What does a $10,000 gym membership actually get you? That was the question fitness creator Will Tennyson set out to answer in a recent YouTube video that took him across South Korea and Japan. From a free mountain-top outdoor gym to an ultra-exclusive luxury fitness club complete with a gold-plated shower, Tennyson explored some of the most unique training facilities in Asia.
Along the way, he discovered that price does not always determine the quality of a workout.
The Free Outdoor Gym That Stole the Show
The journey began at a free public gym located on a hillside in South Korea.
Despite having zero expectations, Tennyson found a surprisingly complete setup featuring barbells, dip stations, dumbbells, and multiple strength-training machines. What impressed him most was the condition of the equipment and the community using it.
“This place really is a little hidden paradise,” he said while exploring the facility.
Surrounded by nature and frequented by locals well into their 60s, 70s, and even 80s, the outdoor gym delivered an atmosphere that many commercial facilities struggle to replicate.
Japan’s Most Unusual Budget Gym
Next came Choco Zap, a low-cost Japanese gym costing roughly $18 per month.
While the training equipment was limited, the facility offered a range of unexpected amenities, including hair removal, nail care, body sculpting devices, and teeth-whitening stations.
For serious lifters, the gym lacked enough equipment to be a primary training destination. However, Tennyson noted that the extra services alone could make the membership worthwhile for some users.
Anime Themes and Boutique Luxury
The tour continued with One Piece Fitness BragMen, a One Piece-themed gym located in Shibuya, Japan, with memberships reaching approximately $210 per month at the highest tier.
Designed around the popular anime franchise, the facility included functional training equipment, weighted vests, free weights, and cardio machines, though Tennyson felt the experience was geared more toward anime fans than dedicated bodybuilders.
The next stop was LÝFT GÝM, a boutique fitness facility located on the B3F level of Omotesando Hills in Shibuya, Tokyo, where top-tier memberships cost around $1,100 per month.
Featuring premium equipment from brands such as Prime, Gymleco, Atlantis, Nautilus, Cybex, Hoist, and Hammer Strength, the gym’s carefully curated machine selection, quality food offerings, and modern design made it one of Tennyson’s favorite gyms of the trip.
Inside Japan’s Ultra-Luxury Fitness Experience
The final destination was Rexer, an exclusive Tokyo fitness club offering memberships costing up to approximately $1,885 per month, making it one of Japan’s most expensive gyms.
There, Tennyson trained with head coach Shingo, who focused heavily on posture, mobility, movement quality, and exercise execution during a personalized shoulder workout.
The gym featured multiple training floors, premium recovery areas, custom smoothies, luxury changing rooms, rooftop amenities, and the famous gold-plated shower that inspired the trip.
The Real Lesson
After experiencing gyms ranging from free to ultra-exclusive, Tennyson concluded that the best gym is not necessarily the most expensive one.
“At the end of the day, fitness isn’t about finding the most expensive gym in the world,” he said. “It’s about finding the one that makes you want to come back tomorrow.”
The quote ultimately summed up the entire journey. Whether it was a mountain gym filled with retirees, a quirky convenience-store fitness center, or a luxury club in Tokyo, every stop offered something valuable beyond the membership price.
About the Author
Jeremiah Oliva
Jeremiah Oliva is a writer passionate about fitness, sports, and active living. He has experience in songwriting and managing content and social media for online radio and magazine platforms.
He covers HYROX, CrossFit®, and competitive fitness, with a focus on performance, mindset, and athlete development.
Outside of writing, Jeremiah trains in boxing, cycles, explores the outdoors with his kids, and plays the guitar.
