A trip to Japan turned into an unprecedented fitness journey when one adventurous gym-goer set out to experience every level of gym membership available—from a completely free outdoor facility in Korea to a jaw-dropping $24,000 membership that includes showering in actual gold.
The mission was simple: test five different gyms across varying price points to discover what luxury fitness really means.
What he found challenged everything most people assume about expensive gym memberships.
From anime-themed workout spaces to convenience store gyms and elite training facilities, each location offered something completely unexpected.
Jump to:
Level One: Korea’s Hidden Mountain Gym ($0)
The journey began with a completely free outdoor gym perched atop a steep Korean hillside. Getting there required climbing what felt like an endless stairmaster—the cardio happened before the workout even started.
Initial expectations were nonexistent for a free facility. But what awaited at the top was genuinely surprising.
If you want something simple that actually works, this is one of the most effective tools I’ve used to build strength, conditioning, and endurance without needing a full gym setup.
- Full-body training with one weight using swings, squats, and presses
- Solid cast iron build that feels stable and lasts for years
- Comfortable grip that makes high-rep workouts easier to handle
Korean people must be extremely trustworthy because if this gym is in America, someone is one U-Haul away from a sick home gym. Like, I would give it 48 hours before everything is stolen.
The outdoor facility featured a preloaded barbell, dip station, full dumbbell sets up to 10 kg, benches, and various cable machines—all in remarkably good condition.
Nature Meets Iron
What made this gym special wasn’t just the equipment. Surrounded by trees with birds chirping overhead, the atmosphere was peaceful yet motivating.
The most impressive aspect? The clientele consisted primarily of people in their 60s, 70s, and even 80s who made the steep climb daily to maintain their fitness.
I think this is the first time I’m the biggest guy in the gym right now. Vibes unmatched. This gym is going to be very hard to beat.
Final verdict: Five out of five stars for a completely free facility that exceeded all expectations.
Level Two: Chocoзap Convenience Gym ($18/month)
The second stop was Chocoзap, an $18 monthly membership gym that looked more like a bubble tea shop than a fitness center.
The gym itself was minimal—two treadmills, a chest press machine, a preloaded leg press, and a lat pulldown comprised the entire workout area. No free weights. No barbells. No dumbbells.
If you want something simple that actually works, this is one of the most effective tools I’ve used to build strength, conditioning, and endurance without needing a full gym setup.
- Full-body training with one weight using swings, squats, and presses
- Solid cast iron build that feels stable and lasts for years
- Comfortable grip that makes high-rep workouts easier to handle
I think the best way to put it is that this gym is designed by somebody who just hates gyms. If anything, it just seems like it’s a tax write-off.
The Amenities Are Everything
Where Chocoзap truly shined was in its unexpected amenities—four private rooms offering services rarely found in traditional gyms:
- Hair removal booth: Self-service laser hair removal that actually worked
- Nail care station: Quick manicure maintenance with heating and cooling features
- Body sculpting room: Fat-burning device that stung more than it helped
- Teeth whitening: Five-minute sessions showing gradual results over time
If you’re a bodybuilder and you like to shave your body, just being a member here for $18 a month, this is worth it. 10 out of 10.
The gym equipment earned mediocre reviews, but the amenities justified the membership cost—especially for anyone seeking beauty services alongside basic fitness options.
Level Three: One Piece Anime Gym
Japan’s anime culture inspired an entire themed gym based on the popular series One Piece. The entrance featured manga artwork and character-themed decorations throughout.
Equipment included mystery meat-shaped weights, gold coin plates, weighted vests for pull-ups, and motivational quotes on the ceiling.
It’s all right to cry, just overcome it.
The gym featured Hammer Strength and Arsenal machines, dumbbells up to 30 kg (roughly 66 pounds), cardio equipment, and even a dartboard for “functional fitness.”
Style Over Substance
One glaring issue: dumbbells sat on wooden floors, creating a dangerous situation when dropping weights.
If you want something simple that actually works, this is one of the most effective tools I’ve used to build strength, conditioning, and endurance without needing a full gym setup.
- Full-body training with one weight using swings, squats, and presses
- Solid cast iron build that feels stable and lasts for years
- Comfortable grip that makes high-rep workouts easier to handle
The gym offered fun theming and decent equipment variety, but serious lifters would find the weight selection limiting and the atmosphere distracting.
If you’re going to come to this gym, don’t have a serious workout in mind. Just come and do some full body, have fun.
Perfect for tourists and anime fans seeking a unique experience, but not ideal for intense bodybuilding sessions.
Level Four: Lyft Influencer Gym
Lyft gym looked like a “space age Nike test lab” from the outside, with sleek modern design and an impressive smoothie bar featuring unique protein flavors.
The interior delivered on its promise—excellent atmosphere, pleasant scent, and carefully curated equipment from multiple premium brands.
A Collector’s Dream
What set Lyft apart was the diverse equipment selection:
- Prime machines
- Jim Leo
- Atlantis
- Nautilus (rare in commercial gyms)
- Cybex
- Hoist
- Hammer Strength
The owner curated this gym with a lot of his favorite pieces. Like every single machine is pretty much from a different company. And that’s something very special to see.
The owner, a professional physique competitor, personally selected each machine based on quality and effectiveness rather than brand uniformity.
If you want something simple that actually works, this is one of the most effective tools I’ve used to build strength, conditioning, and endurance without needing a full gym setup.
