Penangite, Melissa Cheah, discusses six options for staying fit on the island.

While some prefer to commune with nature and enjoy the outdoors to stay fit, there are others who prefer being in a controlled environment with trainers and cutting-edge exercise equipment.

Most working adults frequent the gym after a full day in the office. Research has shown that any form of physical activity leads to the release of feel good neurotransmitters called endorphins. The increase in endorphins in your body helps combat the negative effects of stress.

This list catalogues some gyms in Penang where you can get your exercise in and burn those calories out.

1. Orient Fitness Gold

Founded in 2011, Orient Fitness continues to launch new branches to serve the needs of fitness junkies. One of the most recent branches opened its doors in Penang and the impressive setup occupies a huge portion of the 6th floor at Gurney Paragon Mall.

Offering a huge variety of facilities such as sauna and steam rooms, rock climbing exercise facility, hot yoga studio, crossfit equipments, boxing classes and plenty of brand new machines, it is difficult to not want to sign up for a session…or more.

Best of all, if you’re big on doing cardio workouts, you will be doing so over a sweeping view of Gurney Drive. We can’t think of a better way to unwind after a day’s work and reap some healthy benefits at the same time.

Address: Level 6, Gurney Paragon Mall, 10350 Gurney Drive, Penang.
Tel: 1700-81-9395
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 7:30am – 12:00am; Saturday, Sunday and public holidays, 8:00am – 10:00pm
Website: www.orientfitness.com.my

2. Kombative Fitness

The brainchild of two friends who share a passion for training and competing in combat sports, Kombative Fitness is the first fully equipped martial arts and fitness training centre in Penang. Since its launch in September 2012, it has quickly become a popular martial arts gym.

Armed with effective fitness programs and enthusiastic trainers, their expertise and ability to breathe fun into boxing, BJJ, MMA and Muay Thai will evoke your passion in sports and allow you to get on the healthy train with much excitement. Not to mention, you’ll be sure to pick up a few new moves while you’re at it.

Address: No. 70-3-86, D’Piazza Mall, Jalan Mahsuri, Bandar Bayan Baru, 11900 Penang.
Tel: +604-630 0810
Opening hours: Depends on schedule.
Website: www.kombativefitness.com

3. Jatomi Fitness

Located within the impressionable Gurney Plaza, Jatomi Fitness covers a sprawling 25,000 square feet with state-of-the-art equipment, sprint tracks, spacious training areas and an impressive number of fitness programs including ‘Move Fit’, a free structured group cardio-based exercise program, and ‘Eat Fit’ a paid-for program focusing on incorporating advanced dietary awareness into your training.

For those with a penchant for dance, there are several Lesmills fitness classes conducted by professional instructors including BodyJam, Grit, BodyPump, Sh’bam, BodyCombat and RPM.

A little innovative plus point – The gym utilises a wristband access strip for gym entry, lockers, docking station and anything else which might require a ‘key’ to access, thus solving the pesky card carrying problem for most gym-goers.

Address: 7th Floor Gurney Plaza Mall, Persiaran Gurney, 10250 Penang.
Tel: +604-227 6671
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 6:30am – 12am; Saturday, 8:00am – 10:00pm; Sunday and public holidays, 8:00am – 8:00pm
Website: www.jatomifitness.com.my

4. CrossFit 5833

Not only is CrossFit 5833 the first CrossFit affiliate in the Northern Region, it is also strategically located in the heart of Penang island (easy access via Jelutong Expressway). Instead of a bunch of treadmills, elliptical trainers or stationary bikes, you would be greeted with barbells, kettlebells, boxes, ropes, rings and rigs upon entry. These unconventional items are perfect for training functional movements such as squatting, pressing, jumping, pulling and pushing.

Maintaining their stance that CrossFit is for everyone, the intensely demanding WODs (workout of the day-s) will test the limits of your strength, speed and endurance.

A splendid choice for those who dislike routine workout sessions, the sessions are specifically tailored to scale the load and intensity to suit your physical and mental ability.

Address: 13, Fortuna Park, Jalan Perusahaan Jelutong 3, 11600 Georgetown, Penang.
Tel: +6012-557 7879
Opening hours: Everyday: 7:30am – 10am and 5pm – 9:30pm
Website: www.crossfit5833.com

5. Clark Hatch Fitness Centre

Although Clark Hatch may not be a familiar name to most seeing that there is a rapid burgeoning of gyms all across Penang, they have been around since the 80’s as the pioneer of fitness centres in Malaysia.

A world of fitness with top of the line cardio machines and personalised programs, visiting the fuss-free fitness centre is an excellent way to unwind, tone and sculpt your body after a long day’s work. A great valued added feature here is the availability of spa services to rejuvenate your muscles after a productive sweat session.

If you are living bicoastal due to work commitments or often travel to places where there are Clark Hatch Fitness outlets, there is an option to sign up for an all-club access – which would mean that you’d get to drop in to the nearest branch to your location for a sweat-out session wherever you are.

Address: 15, Jalan Kelawei, Georgetown, 10250, Penang.
Tel: +604-227 8948
Opening hours: Weekdays, 7am – 10pm; Weekend, 9am – 5pm
Website: www.clarkhatch.com.my

6. CHI Fitness

A clear favourite because of its friendly personnel, well-maintained equipment and considerate operating hours, CHI Fitness is picking up at a rapid pace since its launch.

Two of the most popular programs here are Body Pump, a 60-minute barbell class using exercises like squats, presses and lifts to strengthen the entire body; and Body Combat, a fiercely energetic session inspired by martial arts and draws from a myriad of disciplines such as karate, boxing and Tai Chi.

Once you are done striking, punching and kicking your way through, step into the sauna or steam bath to cool off and simmer down.

Address: 3F-29, Queensbay Mall, Persiaran Bayan Indah, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang.
Tel: +604-644 8000
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 7.00am – 11.00pm; Saturday, Sunday and public holidays, 8.30am – 10.30pm
Website: www.chi-fitness.com

See also: Five hiking trails in Penang for explorers and fitness fanatic