Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Confessions and Reviews from a Traveling Fitness Model

I have to admit as a fitness professional and lover every where I go first think when I am landing to look for a proper gym to be able to workout and of course next comes my survival so I would start looking for jobs-in the fitness industry.
As a working fitness and figure model traveling the world, I have been lucky enough in my life to be able to visit and work or workout in some of the top gyms and amazing facilities around the world.
The continents/countries I have been to-working or visiting are East Europe, West Europe, USA, Australia, Hawaii, and Middle East. Still to explore South America, Africa, Asia.
The Nation Effect on Gyms
Going to a gym in each country says a lot about the nation as well, of course I find most of the people who love the gym have similar drives and ambitions, either to stay fit, for recreation, for contest preparation, to socialize or just to get attention and this doesn’t differ from country to country.
The evolution of the gym world is obvious and the veterans can agree with that, and every country has its own gym evolution and development perhaps depending on the demands of the public..
Some gyms are gone massive two or 3 story buildings with spas, restaurants, rooms for weights, classes, massage treatments, even hairdressing salons, etc.
Other gyms rely on the professional and personalized services and friendly staff.
I find in every country there are those gyms for pro bodybuilders and the commercial once and then the community family fitness centers where it’s always noisy and crowded.And then we have the VIP high standard gyms for the rich and famous-where probably high standard service and facilities are must.
Top Gyms From Around the World
Some of the many gyms I have enjoyed while traveling the world:

Austrialia (where i currently reside)
Fitness First Gyms-where i am a member:

Ladies only fitness gym:

Victoria University Fitness Center (where i worked as trainer for at least 5 years and graduated with Diploma in Sports and Recreation Marketing and Management in 2005):


Bulgaria (where I am from)
Sofia-National Stadium-training and managing my own gym from 1995-1999 and 2003-2005:

Switzerland -(short visits in 1995, 1996, 1997)
Solothurn-Athena fitness park:



United Arab Emirates-Dubai (where i resided and worked from 1999 to 2003)
Sheraton Deira hotel Athena health club-working and managing high standard luxury fitness center between 1999-2003:



Burj Al Arab Dubai the only in the worlds only 7 star hotel-visiting the world's most luxurious hotel with a team dedicated to outstanding personalized service, surpassing guest expectation by providing the ultimate Arabian Hospitality Experience":


Hawaii -(holiday adventure in 2008):
24 hours gym facilities:


This chain bought out several of the former Golds Gym on the island.

United States (USA) -visited in 2008
Los Angeles (Venice Beach, aka Muscle Beach):






LA fitness gyms:




My Personal Tips for those that Gym Hop when Traveling
East Europe
Bodybuilders-go and workout with pro elite athletes.
General fitness-workout in a gym with an outdoor pool, you will enjoy the view of top less hot chicks and hunks
West Europe
General fitness-make sure you buy outfits from the gym you are working out as this will make you belong to the family….Enjoy the unisex saunas and spas-Wohoo everyone is naked
Bodybuilders- I do not recommend you even reveal you are competing; most of the people don’t like competitors because of their attitude, so stay incognito
Middle East
Bodybuilders males only-join the pro gyms few of them-Flex gym or Platinum gym in Deira
Women, join a ladies club only!!
Australia
Bodybuilders –join one of many pro gyms you can even find in some of those a female dominance, just make sure you run away before the girls get too bitchy
General fitness- sign up for a boot camp if you are an early person, or appoint a personal trainer to train you, as long as you make sure that the trainer knows what he does…
USA
Bodybuilders- workout at Gold’s Gym “The Mecca” – the original, the place where it all began.
General fitness-attend a hip hop class at your local gym this will bring some fun to your workouts
Hawaii
Workout in the middle of the night and sleep at the beach during the day- this will be definitely a shock to the body and you will sleep like a baby all day


My Personal Tips for Women Travelers who Want to Get Noticed
East Europe-workout in your bathing suit
West Europe-wear statement shirts
Middle East-better don’t try to get noticed
Australia-wear latest Nike collection
Hawaii-get tanned and workout in white outfits
USA-show your fit body but don’t show off, workout like a pro


LOOOVE THE GYM WORLD!!! That’s where I feel HOME!!!
By Mariya Mova
http://www.movafitness.com/