One of the first things on my to-do list when I arrived in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan was to find a gym or fitness club. I’m a health-conscious individual and you can expect me to be at the gym five to six times a week. Not only do I like doing regular cardio and weights, but I’m a huge pilates fanatic. As I was doing more research on the fitness scene here, these are a few things I wanted to note.
THINGS TO DO ABOUT THE FITNESS CULTURE IN BISHKEK, KYRGYZSTAN
1. Does the city infrastructure meet “exercise” standards?
Coming from Toronto, Canada, I’m used to seeing a wide variety of trails, bike-friendly lanes, and harbourfronts where people can go for a job or run. I find that Bishkek is not the most friendly when it comes to public infrastructure where people can exercise or go for a walk. One, the parks are quite small and you can typically walk from one end to another in less than 15 minutes. It may be difficult to walk or run in parks like this without feeling like you’re in a hamster wheel. Two, the pedestrian walking zones are in dire need of construction and maintenance. They are usually not filled in properly and it won’t ensure a smooth run. That’s why, I wanted to find a gym where I can comfortably exercise even though I love a good trail walk.
2. Weather conditions
The summers are extremely hot. The winters are manageable (I’m used to seeing more snow in Toronto) but the air conditions are terrible which makes it very hazardous to even walk outside. Keeping this in mind, I wanted to find a gym that of course, allowed me to exercise indoors without having to worry about the weather.
3. Are instructors well trained?
I had the chance to do personal training sessions for the first time here and the fitness instructors are well trained. However, if you are looking for specialized instructors such as pilates, it’ll be difficult to come across them because a sport like this just isn’t popular here yet. Therefore, the instructors aren't professionally trained or have certifications.
4. Costs
Costs can widely vary and there are various memberships such as 2 months, 6 months, and 1 year. It was difficult for me to find a gym where you can freeze memberships so keep that in mind.
Looking into getting a gym or fitness club membership in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan? If you are, let’s dive in as I outlined 10 gyms and fitness clubs in the city that cater to different needs and price points.
7 GYMS AND FITNESS CLUBS IN BISHKEK, KYRGYZSTAN
1. Avangard Sport Club
I attended the gym for one year and it filled my criteria of what type of gym I was looking for. It was extremely clean, used state-of-the-art Technogym equipment, and had a swimming pool. They even have a variety of classes and my personal favorite was flying yoga. The only reason I decided to not renew was the cost. You can expect to pay around USD 1300 for a one-year membership and because I’m traveling so often, I only used around 60% of the membership. Unfortunately, you aren’t allowed to freeze the membership which is a con for me.
2. World Class
A common debate is Avangard or World Class? I did a tour of both and the deciding factor as to why I chose Avangard was the fact that it was less busy and spacious. When I visited World Class at 4 PM, every machine was taken. On the other hand, Avangard was never packed, and getting a machine was never difficult. Note that Avangard is slightly more expensive.
3. UFC Gym
UFC Gym is a global franchise offering a mix of martial arts, fitness, and conditioning programs. Here you can train boxing, combat sports, MMA, and the facility offers other high-quality training equipment.
4. Miss Fitness (women only)
Miss Fitness Gym is a women-only fitness center located in Bishkek. I had a two-month membership here and the facilities and machinery aren't as advanced as Avangard, but it has all the necessities. Personal training services are available and the membership options were flexible, with various packages available and the price is quite affordable. Whether you are looking for a short-term commitment or long-term, there is likely a option that fits your requirements.
5. Karven Sports Club
Karven Sports Club is a well-known fitness and recreational facility located in the city center. It offers a variety of amenities and services designed to cater to both fitness enthusiasts and those looking for leisure activities. In addition to the gym, Karven Sports Club boasts an indoor swimming pool, which is ideal for both recreational swimming and professional training. The pool area is well-maintained and includes amenities such as changing rooms and showers.
6. Lovely Mama (women only)
Lovely Mama provides women-only fitness classes such as yoga, stretching, and pilates. One of the standout features of Lovely Mama is they have classes focused on postnatal fitness. They are specifically designed to help new mothers. I've personally taken pilates classes here and I would say it is ideal for beginners.
7. T-Club
T-Club is a well-known tennis club located in Bishkek, the capital city of Kyrgyzstan. It is a popular destination for both amateur and professional tennis players who are looking to practice and improve their skills.
The club offers a variety of facilities, including multiple tennis courts that are well-maintained to ensure a high-quality playing experience. These courts are suitable for different types of play, including singles and doubles matches.
In addition to the courts, T-Club provides coaching services for players of all skill levels. Whether you are a beginner looking to learn the basics or an advanced player aiming to refine your technique, the club's experienced coaches can help you achieve your goals.
Wrapping up, Bishkek boasts a range of fitness centers that cater to diverse needs and preferences, from state-of-the-art gyms and dynamic fitness classes to personalized coaching services. Whether you are a seasoned athlete or just embarking on your fitness journey, these facilities offer an inclusive environment designed to support your health and wellness goals. By exploring the various options, you can find the perfect match to stay active and embrace a healthier lifestyle in this vibrant city. So, get ready to break a sweat and enjoy the many benefits of training in Bishkek's fitness community!
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