Energy from Energie Fitness

I recommend getting your energy from being active! For the past two months that's been helped by the women's fitness studio Energie. I initially chose the six-week programme, attending the circuit training room three times a week. The circuit workout alternates between exercises on eight machines and a step to upbeat music. At the start of the programme and at the end of each week there is a meeting with a trainer who shows new exercises and answers questions.

I happily came here to work out because the studio has a pleasant environment. The rooms are bright and clean, the staff are friendly and responsive. Each woman receives a membership card and the option to come and exercise independently at any time of day, as many times as she wishes or has the energy for. Each person has their own locker for belongings, the ability to shower and dry their hair after exercise without rush or crowds. A personal folder and card were also set up to record achievements each visit. From time to time so-called „results celebrations" are held (I haven't participated in any yet, so I can't comment).

Summing it all up, here are my subjective pros and cons - what I liked and what I had hoped for more.

Liked:
• convenient location (on Cēsu Street, in the Brīvības Street office district, with parking available - though only 1 hour free, paid after that - you won't be stressing :) );
• cosy, clean and well-equipped rooms;
• individual shower cubicles, soap and a hairdryer available;
• scales and a pulse monitor for self-monitoring;
• responsive and friendly staff;
• visually high-quality informational materials;
• machines specially adapted for women's problem areas + a combined approach (step, exercises with a ball, dumbbells, bar, floor exercises, etc.);
• regular updates by email and SMS about upcoming activities (group training, aerobics, yoga, Nordic walking and more are also available, of course all for an additional fee);
• no pushiness about Fitline products (if you wanted to buy them, all information with prices and discounts was available).

Didn't like:
• relatively high joining fee (LVL89.99) and loyalty programme only for clients who agree to automatic bank payments;
• water costs extra (better to bring your own bottle, or pay LVL0.60 for a small water bottle, or LVL1.00 for an energy drink);
• incomplete information on healthy eating habits (general well-known tips - more water and vegetables, less fatty foods + handouts);
• comparatively modest results after 6 weeks of active exercise + following healthy eating habits and attending massage sessions (in other words, the slogan - six-month guaranteed results or your money back - is overstated).

More about the studio - http://www.energie.lv/