Get Flexy With Your Workouts
Happy Valley is on the up with lots of trendy cafes, shops and boutiques around. So about time it’s finally got its own gym to cater to the residents of the area. But not just any gym, Utime Fitness is one of the first 24/7 gyms in Hong Kong.
What’s the deal? For a pretty reasonable monthly fee of around $549 per month, you can hit the gym whenever you fancy, be it 4am or 4pm.
Check out their website and you can access a 3 day pass to try out the gym yourself. That’s exactly what I did and I have to say I was pretty impressed. What I liked about the place more than the anytime access (seriously, I’m not going to the gym in the middle of the night) was the clever design and layout that made just about any kind of workout possible.
Whilst it’s not huge, the main room’s got just enough cardio equipment to work up a sweat whatever your preferred style, and the range of dumbbells and heavy weights allows workouts that include squatting, bench pressing, and dumbbell training of all types.
Tucked away around the corner is a smaller room that’s got just about everything you need for a full body workout including TRX, bars, cable machines, stability balls, Viprs, kettlebells, mats, steps, ropes, the whole shabang. I have to say I was a little bit in personal trainer heaven here. I love a space that has everything you need within arms reach, oh and it’s so shiny and new!
According to Manager Mark Sung, (who was exceedingly friendly and helpful) the space in Happy Valley never gets too crowded so you should be able to fit in a workout any time of day without having to fight over equipment or queue up. Having been to a larger gym recently which had every piece of equipment under the sun but absolutely no space to workout in, Utime Fitness was a breath of fresh air.
Feeling peckish after your workout? Grab a protein bar or shake from the convenient vending machine by the door on your way out. Now for the practical aspect of 24/7 gyms. They can afford to run 24/7 because they are only staffed part of the time, so you get your own key to access the building whenever you want. You can bring guests with you during staffed hours only however. Users should feel safe as the premises is always locked and under surveillance.
On the downside, this isn’t a luxe workout experience exactly, at least by Hong Kong standards but it beats most places I’ve been to in London in recent years – BYO towel and hairbrush ladies and gents, although there is a hairdryer. Changing rooms are pretty compact, with lockers available for your gear, but bring your own padlock to make it secure, otherwise you can chuck your bag down in reception during staffed hours.
I liked the ambience, it’s light, airy, the music gives you enough energy to pump you up and I’m pretty sure it’s the kind of place where you’d get to know everyone’s name eventually.
Since the brand is expanding, with a branch already in Sai Ying Pun, you can also get flexy with your workouts as you can use the other branch whenever you fancy too. If you’re feeling super committed then an annual membership will save you some dollars, but I like the cancel anytime approach here too.
If you’d like personal training, Precision Fitness trainers are available to book at the going rates – a great way for newbies to come up with a workout plan. All in all, great job Utime!
Contact Utime Fitness at +852 3998 4896 happyvalley@utimefitness.com or visit the Happy Valley gym at 1/F., King-Inn Mansion 13-15 Yik Yam Street Happy Valley
Elle Kealy is an international business coach for fitness health and wellness professionals looking to launch their businesses with a bang and women’s fitness expert, personal trainer and nutrition coach helping women around the world eat better and feel fantastic in just 90 days or less. For more information on working with Elle visit
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