By Maria Wilkinson

It’s the beginning of a new school term and it’s time to set healthy goals for a successful year. My first step to starting my year off right was to look for a gym to join. I considered alternative gyms, but most of my classmates recommended using the school gym (政大健身房 NCCU Fitness).

Some gym memberships in Taiwan can be haggled. The anxiety haggling brings me was reason enough to sign up for the school gym. Additionally, the school membership is significantly cheaper than other gyms. Below I provide an overview of the gym fees.

The following is an overview of what the gym provides, rules, and fees. If you are looking for a healthy activity or seeking to achieve a personal goal, I hope this information provides helpful in your gym hunt.

How to Get to the Gym

The gym is located in the basement of the NCCU Gymnasium. You can enter through the main doors, walk inside the basketball court, and to your right will be the doors leading to the hall where the stairs to the gym are located. In the hallway before the stairs are bathrooms and showers that you can use while at the gym. Once you go downstairs, the entrance to the gym will be straight-ahead.

▲How to get to the school gym

▲The enterance of the gym

Equipment

The equipment at the gym was shockingly vast. There are a handful of bikes that you can use to pedal to your heart’s content while not going anywhere. There is a punching bag, rowing machines, and strength machines. Additionally, there are dumbbells and even a free weight training area. The gym is equipped with so many different workout options, that it is likely you will find the workout you like to do. 

▲The equipments of the gym includes bikes, dumbbells and a free weight training area

Rules of the gym

The rules of the gym are simple and are there to ensure a clean environment while you work out. The gym asks that you bring a personal towel (it is required) and you will be asked to change your shoes into a clean pair upon arrival. Additionally, you will need your student ID to get in. Other rules are what you may expect at other gyms. You are prohibited from going topless in the gym and water is the only beverage allowed. Food is not allowed at all. Make sure you are using the equipment safely to ensure the safety of your fellow gym-goers and yourself.

▲Three things you need to get into the gym

▲ You should put your water and shoes in certern area while using the gym 

Hours of the gym

During the semester, gym hours are as follows: Monday to Friday 12:00-21:00 and Saturday to Sunday 9:00-12:00 and 13:30-17:00. The first Monday of every month is cleaning day so the gym is closed until 14:00. The gym typically gets its busiest after 17:00. At all other times you can expect just a handful of people. During the summer and winter break, the hours differ.

Membership Fee

The fee depends on how long you would like to sign up for. As you can see above, the longer you commit, the cheaper the price is. To pay the fee, you will need to use an Easy Card. Before you go to the gym, you should make sure to top up your Easy Card with enough money as there is no value-adding function on site. You will need to fill out a membership form and provide two headshot photos for the application. You will also need to bring your student ID when signing up.

There you have it, all the information you need to start your fitness journey at NCCU. I wish you an enjoyable time at the NCCU Fitness gym.

▲the main gate of the gym