Fitness enthusiast and reviewer from Lisbon

The Short Version

I am Maria Santos, based in Lisbon, and I have spent the last few years documenting my experiences at fitness clubs across Portugal.

This site exists because I got tired of choosing gyms based on ads and vague recommendations, only to discover the reality differed from expectations. I wanted specific, honest information about what these places were actually like. Since I could not find it, I decided to create it.

Over a dozen Gyms Visited
Three Years Active
Well over two hundred Classes Attended

How This Started

My fitness routine began at a small gym near Avenida da Liberdade 100 in Lisbon. It wasn't perfect, but it was accessible, affordable, and helped me stay consistent.

After that place closed, I noticed how quickly the fitness scene in Portugal was evolving. New clubs opened, new concepts appeared, and marketing often drowned out the actual member experience.

I began trying various gyms and classes, jotting down notes after each visit. Gradually those notes formed this site, aimed at helping others make better-informed choices.

My Approach to Reviews

Each review here is based on actual visits and time spent inside the facility. I focus on practical details that matter when selecting a membership.

When I review a fitness center, I typically:

  • Take time to understand routines, peak times, and trends
  • Visit on various days and times
  • Try multiple training formats and instructors
  • Use facilities regularly to assess cleanliness and comfort
  • Talk with other members about what remains consistent and what doesn't
  • Take notes right after each visit

I refresh reviews when major changes occur: renovations, management shifts, price updates, or new facilities. Each article displays its latest update date so you know how current it is.

What I Look For

My priorities may differ from yours, so here is what matters most to me when evaluating a fitness center:

Comfort and Privacy: Does the space feel well-designed for members, with respectful boundaries and a calm atmosphere?

Equipment Quality: Are machines well-maintained? Is there enough variety? Are repairs prompt?

Crowd Management: Can you train during your preferred time without constant waiting?

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

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

Beyond the Gym

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

Get in Touch

I receive messages from individuals considering memberships or starting their fitness journey. I try to reply when possible.

The best way to reach me is through the contact form.

If you have particular questions about a gym I've reviewed, I’m glad to share extra details. Suggestions for places I should visit next are welcome as well.

Thanks for reading. I hope some of this helps you with your own fitness choices.

Check Out My Latest Reviews

Discover in-depth impressions from fitness clubs around Portugal.

See All Reviews