- Full-body training with one weight using swings, squats, and presses
- Solid cast iron build that feels stable and lasts for years
- Comfortable grip that makes high-rep workouts easier to handle
Innovation In Small Spaces
Despite limited square footage, Lyft maximized every inch. The squat racks featured an innovative design with thick pull-up bars inside the rack—something members had never seen elsewhere.
I have never seen a rack that does this ever. It feels better than regular pull-ups.
Dumbbells reached 58 kg (approximately 128 pounds), providing serious weight for advanced lifters.
The main drawback? Limited leg equipment—only a leg extension, leg press, and two squat racks comprised the lower body options.
Members rated the gym between 4.5 and 5 stars, with one noting it was especially valuable since many Tokyo gyms prohibit members with tattoos from using facilities.
The attached café served restaurant-quality meals like mushroom and cheese risotto (304 calories) and unique smoothies including a sesame-based option described as intensely nutty and satisfying.
Level Five: Rexer Elite Training ($24,000/year)
The final destination was Rexer, where a 300,000 yen monthly membership (roughly $2,000) grants access to Japan’s most exclusive fitness experience.
If you want something simple that actually works, this is one of the most effective tools I’ve used to build strength, conditioning, and endurance without needing a full gym setup.
- Full-body training with one weight using swings, squats, and presses
- Solid cast iron build that feels stable and lasts for years
- Comfortable grip that makes high-rep workouts easier to handle
The facility resembled a five-star hotel more than a gym, complete with outdoor flat-screen displays and an elegant, minimalist interior design.
Multiple Floors Of Luxury
Rexer spans four floors, each serving specific purposes:
Basement level: Luxury locker rooms with key card access, premium showers, and a full closet of workout clothing members can borrow instead of bringing their own.
Second floor: Arsenal machines marketed for all fitness levels, plus a studio with abundant plants (real ones, not plastic).
Third floor: Plate-loaded machines in distinctive gold-bronze coloring, dumbbells up to 60 kg, and heavy iron plates. A vending machine stocked essentials like Red Bull and black coffee.
Fourth floor: Dedicated cardio space, Pilates area, turf section, and a rooftop lounge for relaxation and tanning.
If you want something simple that actually works, this is one of the most effective tools I’ve used to build strength, conditioning, and endurance without needing a full gym setup.
- Full-body training with one weight using swings, squats, and presses
- Solid cast iron build that feels stable and lasts for years
- Comfortable grip that makes high-rep workouts easier to handle
Training With Shingo
Head trainer Shingo provided a complimentary personal training session, beginning with comprehensive posture and range-of-motion assessments.
Before training, I always check someone’s posture. And then I have to check range of motion.
The session focused on precise technique rather than heavy weight, with Shingo providing constant hands-on corrections to optimize muscle engagement.
His approach emphasized proper fiber activation through specific body angles during exercises like lateral raises and shoulder presses.
I always care about like a angle of your body. The fiber is behind to little bit go like this. Not straight down.
Members receive one complimentary protein shake daily—not standard formulas, but premium blends customized by trainers. Shingo’s specialty combined almond milk, mixed berry protein powder, banana, and beet powder.
The Legendary Golden Shower
After the workout came the experience that justified traveling halfway around the world: showering in a stall plated with actual gold.
The shower room maintained the same luxurious standards as the rest of the facility, with floors clean enough that slides felt unnecessary.
If you want something simple that actually works, this is one of the most effective tools I’ve used to build strength, conditioning, and endurance without needing a full gym setup.
- Full-body training with one weight using swings, squats, and presses
- Solid cast iron build that feels stable and lasts for years
- Comfortable grip that makes high-rep workouts easier to handle
I think I trust the shower floor more than my own bed. I think I’ve kissed the floor.
The golden shower delivered on its promise of ultimate luxury—a fitting conclusion to experiencing Japan’s most expensive gym membership.
The Surprising Conclusion
After testing five dramatically different gyms ranging from free to $24,000 annually, the verdict wasn’t what most would expect.
Every single gym offered something worthwhile—even the $18 Chocoзap with its quirky amenities and limited equipment.
The free Korean mountain gym earned five stars for atmosphere, community, and surprising equipment quality. Lyft impressed with curated machines and knowledgeable ownership. Rexer delivered unmatched luxury and professional training.
But here’s what matters most: the best gym isn’t determined by price tag or amenities.
At the end of the day, fitness isn’t about finding the most expensive gym in the world. It’s about finding the one that makes you want to come back tomorrow.
Consistency trumps luxury every time. Whether training in a free outdoor facility with senior citizens or an elite club with gold-plated showers, showing up regularly produces results.
If you want something simple that actually works, this is one of the most effective tools I’ve used to build strength, conditioning, and endurance without needing a full gym setup.
- Full-body training with one weight using swings, squats, and presses
- Solid cast iron build that feels stable and lasts for years
- Comfortable grip that makes high-rep workouts easier to handle
The ideal gym is whichever one aligns with personal goals, budget, and—most importantly—inspires consistent attendance. Sometimes that’s a mountain gym with fresh air and community spirit. Sometimes it’s a convenience store gym with teeth whitening. And sometimes it’s worth splurging for expert coaching and golden showers.
The journey proves that gym quality exists on a spectrum, with worthy options at every price point for those willing to look beyond surface-level judgments.
