Fitness enthusiast and reviewer from Lisbon

The Short Version

I am Ana Costa, based in Lisbon, and I have spent several years documenting my experiences at fitness clubs across Portugal.

This site was born out of frustration with selecting gyms based on ads and vague suggestions, only to find the reality didn't match expectations. I wanted clear, candid details about what these places were really like. When I couldn't find them, I decided to build them.

more than twelve Gyms Visited
three Years Active
over two hundred Classes Attended

How This Started

My fitness routine started in a small club near Avenida da Liberdade 123 in Lisbon. It wasn't perfect, but it was accessible, affordable, and it helped me stay consistent.

After that place closed, I noticed how rapidly the fitness scene in Portugal was evolving. New clubs opened, new concepts emerged, and marketing grew louder than actual member experiences.

I began trying different 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

Every review here comes from actual visits and time spent inside the club. I focus on practical details that matter when selecting a membership.

When I review a fitness center, I typically:

  • Spend sufficient time to understand routines, peak hours, and trends
  • Visit on various days and times
  • Experiment with more than one training format and coach
  • Use the facilities regularly to assess cleanliness and comfort
  • Speak with other members about what remains consistent and what doesn't
  • Jot notes immediately after each visit

I update reviews when major circumstances shift: renovations, changes in management, pricing adjustments, or new facilities. Each article displays its most recent update date so you know how current the information remains.

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 respectful boundaries and a calm vibe?

Equipment quality: Are machines well-maintained? Is there enough variety? Are repairs addressed promptly?

Crowd management: Can you train during your preferred times without constant queues?

Clean facilities: Locker rooms, showers, floors, and equipment surfaces. Cleanliness signals how seriously management takes the member experience.

Honest membership practices: Transparent pricing, clear rules, and no unexpected charges.

Beyond the Gym

Outside training and writing, I live and work in Lisbon. This project aims to simplify fitness choices and make them more transparent for people seeking the right environment.

Get in Touch

I get messages 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 specific 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 something here proves useful for your own fitness decisions.

Browse My Latest Reviews

Discover comprehensive experiences from fitness clubs across Portugal.

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