Fitness enthusiast and reviewer from Lisbon

The Short Version

I'm Joao Silva, based in Lisbon, and for the past few years I have been documenting my experiences at fitness clubs across Portugal.

This site came about after I grew tired of selecting gyms based on advertisements and vague suggestions, only to find that the reality differed from what I was promised. I wanted practical, honest insight into what these places were truly like. Since I couldn't locate it, I decided to create it.

12+ Gyms Visited
3 Years Active
200+ Classes Attended

How This Started

My fitness routine began at a small club near Avenida da Liberdade 180 in Lisbon. It wasn’t flawless, but it was accessible, affordable, and it helped me stay consistent.

After that place closed, I observed how rapidly the fitness scene in Portugal evolved. New clubs opened, fresh ideas emerged, and marketing often rang louder than actual member experiences.

I began trying different gyms and classes, taking notes after each visit. Over time those notes evolved into this site, created to help others make clearer choices.

My Approach to Reviews

Every review on this site stems from real visits and actual time spent inside the club. I concentrate on practical details that matter when choosing a membership.

When I assess a fitness center, I typically:

  • Spend enough time to understand routines, peak hours, and patterns
  • Visit on different days and at different times
  • Try more than one training format and instructor
  • Use amenities regularly to judge cleanliness and comfort
  • Speak with other members about what is consistent and what isn’t
  • Take notes immediately after each visit

I update reviews when significant changes occur: renovations, management shifts, pricing adjustments, or new facilities. Each article shows its last update date so you know how current the information 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: Does the space feel thoughtfully designed for members, with respectful boundaries and a calm atmosphere?

Equipment Quality: Are machines well-maintained? Is there enough variety? Do issues get resolved quickly?

Crowd Management: Can you train at your preferred times without constant delays?

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

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

Beyond the Gym

Outside of training and writing, I live and work in Lisbon. This project aims to make fitness choices 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’m 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.

Browse My Latest Reviews

Discover in-depth experiences from fitness clubs across Portugal.

See All Reviews