Founded in 2020, Fitnesspoint has quickly established itself as a leading fitness brand, offering holistic health and wellness solutions.
The new facility, located at the former Sports View Hotel, opposite Amahoro Stadium, replaces Fitnesspoint's previous branch in Nyarutarama, offering a substantial upgrade in space, amenities, and services tailored to meet growing customer demand.
According to Ole Haugom, Co-Founder and CEO of Fitnesspoint, the reception to the new location has been overwhelmingly positive.
"I feel like people are really liking our gyms, especially this one. Remera has so many different activities. We have very professional equipment and good maintenance. People always come here and can use the equipment they want, which is very important," he shared during a recent interview with IGIHE.
Haugom, a Norwegian national who established a successful fitness center with over 30 branches in his home country, explained that his focus on high-quality equipment and prompt maintenance stems from observations he made upon arriving in Kigali six years ago.
"When I first came, I saw so many placesâ€"hotels and gymsâ€"where machines were marked 'out of order.' That's actually why I started importing gym equipment here. We now have technicians and a warehouse to fix things quickly," he added.
Mahe Ornella, Sales and Marketing Manager at FitnessPoint, noted that the relocation was driven by client feedback and aims to enhance the overall customer experience.
Like its first branch in Kimihurura, FitnessPoint's new Remera location offers more than just a larger space. The gym now includes a six-foot swimming pool suitable for diving, an expanded aerobics class area that can host up to 60 people, and a dedicated athletic zone for high-intensity training.
The athletic section, located in the basement, features high-performance equipment such as bikes, squat racks, deadlift platforms, and rowing machines.
A specialised spinning class area is also part of this section, enabling athletes to push their limits in a professional setup.
The Remera branch further introduces a martial arts area, with plans to offer self-defence classes for women.
Additionally, a women-only space has been introduced for those who prefer a more private workout environment. The new feature caters to a diverse range of women, including Muslim women and content creators who value privacy.
"This private space is ideal for Muslim women and women content creators seeking a more private workout environment," Ornella explained.
In line with its holistic approach to fitness, the gym also caters to families. A kids' playground is being developed to allow parents to work out while their children engage in activities. The kids' area will be equipped with toys and trampolines to keep the children entertained.
Another exciting addition at the new Remera gym is a dedicated basketball facility. This area is set to host basketball training sessions and will serve as a space for professional athletes to enhance their skills.
Fitnesspoint has also partnered with APR basketball teams, providing them with exclusive access to the gym's top-tier equipment and training facilities.
Ornella emphasised that the collaboration with teams such as APR is part of the company's efforts to support professional athletes and promote sports development in Rwanda. Additionally, Fitnesspoint works closely with the corporate sector, helping to encourage team building and wellness among staff members through tailored fitness programs.
Another upcoming addition includes a coffee area, set to open by the end of January, offering health-focused snacks and beverages.
'We will offer smoothies, sandwiches... You know, the gym is not only the thing that's needed to see your fitness goals; it's also what you eat. This coffee area was created in response to what many of our clients have been asking for,' she remarked.
The Remera branch also boasts a spacious parking area to ensure the safety and convenience of clients' vehicles.
Comprehensive Services and Expert Support
In addition to its state-of-the-art equipment, Fitnesspoint ensures that certified trainers are available at both branches to guide clients through their fitness journeys.
At least 12 trainers, including floor and private trainers, work per location, assisting members with proper equipment usage and offering personalized training programs.
Uwizeyimana Shaban, one of the personal fitness trainers at the Remera branch, brings six years of experience to the team. The 28-year-old encourages individuals of all ages to prioritize their health and wellness through consistent training and proper exercise techniques.
'Fitness is not just about physical appearanceâ€"it's about improving overall well-being, boosting confidence, and enhancing quality of life. It's never too late to start your fitness journey," Shaban says.
"Whether you're a beginner or experienced, there's always something new to learn and achieve in the gym.'
The gym also features a dedicated physiotherapist, Fabrice Tuyizere, who assists individuals dealing with health challenges such as fractures or disabilities.
"I design specific exercises tailored to their conditions, addressing issues like back, shoulder, or knee problems," Tuyizere explains.
As part of its holistic wellness approach, Fitnesspoint also collaborates with certified nutritionist Matt Battle to offer consultations and meal plans tailored to clients' fitness goals.
Haugom, reflecting on the priorities for the coming years, emphasized the importance of accessible, user-friendly equipment designed for all age groups.
"You just need to have good equipment that anybody can useâ€"functional equipment designed for the human body. Some of the older equipment can be rough to use, but the new ones are more user-friendly. People enjoy using them, even though it's still a tough workout, of course," he explained.
Flexible Membership Options and Family-Friendly Services
Fitnesspoint offers flexible membership options to accommodate various needs. An annual membership costs RWF 600,000, while a monthly membership is RWF 80,000. For added convenience, flexible payment plans such as standing orders are available for RWF 55,000 monthly.
The gym also offers corporate packages and has partnerships with financial institutions like the Bank of Kigali (BK), providing discounted rates for annual and short-term memberships paid using BK cards. For those visiting temporarily, Fitnesspoint offers 10-pass cards for a flexible access option.
"We have a partnership with BK. Wherever you come and buy an annual membership, you get a 20% discount. If you buy a one-month or three-month membership, you get a 10% discount when you're using your BK card. So, it's a way of trying to cater to all levels of people,' Ornella added.
Fitnesspoint's new Remera branch sets a high benchmark for modern fitness facilities in Kigali, offering advanced equipment, professional training, and a welcoming community that redefines the fitness experience. Don't wait to start your fitness journeyâ€"visit Fitnesspoint today and subscribe to a membership that fits your goals.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
