Best boutique gyms in KL

If you have visions of a sweaty gym with punching bags, TRIBE will be a surprise. Think club nights with an awesome surround sound system, but instead of dancing you’re punching and getting a great HIIT workout to the beat of your favourite tunes. Choose from Box & Band (boxing and resistance bands), Boxing and the Lunchbox Special, a 30-minute session great for office workers who want a quick workout during the afternoon. Boxing is the ideal exercise if you’re looking to lose weight, improve strength and conditioning, and gain confidence. Add all that to great music, and 45 minutes will fly by.

Union Strength is a dedicated strength, conditioning and functional gym in Sri Hartamas, friendly and welcoming to everyone from absolute beginners and to athletes in training. There’s an impressive selection of equipment – kettlebells, battle ropes, power racks, weightlifting platforms and more – and personal training is available to help you achieve specific goals. If you think strength training is all about bulging muscles and huge weights, this is the gym that will dispel that notion. Membership is flexible (monthly, six months, annual) and reasonably priced. There are also weekly HIIT or bootcamp classes for members at no extra charge.

Putting themselves forward as the city’s premier personal training facility, The Playground caters for people who are serious about getting fit, athletes in training and those who want to make changes to their fitness regimes. There’s private coaching where a personalised programme ensures you reach your goals; or you can sign up for group classes based on what you want, from endurance and mobility to strength and power. Power Play focuses on strength training; Bee Sting is martial-arts based class; Sweet Mess is high-intensity functional training; and 4 Play helps build strength and lean muscle gains. There are also kids fitness classes for Junior.

This is a women-only gym dedicated to providing a comfortable space for women to work out, get fitter, stronger and even more kickass than they already are. Classes have been developed specifically with the female form, wants and needs in mind. If you want to learn about basic weight training, Lean ‘N Mean is the class for you. Booty Pump targets the belly, butt and thighs; while Triple A promises to get you bikini ready using body weight and light resistance. There are two yoga sessions – Flow Strong to improve strength and Gentle Flow to de-stress with deep stretches. There are also personal training packages from post-partum sessions to their signature SHH (Stronger, Healthier, Happier) programme.

This luxurious rooftop gym promises a workout experience with stunning views, complete with an outdoor infinity pool for post-workout dips. The state-of-the-art equipment include Skillmill machines, which are non-motorised treadmills that will enhance your workout. The weightlifting bars and plates are from Rogue and every machine is equipped with Technogym software so that members can track their workouts. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to unique workouts. Choose from BogaFlow (yoga on mats in the pool) or Boga Fit (fit mats in the pool) to Sandbags (strength and endurance training) and KPopX (workout using simplified K-pop moves).

Fort offers short but effective programmes for the busy individual trying to balance the demands of work and fitness. Classes here run from 30-45 minutes, with six signature programmes to choose from. These focus on strength, cardio, HIIT, core, mobility, mindfulness and wellness, with programmes including HIIT, strength and conditioning and yoga. Children can come along for the weekly Family Flow, a unique parent-child yoga class. Try FORGE for a full body workout, and FUSE which makes use of foam rollers, lacrosse balls, bands and weights to activate muscles and reduce the risk of injury. And here’s something truly unique – Beer Yoga Friday, which is exactly what it sounds like!