This article is brought to you in part by Hilton Kuala Lumpur.

When looking for a fitness centre to join, there are many factors to consider. There’s location, parking access, facilities, classes, packages, and more to think about before committing to a one-year contract or even just for a month. After all, if we intend to make working out a lifestyle, it should be convenient and suitable for our workout plans.

Recently, two of our writers, Sharuna Segaren and Rosalyn Ding, tried out the facilities at the The Gym at Hilton Kuala Lumpur as well as embarked on a two-month weight loss program with personal trainers Afiq and Raj. Although many gyms in hotels are for guests only, The Gym at Hilton is open to all, with rates comparable to other popular chain gyms. Here’s what they found from their experience at this fitness centre.

Gym Equipment

The gym isn’t ridiculously big, but it’s full of state-of-the-art equipment and machines to ensure users get a full body workout. There are treadmills, elliptical machines, spinning bikes, rowing machines, and other cardio machines to get the heart pumping, and there’s also plenty of body weight equipment and free weights. The machines are well-maintained and there’s a number of TV and movie channels you can watch while working out. There’s also a little room at the back where you can do floor mat, exercise ball, or TRX exercises with some privacy. The equipment are wiped down with antibacterial wipes after each use, and the wipes are conveniently placed around the gym for guest access as well.

Classes

If you are somebody who enjoys going for group classes, The Gym has those too. Members can choose from the likes of Core Conditioning, H.I.I.T., Resistance Band, Ashtanga Yoga, Spinning, Fast Fit, Yoga Core, Cardio Step, and Plyometric classes. Keeping in mind that most of us have full time jobs, the class times are typically 12.30 to 1.30pm or 6.30 to 7.30pm, which is really convenient.

Gym facilities

Besides an outdoor free-form swimming pool, gym members can also make use of the indoor Jacuzzi and steam room. Bear in mind that the hot Jacuzzi and steam room areas are nude areas, so understandably no mobile phones are allowed. If guests are uncomfortable however, minimal clothing is allowed. Rest assured that the female changing room is on a separate floor altogether where no men are allowed, so women can enjoy the facilities in peace. Seeing as there are numerous steam room benefits like improving circulation, helping with stress reduction, clearing congestion, and aiding with muscle recovery, allocating extra time to hop in there is a good idea. The bubbly Jacuzzi is also a great way to soak your tired and achy muscles and avoid cramps the next day.

The changing rooms are luxurious and well-maintained, and have all the necessary amenities you would need after a long workout, such as shampoo, body soap, lotion, hairdryers, private changing rooms, water dispensers, and lockers. There’s even a lounge with televisions and recliners where you can relax with a magazine or TV show. The Gym also offers spa treatments such as Fitness Refresh, Pure Indulgence, Sea Regeneration, and Lux Caviar Facial, to name a few.

Personal Training Sessions & Programmes

Rosalyn and Sharuna were both designed individual workout plans based on their goals and body structures. Rosalyn started the programme at 64kg and has successfully dropped 2kg within eight weeks. Her results are good but not jaw-dropping perhaps because she only attended two to three sessions per week, which was minimal. However, she feels more energetic and enjoys a better complexion on top of feeling less physically tired when climbing stairs or performing other exertive tasks. The dreaded underarm flab is significantly less jelly-like and her upper arms have a shadow of a tone. All in all, this experience with Afiq was a positive one. She enjoyed having a personal trainer to curate her workouts and keep track of the weights and difficulty levels.

Sharuna successfully lost 3.5kg and found she had gained more muscle tone. Her personal trainer Raj was extremely helpful in not only showing her different workouts but also with dietary advice. During training, he monitored her form and made sure she was doing the workouts properly. She experienced increased stamina and endurance after only a few weeks of training, and felt more energetic than usual. Her body felt more toned especially in the upper body areas. She was also happy to learn many new workouts such as circuit training, weights, and how to use different machines. Raj was a patient yet encouraging trainer who took the time to explain each workout and its functions.

Rates & Packages

There are different packages to suit one’s lifestyle. For a 9am to 5pm membership, the rate is RM150. For a one-year individual membership, the rate is RM201.40. Six-month access is RM233.20, three months is RM249.10, while a one-month membership is RM256.

All packages are inclusive of access to the changing rooms, gym facilities, and group exercise classes, outdoor swimming pool, outdoor jacuzzi, wet areas with jacuzzi, steam room, and sauna room, two hours of free parking, and daily supervision by Fitness Trainers. For all packages except the 9am to 5pm membership, you also get 25% off spa treatments and food bills at the Hilton Kuala Lumpur’s F&B outlets.

The Gym is open for non-hotel guests from 6am to 11pm. For more information, please click here.