Pure Jatomi Fitness Vs. Fitness First

I was a member of Fitness First (FF) for about 4 years, at the Curve Branch. When I joined the gym coz it was near my workplace at the time in KD. I had the choice of Celebrity Fitness in 1 Utama, but FF was nearer, plus you know how the parking situation in the mall can be at times. True Fitness opened a branch in Sunway Giza but that was much much later.

When I quit my job, I terminated my membership at FF. A year later I joined Pure Jatomi Fitness (PJF) in Tropicana City Mall. The story is that the founder of FF named Michael sold his business and formed another gym chain with two other guys James and Tony (hence the name Jatomi). In KL at the moment, there very few branches compared to the other big 3 (FF, Celebrity and True Fitness).

So I’ve been a using the club regularly for more than a month. Since I’ve only used this branch and FF The Curve before this, I can only make comparisons between these two branches.

Good for Jatomi:
Its cheaper. I’m paying about RM120+ for corporate package, which means I get towel facilities and accesss all other branches (this is albeit a moot point, I’m not patronizing any of the other branches). FF charges me for RM160+ for local membership, their passport membership is a lot more. They were a little cheaper before this, but about 2 years ago they started charging GST. Towels used to be free, but now cost RM5 (not sure of the price) per usage. So don’t forget to bring you own towel.

With PJF being new, there are far fewer members so it isn’t crowded. However, having said that, their weights section is really cramped and small.

In terms of tech, PJF wins hands down. They use a wristband locking system, so no problems of losing your key or locker getting broken into. they have phone charging stations, 6 internet stations, latest workout stations with internet and TV. FF has the same workout stations, but the internet never works.

Good for Fitness First:
Their club is bigger and better equipped. Jatomi definitely does not have enough weight machines and dumbbells. Every time I want to work my splits, I either have to wait for it or improvise with some other workout.

FF has more classes and more frequently. if I am not mistaken PJF only has 2 classes after work. I am not sure why, but they are not popular at all, compared to FF’s which are almost always packed.

FF has many trainers walking around and helping customers if they have problems, correcting mistakes (although most of the time the guy trainers spend their time flirting with the ladies). PJF doesn’t have this.
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At the end of the day, for me, personally any gym membership is useless if you don’t make the most of it to increase your strength and health, so if you don’t maximize your time and money, all the above is meaningless. Having said that, I feel other than the cramped areas and limited machines, PJF gives better value for your money.