KFit – Sole To Soul Dance Studio (Taman Sea)

This is my first visit to this studio. I’ve visited their website and I’m quite impressed with the faculties and classes held, hence when I went through the schedule list and noted that there’s a couple of classes that I suits my schedule, so I thought of giving it a shot. I chose Girl’s Style on Wednesday at 8:30pm and New School Hip Hop on Thursday at 8:30pm. Since it’s still the Puasa period, so I presumed the traffic will be smooth, especially its 2 days before Raya. Most Muslim people are most probably took leave and on their way back to their respective hometowns.

As expected, I reached the studio way ahead of time, 1.5 hours before the class commence. Hence, I went over to The Atria to hang around as I waited for the time to pass. 20 minutes before 8:30pm, I left The Atria and headed back to the studio. I need to give myself some time to change into my workout clothes and the chill a bit before the class start.

Sole To Soul Dance Studio consists of 3 floors. First and second floor is the dance studios, there’s a water dispenser on the second floor, then on the third floor is the main area, which consists of a reception, a lounge, a small dance studio, washrooms, two DJ mixing and vocal studios and two offices.

I was greeted by a young girl, as I inform her I’m from KFit and she immediately asked for my ID card. This is my first centre I entered that actually asked for my ID. So I just gave my ID card and she just passed me a paper and told me to sign on it. She quickly told me that the washroom/changing room is over at the corner, the class will be in the dance studio (next to the reception) and immediately reached her smartphone and focus on it. I asked her if the Hip Hop class will be in the same studio as well, and without lifting her head, she replied depends on the schedule and continue to tap on the screen enthusiastically. So much of being friendly.

I quickly went to change into my workout clothes and then waited patiently at the lounge. I scanned around the room and noted that the place consists of mostly kids and young teenagers. I am starting to feel worried and awkward. Many thoughts appear in my mind. Is this place mainly catered for kids and young teenagers? Will I be surrounded by kids in the upcoming class?

Then, as I saw the door to the studio open, and all young teenagers enter the class, I realize my worst nightmare come true. I am indeed surrounded by teenagers and I felt like an old mother. Even the instructor is so young. And without even being asked, the instructor introduced himself and announced his age as a 21 year old (I’m not sure why. I’ve been to so many centres and gyms and no one ever revealed his/her age or their achievements, etc. Perhaps he is trying to tell me that I’m not supposed to be in this class, because I’m too old for this and this 30-year-old aunty should just leave). I have not been anticipating for the time to pass as fast as possible because I feel so, so, so awkward as every minute ticks.

The moment the clock struck 9:30pm, I flew out of the class, change my clothes and get out of the place. The moment I entered my car (lock it, of course), I quickly logged into my KFit account and immediately cancel the New School Hip Hop class. There’s no way I’m gonna suffer another one more day here. Coming all the way from PWTC to Taman Sea is definitely not worth my time, effort and petrol.

KFit – Jazzercise (Damansara Jaya)

Since I worked near The Atria Shopping Gallery in 2008, I have always wanted to join Jazzercise, however, because I’ve to relocate to KL, I have to forego my wishes.

Then I stumble upon Jazzercise on the KFit schedule and immediately reserve a class, on Sunday called Dance Mixx. Yes, it is indeed far, from PWTC to Damansara Jaya. But it’s still the Puasa period, and Sunday morning the traffic smooth and there’s ample parking, so I thought why not. Since I’m a KFitter, I better just try the class out. Not like I’m gonna be forced to sign up.

The Jazzercise studio is located on the third floor, right above Omitsu Koshi Japanese Restaurant, which is a corner unit. There’re buntings on the entrance, so you won’t miss it. You can immediately know when the class commenced as you can hear the booming music and voice from ground floor and the moment you reached the third floor is the studio where you can see the members dancing through the glass panel and door. There’s a round ottoman in front of the reception, with a few chairs placed by the wall. The reception area is carpeted, except the dance floor, which is timbered flooring. There’re windows on one side, and a huge mirror or the other side, near the entrance. In front of the studio is a stage, and behind the stage, there’s 2 bathrooms and 1 washroom. If you forget to bring your water bottle, they provide bottles of water, but with a small fee. If I’m not mistaken, a bottle of water cost RM1. The studio is equipped with 2 air-conditioners, so the place is really cool (but after exercising you still sweat =.=)

The instructor is really nice and friendly. I was early when I reached there, but there’re a couple of regular members who already inside mingling around. One of the members opened the door for me and invited me to sit down while I wait for the instructor to assist me with the registration. When the instructor came, I was offered a registration form to register my details then the class commenced.
I realized it is not Dance Mixx, but was Dance Fusion as the original instructor was not available on that day, so this instructor came to replace her. Not that I mind, as long as they did not cancel the class after driving all the way here and as long as I get to sweat and work my butt off, I’m fine. Sunday class can consider quite crowded. About 8 people in the studio (the studio looks like can fit 10-12 members) It’s a great workout actually and I really enjoy it. I definitely would love to come again.

So the next time I joined the evening class on Wednesday (it’s still Puasa period, so definitely the traffic wasn’t gonna be horrendous). This time is the Dance Mixx class. Again, I enjoy it. This time, probably because it’s a late class (the last class starts at 8:15pm-9:15pm), so there’re only 4 (including me) in the class. Perhaps, it’s the Puasa month, so not much people.

The Jazzercise @ Damansara Jaya only allows KFitters to go up to 2 visits per month. Overall, I’ve attended 3 classes and I’m happy with the class. But whether or not I wanna sign up, I guess I really have to consider carefully, as I need to take into consideration the factors, such as time, distance, toll and petrol.

