Having taken over from the now defunct California Fitness, Goji Studios aims to redefine traditional fitness concepts
Wellness and fitness have taken off in Hong Kong of late, with a range of workout stars on Instagram gaining huge followings. Alongside that, a whole host of yoga studios and independent gyms have popped up across the city, bringing healthy eating habits and designer activewear along with them. One of the popular groups in the Hong Kong fitness scene, Goji Studios aims to redefine traditional fitness concepts. We sent our fitness guru Stevie Tsui along to one of their branches to get her squat on.
Goji Studios
It didn’t take long for me to receive a call from a Goji Studios representative after I booked my free trial. I pictured myself trying to respond in the middle of a squat as a sales consultant ranted on about membership options, but that didn’t happen – thankfully. On the day of my trial, the consultant took me on a brief tour of the gym before leaving me to do my thing. It was only after I approached her at the reception that she sat me down and told me my options.
Goji Studios says it’s determined to redefine traditional fitness concepts, so it was no surprise that the personal trainers too, were non-pushy. What did surprise me was the availability of chalk stands: most commercial gyms in Hong Kong (including the one where I train) discourage the use of chalk.
Training equipment
Unlike many of its commercial counterparts, Goji’s equipment is conducive to functional and strength training: squat racks, power racks, benches, a weightlifting platform, plenty of 20kg barbells, a trap bar, rubber weight plates (1.25kg to 25kg), Bulgarian bags, a prowler – and more.
However, the noticeably smaller diameter of the plates could potentially cause problems for people who are particular about strength training. The barbells also leave something to be desired, with chipped coating and a hint of unevenness. Strength nerds may be better off lifting at CrossFit gyms like these.
If bodybuilding is more your thing, the branch boasts a rather impressive collection of machines, a reasonable range of dumbbells (up to 50kg) and a generous assortment of straight barbells and EZ curl bars. And of course, plenty of treadmills, elliptical trainers, stationary bikes and rowing machines for all you cardio bunnies.
Classes at Goji Studios
Their branches also feature a multipurpose studio and a spinning studio. The multipurpose studio is where hot yoga, aerial yoga, and Les Mills classics such as Pump, Attack, and more are held. All classes can be booked via the Goji Studios app for iOS and Android phones. And, with a changing room featuring an ample number of spacious shower cubicles, and multiple hair dryers to go around, you won’t have to worry about shower queues after class.
Eat right with Youni
While classes vary from club to club, every branch comes with its own food outlet, Youni. All items on the menu are crafted by professional nutritionists, chefs, and fitness experts, and are available for dining in, takeout, or even regular lunch delivery.
Membership plans at Goji bring an array of benefits. From discounts at selected food and beverage outlets, activewear stores, and health and beauty clinics. It will also buy you a minimum of ten group classes, towel service, and unrestricted access to one, or all branches, depending on your package.
Goji Studios has multiple locations in Hong Kong. Note that the Goji Studios in Causeway Bay has shut.
Need to relax after all that working out? Try out sensory deprivation pods at Float On, get a new hairstyle at Love Hair or bliss out at these hotel spas.
