Review: (Gym) Ritual

I know I said this blog would be about my travels, but with all the photos I take (my standard is 1000 photos per trip) and all the research I usually do (I need more time to compile in an orderly manner), I've decided to go ahead with this random gym review post while I still have the 'inspiration' for it.

If you have been following me on ig stories this week (ig: linagohh in case you didn't know!), I've been doing a one week paid trial at Ritual - a 30-mins HIIT gym. With the discount code I found on fb, I paid about $25 for a week's unlimited classes. Upon signing up, I also got a free smoothie voucher (to be bought at Ritual, worth $10!) so that makes it to about $15 for a week's classes. Pretty worth it, I must say. I'll only be trying the smoothie tomorrow, I hope it's good cause I'm really looking forward to it!

Anyway, price (and being a cheapo singaporean) aside, let's get down to business: my review of Ritual gym, after going for three classes, from Monday to Wednesday, during lunch times with my colleague. I'm going to do it in a more Q&A style; please feel free to ask more questions in the comments if you have any and I'll try to answer with my limited knowledge.



Firstly, how does Ritual operate? How long is one class and what kind of training/exercises do they offer?

Ritual pride themselves on being a 30-mins only gym, from checking in, to exercising, showering, and leaving the gym. Each class lasts about 15-20 mins depending on the day's exercise - and the exercise sets for the day is fixed throughout the day. This means that if you are so hardworking such that you'd like to hit Ritual twice a day, you'll be doing exactly the same exercise sets twice that day.

All the sets are made up of mainly about a total of 10-12 exercises, and they jumble and vary these exercises to make up the sets. Most of the exercises are simple and easy to pick up. So far in the 3 classes I have went to, the body weight exercises I have done are burpees, mountain climbers, push ups, rows and pull ups (using hanging hand-holds) and exercises which I have options to use either medicine balls, dumb bells or kettle bells (depending on my strength and level of intensity) are overhead presses, lunges, squats and dead lifts. There are three levels of intensity which you can refer to from chalk boards on the walls, and it's up to you to decide which to do - you can also jumble them up and not stick to just one level of intensity.



As you can see in the photo above, exercises are done in HIIT style, with a given stipulated time to complete as many reps as possible, and a fixed rest interval. While the sets seem easy and little, I did find myself working up a sweat and breathing hard to catch my breath, especially towards the end of the class.

Each class is small and consists of maximum 10 people, and everyone has their own ''square'' to work in with all the different kind of weights in it. There is a coach around to guide the class and ensure everyone is on form and doing the exercises right. The coach is also the ''verbal clock'' and in the outlet I'm trying out at, there is no clock on the wall. This means that I had no idea of the time and I couldn't count down to the end of every time interval (and usually give up on the exercise 2-5 seconds before time is up - such a bad habit). I had to just keep at it until the coach dictates.

Here is a photo of the gym area.



Secondly, how are the supporting facilities? Does Ritual have shower areas?

Being a 30-mins gym, Ritual do provide good and proper showering facilities, and a smoothie bar. It is strictly no-frills in the sense that they do not have other additional features like a hot & cold room, sauna, sleeping pods, or any food cafe/bar area. Besides the reception area, showers, smoothie bar and workout area, there is also a small space near the workout area with foam rollers and triggers balls which you can use.



The shower, however, is UNISEX. Other than the slightly un-comfort of having to wear jeans immediately after showering (I prefer to take some time to cool off & I can't be walking around in my undies in a unisex shower area right), I liked Ritual's shower facilities. Towels are provided, and soap, shampoo, and conditioner are in easy-to-press containers attached to the walls. You can choose to use the rain shower or the hand held shower head - which I prefer, and is not commonly found in outside (aka other than at home) showers. The entire shower cubicle consists of two ''rooms''; there is an shower area where you can close the door to prevent splashing, and there is an ''outside'' area where there are hooks to hang your clothes, a small chair to put your stuff, and a mirror. A variety of lotions are available in the general shower room, and there are good hairdryers too.

Thirdly, how much is Ritual membership and what are their opening hours?

They have a few packages from signing up a membership and getting unlimited classes for a fixed duration of 6 months or 1 year, or you can buy sessions - which are to be completed within an expiry period. The full details are in the photo below.



Ritual's first class starts at 630am and ends at 9pm on weekdays, and on saturday, they operate from 9am to 3pm. They are closed on Sundays. Classes run throughout the day in half an hour intervals. You can only book classes via their website online, they do not have any app currently.



So, should I go for Ritual?

Pros:

• Classes are short. All you require are 30 minutes a day!
• The controlled pace of the class makes it a lot less dreadful to go to. You have less inclination to skip class even if you're tired.
• Classes run all day long at the same timings all week. You can easily fit Ritual into your routine.
• A cotton tee and shorts are provided. No shoes are required so you also save the bulk of having to carry a shoe bag around!

Cons:

• Classes are short. For people who are much fitter and looking to burn more (since you're already in your gym clothes and you've made it to gym), Ritual classes may not be sufficient for you to feel the satisfaction of working out.
• The pricing is steep. I can't see myself paying $329 a month for such short HIIT classes with exercises of which I can probably do at home, if I can invest in a set of weights.

If you're a fitness junkie looking and you love to give things a try, I'd say go for the trial week (you get a ''free'' smoothie!) and decide after. Maybe go for 2 consecutive classes in a day to smash it! (I have not seen anyone attempt this yet.) If you're new to HIIT, Ritual is a good place to get started as the classes are short and not very intense. I would say paying $25 (provided the discount is still ongoing) for a week's worth of unlimited classes is really reasonable. I would definitely encourage everyone to try it out - exercising is always, always good!



Well, that's all I have for you today, friends! Till my next inspiration x