[Written in partnership with MOVE Private Fitness, but the editorial team had full control over the content.]
At 26, I had never set foot in a gym or fitness studio.
I had always felt a sense of intimidation, almost as if the fitness world was reserved for those who already knew what they were doing. I didn’t know how to use the equipment or which exercises were best for me. The idea of trying to figure it all out on my own with no guidance also left me feeling stuck.
More than that, I lacked discipline and motivation, which made even the thought of starting a fitness routine feel daunting.
In essence, I had gymtimidation.
But when MOVE Private Fitness extended an invite to me and my colleague Joyce to try out their introductory programme, Live More Kickstarter (LMK), I figured it was time to face my fears and give it a shot. What did I have to lose? (Well, other than a few kilos of my weight, perhaps.)
The space and amenities
Walking into MOVE Private Fitness in Damansara Heights for the first time, I was immediately struck by how different it felt from the typical gym setting that usually comes to mind.
This wasn’t some massive, overcrowded gym filled with endless machines and people running miles on treadmills. It was a small, cosy studio that felt personal and inviting, almost like a boutique space designed for one-on-one sessions.
They had all the essentials—a few lockers for personal belongings (spacious enough to fit my hefty laptop bag and water bottle), a water dispenser, and a couple of chairs in the waiting area if you arrived early. Towels were provided, and the separate bathrooms for men and women were equipped with all the toiletries you’d need.
It wasn’t a huge space, but it was thoughtfully designed. That said, if there were more than a few people there at once, it might feel a little cramped, especially in the waiting area, which only had three chairs. But, luckily, Joyce and I only ever saw two or three trainers working with clients at the same time, so it felt pretty private for the most part.
One thing that surprised me was the lack of machine equipment. Having never been to a fitness studio before, I expected a room full of machines, but there were surprisingly few. However, they had all the necessary workout tools, such as mats, foam rollers, dumbbells, kettlebells, resistance bands, and more.
Our coach, Azrai, explained that the setup was intentional and that’s the reason why it’s called a fitness studio and not a gym.
The idea was to focus more on exercises we could easily replicate at home without relying on fancy machines. This immediately put me at ease because all you really needed were some weights, a mat, and the right guidance to get started.
The workout experience
Joyce and I get to experience three introductory sessions under the LMK programme—perfect for someone like me, still unsure about committing to a full package. Over those sessions, we were coached by Azrai, who made the experience educational, engaging, and surprisingly fun.
On our first day, he spent time talking to us about our fitness goals, concerns, and even any past injuries or health issues we had. He also wanted to know our fitness levels, which was a great touch because Joyce and I were at very different stages in our fitness journeys.
In the first session, Azrai asked us to do squats without any guidance, just to assess our form. Within minutes, he was able to spot our weaknesses—like which muscles we were engaging, our imbalances, and even our flexibility levels.
I was amazed at how quickly he picked up on the little things I was doing wrong. From there, he tailored the workouts specifically to our needs. What impressed me most was how patient he was.
He took time to correct my form and explain why it was important to engage the right muscles during each exercise. For someone who was used to avoiding physical activity, this one-on-one attention made all the difference.
Azrai’s approach was holistic. Not only did he correct our posture and form, but he also gave us invaluable advice on nutrition.
I learnt that for my body weight, I should be consuming around 80 grams of protein a day—which, in real-world terms, is about two and a half chicken breasts. This was eye-opening for me, as I’d never thought about how much protein I should be eating.
Azrai encouraged Joyce and me to incorporate more protein into our meals and even had us share photos of our food to keep us accountable.
Throughout the three sessions, we covered a variety of exercises. There were leg days, push-and-pull days, and core exercises, with a bit of strength training mixed in.
What I appreciated most was how Azrai frequently checked in with us about how difficult we found each exercise. He asked us to rate the difficulty on a scale of one to 10, and if we gave anything lower than he expected, he would increase the weights in the next set to make it a bit more challenging.
The first two sessions were more relaxed. I think Azrai was just trying to ease us into the routine and make sure we felt comfortable with the movements.
But by the third session, he began pushing us harder. He introduced heavier weights and more challenging exercises, but always made sure we were using proper form to avoid injury and engaging the right muscles.
It was tough, and by the end of that final session, I could feel the burn in my core and legs. The soreness the next day was real, but it was also a reminder of how far I had come in just three sessions.
The benefits
What made this experience stand out was the one-on-one attention. Well, that’s the brand’s approach. I had the freedom to ask questions and clarify any doubts I had.
I felt comfortable admitting when I didn’t understand something or when I was struggling with a particular exercise, and Azrai was always there with immediate feedback. This personalised coaching ensured that every workout was effective and safe.
In addition to this tailored approach, Azrai’s expertise shone through in how he handled our sessions. He wasn’t just knowledgeable about fitness; he was patient and motivating in a way that felt encouraging rather than overwhelming.
He knew when to push me harder, but he also recognised when I needed to ease into a workout. As someone who was intimidated by the whole gym experience, this approach made me feel more comfortable and confident.
Plus, knowing that I was doing things correctly—and safely—gave me the confidence I needed to push myself a little further each session.
The private setting also helped ease my intimidation. With fewer people around, I didn’t feel self-conscious about being a beginner.
I wasn’t comparing myself to others or feeling overwhelmed by gym veterans doing intense workouts. Instead, I could focus entirely on my own progress, which impacted motivation also (in a good way though).
With these elements, it’s not surprising that MOVE Private Fitness’s primary demographic is made up of adults aged 45 to 55 and who really value personalisation and privacy. When you’re in that stage of life, having a fitness routine that feels tailored to you can make all the difference.
But it’s not just them. They also cater to entrepreneurs and busy parents with jam-packed schedules. Having a space that understands those challenges and creates a flexible, focused environment is probably why MOVE Private Fitness appeals to such a diverse group.
Would I commit?
As someone who has spent my whole life avoiding gyms, I walked into MOVE Private Fitness with a lot of anxiety. But by the end of our three sessions, the bulk of that anxiety had faded.
The personalised coaching, the welcoming environment, and the focus on functional fitness made a huge difference in how I viewed working out in a gym or a fitness studio.
I no longer feel like fitness is a daunting world reserved for the experts—I now see it as an empowering journey that I’m excited to continue. With the knowledge and confidence I’ve gained, I can honestly say I’ve moved past my gymtimidation.
If you’re ready to move past your gymtimidation too but feel like committing to a full package is too big a first step, give MOVE Private Fitness’s LMK programme a try.
Learn more about MOVE Private Fitness here.
Read about other Malaysian startups here.
Featured Image Credit: Vulcan Post