KFit – Organica Lifestyle (Lucky Garden, Bangsar)

I have not tried yoga before, and since this one is located in Bangsar and it’s based in a terrace house, I thought I wanted to give it a try. As usual, I did my research before reserving class, by going through their Facebook page as well as their website. Hence, I decided to try the Hatha Yoga, which is suitable for beginners.

It’s a smooth and easy drive to Bangsar in the morning during the weekend, and parking is easy. You can park right in front of their house or you can park along the corner, as long as you do not parked in front of someone’s house or blocking their way.

You have to remove your shoes upon entering (it’s a house, so be courteous). Downstairs is a small retail and next to it is a small café. Upstairs is where the yoga class takes place. It’s just a small room, with an ensuite bathroom. The room has a full-length glass window with 3 white roller shades and a large full-length mirror on one side of the room. At the corner of the room is the rolled-up yoga mats and yoga blocks.

I must say, the environment already made me feel so comfortable, relaxing and homely. The instructor, her name is Ms Susan is really patient, gentle and kind. I felt so at ease when she conducted the class. The room can only fit about 5 people. On my first day, there’re only 3 members (including me) and on my second visit, there’re 5 members. And both were guided by Ms Susan (my second visit supposed to be Vinyasa Flow, but the instructor was away, hence Ms Susan replaces the class).

The Organica Lifestyle only allows KFitters to go up to 2 visits per month. Overall, I’ve attended 2 classes and I’m happy with the class. But whether or not I wanna sign up, I still have to consider carefully, as I need to take into consideration the factors, such as time, price, distance and petrol. But, I really like this place. Highly recommended.

KFit – Lara's Place (Section 17, Petaling Jaya)

Right after the first Zumba session at 360 Active, I joined another Zumba at this place. Yes, you must have thought whether I’m crazy to do two Zumbas in 1 day. I’ve done it before last time, 2 hours of Zumba and even once 3 hours of non-stop dance class back-to-back, so this should be easy-peasy for me. And besides, the first Zumba session, it’s not tiring and for the first time in my two years of Zumba, my towel was half dry… I don’t believe it myself.

Lara's Place is located at Section 17, surrounded by housing estates, away from the main roads. It’s situated above Organic Leaf Restaurant and the parking there is very difficult. I have to park in back near the housing area as there’s no parking at all.

The first impression of this place is, there are a lot of kids, I mean this is a learning centre for kids and adults, but I’m surrounded by kids age 3-12 years old. I saw shoes lying in the corner of the walkway and some on the shoe shelves, so I thought I had to remove my shoes as well. I already thought how to Zumba without my shoes, but well, I just brush it off and enter the centre.

The reception office is very small, and I need to register first. There is no changing room, just one toilet, and there’s no hook to hang your bag, so you have to put down the toilet seat to place your bag there. I’m starting to feel a bit uncomfortable with this place. Then I went outside and I saw an Indian-looking guy wearing a Zumba T-shirt and pants and I thought this must be the instructor I saw on the Zumba website. And he’s wearing shoes, so I quickly went to ask the admin staff if shoes are allowed to wear in the studio and she said of course. I quickly went out to grab my shoes and wore them in the studio.

The studio is very small, with a large mirror in front, a small window on the sides and a flimsy curtain hiding the props in the back corner. It’s well-lit and air-conditioned. I think the studio can only fit about 5-6 people. I thought I was gonna be the only one who’s gonna dance, but thank goodness, another woman came (she’s one of the mother whose daughter/son is having an art class in the centre) and joined the class.

The instructor asked if we have experience in Zumba, but she immediately voiced out that she’s a beginner, who do not have any experience in Zumba. The instructor looked at me, and I humbly told him that I’m a beginner, too. And the class began. The instructor, his name is Vernon (I Google-ed and looked him up on the Zumba website) told us that during warm-up and cool-down, he’ll be facing the mirror, however, during the dance he will be facing us. This is something I dislike. I will get very confusing. Another turn-off for me. And again, it’s not tiring and my towel was half dry… *Sigh* I should have reused the same towel instead of using a new one…

The Lara's Place only allows KFitters to go up to 3 visits per month. However, this one without a doubt, I will not consider signing up for the class.

KFit – 360 Active (The Club @ Bukit Utama)

I like Zumba and I’ve been Zumba-ing for two years now and I really enjoyed it. And I’m curious to try Zumba elsewhere as different instructors have different styles and demeanour.
Looking through the KFit schedule, I’ve found one at a location I’m quite familiar with and the timing suits my schedule. It’s called 360 Active, located inside of The Club @ Bukit Utama (same management as One Utama).

The studio is situated on the same floor as the swimming pool, on the far end left. The moment you’re in the lobby, go straight till you see the swimming pool, go down on the left stairs and walk straight, there’s where the studio is; go down on the right stairs led to the shower and washrooms. I’m not sure if the locker and towels have to pay, but when I was there, I brought my own towel and inside the shower room there’s a hook, so I hung my bag in there. They provide a soap dispenser, but there’s no shelf to put your toiletries.

Anyway, back to the studio. The studio is indeed spacious and a long and huge, full length mirror in front, however, there is no stage or platform at all. At the back of the studio are long tables with a few chairs where you can put your bags there. It is air-conditioned and well-lit. There’s no reception, just a table with the PA system. And the instructor, a Chinese-looking petite woman informed that the person-in-charge is not around yet, so she told me to just join the class.

The class is fun, but as the instructor is as petite as me, I have a little problem seeing the instructor dance and I have a little problem following the steps. As most of the regular members stood in front, I have little choice but to stand at the back, hence this causes me to have visibility issue. However, sorry to inform you, I still felt my existing instructor is much better.

The 360 Active only allows KFitters to go up to 3 visits per month. However, this one without a doubt, I will not consider signing up for the class.