Since this summer, I’ve been a CrossFit enthusiast for four years—a true veteran in the game. I started as a complete beginner, struggling with a 15lb empty barbell, and now I can barely handle Open RX. Never did I imagine I would one day be doing gymnastics, weightlifting, and functional movements when I first stepped into a CrossFit box.
However, this summer was brutally hot, and I started hitting plateaus in my training. In July, I had a thought: don’t let CrossFit define my fitness journey—explore other options! So when my annual CrossFit membership expired in August, I decided not to renew immediately. Instead, I embarked on a fitness journey across Shenzhen, testing some of the city’s most popular gym brands to see if there was something even better suited for me.
1️⃣ LeFit (乐刻健身) – 24/7 Budget-Friendly Fitness
📍 Multiple locations across Shenzhen, mainly in office buildings & shopping areas
🔥 Features:
✅ 24/7 access, monthly subscription model (no annual contract needed!)
✅ Compact yet well-equipped 250-300㎡ gyms
✅ Budget-friendly alternative to Supermonkey
✅ Self-service system: Automated check-in, app-based booking & transparent pricing
⚠️ Downsides:
❌ Limited equipment (mostly cardio machines, Smith machines, basic free weights)
❌ Can get crowded—expect waiting times for equipment
Who is it for?
✔ People with basic gym knowledge who don’t need fancy equipment
✔ Frequent travelers who need flexible gym access
✔ Those who prefer affordable group classes
2️⃣ GoodFella (古德菲力) – Spacious & Fully Equipped Gym
📍 Nanshan Maoye Store, 8th Floor, Maoye Department Store
🔥 Features:
✅ Over 1,000㎡ of space with a wide range of equipment
✅ Dedicated boxing, yoga, stretching, and cycling areas
✅ No pushy sales tactics
✅ Affordable group classes
⚠️ Downsides:
❌ Aging equipment—some machines are rusty
❌ Peak-hour waiting times for squat racks, deadlift platforms, and bench presses
Who is it for?
✔ Beginners & experienced lifters looking for a classic gym experience
✔ Those who enjoy group classes like yoga & dance
3️⃣ F45 – High-Intensity, Fat-Burning Workouts
📍 Various locations (Check F45 official website for nearest gym)
🔥 Features:
✅ Aussie-born HIIT brand—listed on NASDAQ
✅ 45-minute high-intensity circuit workouts (no two classes are the same!)
✅ Focus on fat loss, endurance, and functional fitness
✅ Community-driven environment—you’ll never train alone!
⚠️ Downsides:
❌ More cardio-focused than strength-based (not ideal for muscle growth)
❌ Expensive & franchise-based (memberships are not transferable between locations)
Who is it for?
✔ Cardio lovers looking for efficient fat loss
✔ Beginners who prefer less complex movements
✔ People who love a strong community vibe
4️⃣ Supermonkey (超级猩猩) – Trendy Group Classes & Community
📍 Various locations across Shenzhen
🔥 Features:
✅ No annual contracts—pay-per-class or monthly subscription
✅ Diverse class options (Les Mills, cycling, TRX, boxing, dance, etc.)
✅ Smart gym pods—self-service access & minimal staff
✅ Trendy & social atmosphere—perfect for beginners
⚠️ Downsides:
❌ More of a social fitness experience than an advanced training space
❌ Can get pricey compared to traditional gyms
Who is it for?
✔ Fitness newbies exploring different workout styles
✔ Social butterflies who love group classes
✔ People who dislike traditional gyms
5️⃣ CrossFit – Strength, Power & Functional Fitness
📍 Limited locations in Shenzhen (Check CrossFit official website)
🔥 Features:
✅ Elite-level full-body workouts—combining weightlifting, gymnastics, & conditioning
✅ Perfect for building strength, endurance, and mobility
✅ Global CrossFit Open & Games competitions
✅ Community-driven training style
⚠️ Downsides:
❌ Intensity level is high—beginners may feel overwhelmed
❌ Expensive membership fees
❌ Not focused on aesthetics—more about athletic performance
Who is it for?
✔ Athletes & fitness enthusiasts looking to get stronger
✔ People who enjoy competition & functional fitness
✔ Those who love the community & challenge
6️⃣ Red Pilates – Aesthetic Gym for Posture & Sculpting
📍 Raffles City, Shenzhen
🔥 Features:
✅ Luxury studio environment—Instagram-worthy interior
✅ Ideal for posture correction & body sculpting
✅ High-end reformer Pilates equipment
✅ Great for flexibility & injury recovery
⚠️ Downsides:
❌ Expensive (probably due to rent & equipment)
❌ Feels too structured for people used to free movement training
Who is it for?
✔ Women looking for a lean & toned physique
✔ People recovering from injuries or improving flexibility
✔ Those who enjoy a high-end fitness experience
Final Thoughts: Which Gym is Best for You? 🤔
🏋️ For Strength & Classic Gym Workouts: GoodFella
💦 For Fat Loss & HIIT: F45
🎭 For Fun & Community: Supermonkey
🏋️♀️ For Hardcore Functional Training: CrossFit
💃 For Aesthetics & Posture: Red Pilates
🕒 For Flexible, Budget-Friendly Workouts: LeFit
No matter what your fitness goals are, Shenzhen has a gym for you! 💪🔥 So grab your sneakers, pick your gym, and start sweating! 🚀
