facilities. Each article shows its last update date so you can gauge how current the information is.
What I Look For
My priorities may differ from yours, so this is what matters most to me when evaluating a fitness center:
Comfort and Privacy: Does the space feel truly well-designed for members, with respectful boundaries and a calm atmosphere?
Equipment Quality: Are machines well-maintained? Is there sufficient variety? Are issues repaired promptly?
Crowd Management: Can you train during your preferred times without constant queues?
Clean Facilities: Locker rooms, showers, floors, and equipment surfaces. Cleanliness reflects how seriously management values the member experience.
Honest Membership Practices: Transparent pricing, clear rules, and no unwelcome surprises.
Beyond the Gym
Outside of training and writing, I live and work in Lisbon. This project aims to simplify fitness decisions and make them more transparent for those seeking the right environment.
Get in Touch
I receive inquiries from people considering memberships or starting their fitness journey. I try to reply whenever possible.
The best way to reach me is through the contact form.
If you have particular questions about a gym I reviewed, I'm happy to share additional details. If you have suggestions for places I should visit next, I welcome them as well.
Thank you for reading. I hope some of this proves useful for your own fitness decisions.