Working out in Japan: Anytime Fitness Studio

Anytime Fitness is a chain allowing you to flexibly integrate gym sessions along your travels with various pass- options on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Perfect for a quick pump in-between or a quick cardio session on a rainy day!

I have always been an athelete and sports lover, who likes to combine cardio workouts with lifting weights to feel my best. Walking long distances and going for one or the other morning run was of course great to do, but spotting "Anytime Fitness" all across Japan made me curious. So, I gave it a try and was positively impressed by how Japan handles its hygiene and fairness in sports equipment access.

Table of Content

• What is Anytime Fitness?

• What does Anytime Fitness offer?

• How to find and attend a gym?

• Which passes can I book?

• How to properly work out in Japan?

• What other gym alternatives exist?

What is Anytime Fitness?

Anytime Fitness is a franchise chain, individually operated all across Japan, more to be found in bigger cities than rural areas. Over 600 locations are available. As operated individually, gym rules and opening hours may differ from place to place.

If you already obtain a membership in your own country, the use of Anytime Fitness in Japan is free.

What does Anytime Fitness offer?

The gym usually offers a variety of different cardio- and strength machines as well as free weights & mats.

Gym classes or training courses are not being offered. Also, no sauna or swimming pool may be found inside.

Lockers and showers are available, whilst water can be withdrawn free of charge from a vending machine.

How to find and attend a gym?

In most cases, when walking through bigger cities, you will spot one or other gym along the way. You can also google up front on where to find the closest gym to your respective accommodation.

The easiest and most convenient way is to simply walk into the gym to talk to the staff directly. You can already come dressed or bring your sports clothes to directly start, no need to wait or return to your ho(s)tel. In case the door is closed, simply ring the bell. Staff will open and directly guide you to the front desk where you can choose between a daily, weekly or monthly pass option.

Which passes can I book?

You can choose between a day-, week-, or monthly pass. I roughly payed 1.900JPY for one week (which equals +/-12€). A monthly pass costs you round about 7.500JPY.

If you go for a long-term pass pre-check with the staff whether the pass is usable for only one city or area or whether you can use it freely all around Japan, as prices may differ.

Also ensure to bring your ID or passport with you in order to use the facilities!

How to properly work out in Japan?

Gym rules may vary from place to place as already stated above. Though, the most common rules are as follows:

• Street shoes shall be exchanged against clean trainers

• Visible tattoos must be covered when working out. If not, you may be asked to leave

• Each machine can no longer be blocked than 20min. to a maximum of 30min.

• Cleaning after you is required (take a basket and equip it with a disinfectant spray and wipes, which are provided on the shelf next to the drinking machine)

• Video- and photo taking is prohibited

What other gym alternatives exist?

Next to Anytime Fitness, you will find alternatives, such as Gold's Gym, Club360, Konami Sports Club, F45 Training, Sarugaku Training Gym. Public parks mostly offer training courts as well. And in case paying for a gym membership is not your cup of tea, you can simply decide to go for a walk, run, do a HIIT workout or some stretching outside.

Enjoy the sweat!