In October 2005, was told that True Fitness would have a branch at Jaya 33 at Section 13, Petaling Jaya. It would be True Fitness third outlet in Malaysia, after Desa Sri Hartamas in June 2005 and USJ 10 (Taipan) in June 2006. So, again, in June, but in year 2007, True Fitness Jaya 33 finally opened its door.
Armed with my newly upgraded lifetime membership, decided to drop by at True Fitness at Jaya 33 in June 2007. Therefore, bear in mind that this review was prepared in June 2007 and some of the things may have changed since then.
This new gym is located at a strategic location for office workers in the vicinity of Section 13 and 14 Petaling Jaya. It is directly opposite to Public Bank, Hong Leong Bank and Maybank in Section 14. If you come from Bulatan Rothman, it will be on your side left. This white building is huge and you will not miss it.
The entrance of the gym is at the ground floor with new Coffee Bean located directly opposite of it. Supposedly, one just has to register at the ground floor and use the internal staircase to go to first floor. However, because the renovation is still ongoing (70% completed as of 24 June 2007), after scanning the card at ground floor, member has to take an access card and take a lift (or escalator) to work out at the first floor.
So, what do we have at the ground floor in addition to the reception area mentioned earlier?
It has the typical disco look alike sales area. I saw True Bliss there. True Bliss, which is True Fitness merchandise arm, sells clothes, supplements, and drinks, is here too. I found kid nursery there at one corner.
If you walk straight from the ground floor entrance, you will see rows of treadmills with plasma televisions hanging on the floor. I found it bit dark over here.
I went to first floor to look for the changing room. Lockers, toilet, bathrooms, steam room and sauna are all there. It is bigger than the one at Sri Hartamas and about the same size like the one in Taipan.
As expected, towel service is not provided. So does pad lock. So, remember to bring yours. As mentioned many times, without towel service, instead of striving to be the best, True Fitness has actually taken a step backward. What a pity.
After putting my stuff into the locker, I went straight to the free weight area. More benches here than Hartamas and Taipan branch. It also has the complete set of handles.
Apart from having more weights and handles, it actually raised the floor for the dumbbells area. That spot is covered with special type of carpet which absorbs noise and impact if one drops the dumbbell.
I found the decline bench with adjustable leg area and instantly appreciate it. The current one at Taipan branch is fixed permanently.
If you prefer resistance machines, you may like this place. In terms of the machines arrangement, it is better than the other two outlets. It has grouped the machines together according to muscle groups.
As for the cardio machines, as expected, it has treadmill, cross trainers, bikes and Cardio Wave machines. For those who have been spoiled with cardio machines with plasma screens at Taipan branch, too bad, you will not see the similar machines here. One row of the machines are facing the busy road (Jalan Semangat), the other row is facing a boring building at the side.
I saw three studios, two for the dance classes and one for RPM. The studios are about the same size like those in Taipan branch and definitely bigger than Hartamas one. Less pillars with all of them are at the back of the studio. Therefore, better layout design for studios here.
The so called Fitness Department is located at first floor too. I saw a row of cubicles here. They are used by the personal trainers to do sales. The body fat measurement machines are found in some of the cubicles. Right beside each machine, the BMI charts are pasted on the wall.
Saw a DJ booth too. The equipments are not there yet and you will not find any disc jockey spinning any tracks.
Also, True Yoga is not completed yet. For those holding passport memberships, unfortunately, we are not allowed to enter True Yoga. Additional charge will be incurred to attend Yoga classes here. Yes, was told that Yoga classes here will be different than other outlets. I do not want to speculate, but I will be let down if this is the confirmed policy. After charging for shoe lockers at Taipan branch, now, Yoga classes too?
I went to fourth floor to take a look at the swimming pool. True Spa will be at the fourth floor too. By the way, second and third floor are all car parks. Fourth floor, half of the space is meant for car parks too. So, I believe that it is possible to drive all the way up to fourth floor to park you car and then dip into the swimming pool right after you come out from car. Ahem.
The pool depth is between 3 to 4.5 feet, I guess. It is about 30 meters in length and 3 to 4 meters in width. Expected it to be much bigger. Also, it is an outdoor pool. So, I doubt that members are allowed to use the pool when it rains. However, the view is pretty nice up here.
True Fitness CEO, Patrick Wee, is targeting to recruit about 5,000 members for Jaya 33 outlet. With about 70,000 sqft built up area at Jaya 33, the 5,000 figure is nothing compare to his goal to have 10,000 members for Taipan branch which has 80,000 sqft built up area. Now, look at the figures - 5,000 members for 70,000 sqft of Jaya 33 and 10,000 member for 80,000 sqft for Taipan outlet. Yeah, 50% less with only 10,000 sqft difference. Will be interested to know how he comes out with the numbers.
If you stay or work around PJ area, go there for a week of free trial and let me know what you think. Here is the location map of Jaya33 building:
What I Like:
- The machines are brand new and you do not have to fight for car park space for now.
- The gym has high ceiling which is about 14 feet. So, unlike the previous two outlets which are located in shop lots, this one looks more spacious. Air ventilation is better too.
Things to watch out:
- No towel service and additional charge for Yoga classes. Before you sign up, ask about the towel service, Yoga package and contract period. Go for each term in the contract carefully. Read two of my articles for more advise: 10 Tips To Choose A Good Gym and Don’t Sign Any Gym Contract Before You Read This.
- Swimming pool may not be big enough. But, it may be subjective, when comes to size, ahem.
- Was told Jaya33 has about 1,000 car parks. Until 30 June 2007, the parking fee was RM3 per entry. Now, the parking fee for True Fitness members (pending for confirmation):
- On normal office hours during weekday is RM4.50 per entry.
- After 5 PM, the fee is rm1.50 per entry.
- As for the fee, was told it is about average RM160 monthly fee for 3-year contract for home based package. I believe that you can get better deal if you know their sales gimmick. For those who have joined, I will appreciate if you could leave your comment on how much you have paid to join True Fitness at Jaya 33.
