Ignite Fitness Review: A Gym with Something for Everyone
It’s a new year, which, for many people, means getting back on the old fitness saddle with a new set of goals designed to help you turn over a new health leaf. I know, I know, you’ve probably already reached the end of your tether with the ‘new year, new you’ shtick… but hear me out. A new year does truly offer the perfect opportunity to start focusing on developing healthier habits; and there’s no better way to get into the world of fitness than at Ignite Fitness.
A gym designed for almost everyone, Ignite Fitness is a great place for both newbie gym goers and gym bunnies – especially if you’re on a budget and are not quite sure about the financial commitment of splashing out on a hugely expensive monthly gym membership. I spent a month checking at the Ignite Fitness Claremont gym and even hit up the flagship Somerset West branch for a session, to give you the low-down on this unique fitness concept in South Africa.
So what’s so special about Ignite? At first glance, it’s not necessarily about what Ignite has that other gyms don’t – it’s what’s ‘missing’ from the Ignite formula. A swimming pool. The absence of a massive gym swimming pool – and the strong smell of chlorine that comes along with it – is glaringly obvious when you step into any Ignite Fitness gym. But, the lack of aquatic facilities is a calculated choice that the Ignite team says frees up a massive amount of gym floor space, leaving members plenty of room for other ‘gym-tivities’ (yes, sure that’s a word I made up).
And that’s where Ignite Fitness sets itself apart from the rest. Not just ‘the gym without a pool’, Ignite is a truly unique concept catering to a wide range of people. I’ll put it to you this way: if all the popular group fitness studios in South Africa and a traditional gym had a baby, that’s Ignite Fitness.
With various locations countrywide, including spots in the Cape (Claremont, Somerset West, Milnerton, and St. Georges Mall), Johannesburg, and PE, the gym offers clients a space to build both mental and physical strength. The concept is to ensure that the Ignite Fitness gyms cater for all the individual needs of exercising by yourself or in group environments.
Each gym boasts exciting workout ‘Arenas’, where members can use specialised equipment on their own time or participate in group exercise classes with an Ignite Fitness trainer. With Arena names like ‘Blood, Sweat and Tears’, ‘Tread & Shred’, ‘Rumble’, and classes like ‘The Gauntlet’, it’s clear that these classes mean business. Group fitness classes take place throughout the day with Arenas catering for boxing classes, X-fit, functional training, and HIIT training.
Ignite’s big emphasis on group fitness classes is based on proven research by IHRSA (International Health Racquet and Sport Association) which shows that people are likely to exercise more regularly and achieve their goals if they do so in a group environment and the exercise is lead by an instructor or trainer. Over recent years, fitness trends have seen a huge growth in the popularity of boutique group fitness gyms that cater for these needs.
But, not everyone can afford to attend a curated group fitness gym. That’s where Ignite comes in, promising to make expert-led group fitness classes more accessible and giving members the best of both worlds with the added extra of a fully-equipped gym. At Ignite you can choose to only attend group classes, do your own thing, or experiment with a bit of both.
Not for the lazy, Ignite’s Arena classes are designed to kick your butt and then some. You’ll be sweating buckets when you’re done and I loved how the trainers push you to work hard (but still at your own pace and capabilities) during each session. There are days when I feel a little lost for what to do on a traditional gym floor and the Arena sessions are ideal for those times when you don’t want to think about what your next exercise should be. If you’re new to Ignite, then try out ‘The Gauntlet’, which offers a class set in all three Arenas to truly put you to the test.
If you’re not fond of too much human interaction then you can go it alone with the equipment available on the floor. Ignite Fitness prides itself on having more equipment per square meter than other traditional gyms in South Africa (yes, even the big market players). That means not having to wait around too long for equipment to be available, and anyone who has been to a gym during peak times will know the pain of having to wait for ages for a treadmill to become available.
The Claremont branch definitely delivers on this promise for cardio fanatics. The sheer amount of treadmills, exercises bikes, and other cardio equipment is indeed impressive. It was such a pleasure to be able to hop on a cardio machine for a quick warm-up before every session, with zero wait time. And, on days when I was just there for a cardio workout, I didn’t have to feel those usual pangs of guilt for hogging a treadmill for too long during peak time rush.
I didn’t always have this experience in the weight section or machinery areas during peak times at the Claremont branch. On a number of occasions, I found myself having to wait around for dumbbells or wander around the gym in search of kettlebells and dumbbells that other members hadn’t returned to their home after using them. The same went for the most popular machines, which I often didn’t get the opportunity to use because another member was using it for extended periods and the only other matching machine on the floor was ‘closed for maintenance’.
Having said, that most of the time, the majority of the machines are not in use so you can easily switch out your plans for a similar movement using a different machine. You’ll find the same with the floor equipment. If you have a little know-how when it comes to exercise movements and how to use the various equipment available then you shouldn’t have a problem adapting to get the same effect from another piece of equipment on the floor.
My favourite area at Ignite Claremont was for sure the functional training rig area which offers barbells and weight plates along with an open frame rig to cater for just about any strength training exercise. The adjustable racks allow you to easily and safely set up for squats, a bench press, shoulder presses and more for a killer session. This area boasts ample equipment with enough for everyone, even during rush hour.
Praise must also go the Somerset West branch in terms of the sheer amount of equipment and machines available to members at this 5-star location. The Somerset branch is substantially larger than the Claremont branch and the amount of equipment on the floor will have gym fans simply giddy with excitement. I felt like a kid in a candy store visiting this incredible location which is pretty much a giant playground for adults. If you’re the kind of adult who revels in the fun of picking up heavy things and putting them back down again.
But, no matter which location you find yourself training at, Ignite always promises to deliver on the vibe. The various locations offer euphoric music, open spaces, interesting equipment and lights that will keep your blood pumping and head bopping. I’m the type of person who cannot train without my music and headphones in but the vibe at Ignite really surprised me. It is one of the only gyms I have ever been to where listening to the music pumping through the gym speakers was as good as my own tunes.
Even better, Ignite Fitness offers incredibly affordable and competitive membership options with the medical aid membership starting at just R200 per month and 12-month contracts from just R470 per month. Once you’re hooked and locked into a branch you love, you can also consider signing up for the 24-month contract starting from R385 per month.
Find out more about the rates here.
