Fitness enthusiast and reviewer from Lisbon

The Short Version

I'm Maria Silva based in Lisbon, and over the past several years I've chronicled my experiences at gyms across Portugal.

This site came about after I grew weary of selecting gyms based on ads and vague advice, only to find that the reality didn't match. I wanted precise, candid details about what these places were truly like. When I couldn't find them, I built this site.

Over 12 Gyms Visited
3 Years Active
200+ Classes Attended

How This Started

My workout journey began at a modest gym near Rua do Fitness Club 21 in Lisbon. It wasn't flawless, yet it was within reach, budget-friendly, and helped me stay consistent.

When that place closed, I saw how rapidly the fitness landscape in Portugal was changing. New clubs opened, new ideas emerged, and marketing grew louder than the actual member experience.

I began trying various gyms and classes, jotting notes after each visit. Those notes eventually became this site, designed to help others make better-informed choices.

My Approach to Reviews

All reviews here come from actual visits and time spent inside the facility. I concentrate on practical details that matter when selecting a membership.

In reviewing a fitness center, my usual approach includes:

  • Spend sufficient time to grasp routines, peak times, and trends
  • Visit on various days and at different times
  • Test multiple training formats and instructors
  • Use the facilities regularly to assess cleanliness and comfort
  • Speak with other members about consistency and inconsistencies
  • Make notes right after each visit

I refresh reviews when major changes occur—renovations, changes in management, price adjustments, or new facilities. Each article displays its latest update date so you can gauge how current it is.

What I Look For

My priorities might differ from yours, so here is what matters most to me when evaluating a fitness center:

Comfort and Privacy: Is the space thoughtfully arranged for members, with clear boundaries and a peaceful vibe?

Equipment Quality: Are machines well-maintained? Is there enough variety? Do things get fixed promptly?

Crowd Management: Can you train during your preferred times without constant waiting?

Clean Facilities: Locker rooms, showers, floors, and surfaces; cleanliness shows how seriously the management treats the member experience.

Honest Membership Practices: Clear pricing, clear rules, and no unpleasant surprises.

Beyond the Gym

Outside of training and writing, I live in Lisbon and work there. This project is here to make fitness decisions easier and more transparent for people seeking the right environment.

Get in Touch

I receive messages from people considering memberships or starting their fitness journey. I try to respond when I can.

The best way to reach me is through the contact form.

If you have specific questions about a gym I reviewed, I am happy to share extra details. If you have suggestions for places I should visit next, I welcome those too.

Thank you for reading. I hope something here proves useful in your own fitness decisions.

Check Out My Latest Reviews

Discover in-depth insights from fitness clubs around Portugal.

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