Leisure & Cultural Services Department / How to Use the Gyms?

[JMD76]

I'm trying to gain access to the gyms / fitness rooms run by the Leisure & Cultural Services Department. (I'm resident in HK on a work visa, with a HKID.) I've been to the LCSD office in Wan Chai three times now (which has the gym I'd ideally like to use), and I'm just not able to understand the staff members' instructions, which seem to change each time I go to enquire.

I was told I need to fill out two forms (LCS637a and PAR-Q) and select this course: "Briefing on Proper Ways to Use Fitness Equipment". I was told to then drop the form into the designated box in the Wan Chai office and wait to be contacted. I waited for 2 months but was never contacted. When I went back to enquire, the boxes were gone and the staff member said that I should try another "district" or that I should just show up to the class to see if I can get in.

My two questions:

(1) Has anyone been through this process who can explain how it works?

(2) Once I pass this course, can I potentially sign up to use any of the LCSD gyms in HK, or just the one where I take the course?

I'd greatly appreciate any feedback. Thanks in advance!

Jon

[Morrison]

That is just step one, increase your mental toughness.
In another two months they will contact you, you can use any gym, it's about safety training

[pkboy]

Not sure how yours worked but we just looked online for the list of lessons then tried to book a spot when available. They let you sign up for a spot like within a month of the class but they fill up quickly, you may try to go to the lesson / test at a facility that is less likely to fill up (say in the NT.) You can also show up the day of the lesson/test and hope you can get in if someone doesn't show.

You can use any of the gyms after. The test is piss easy, just a review of what the guy talked to you about during the lesson.

edit: so essentially you have to do the course to be able to use the gym. In order to do the course, you need to book a class. You can book a class through the form, or online: (https://www.lcsd.gov.hk/clpss/en/sea...venDaysForm.do)

Filter for that course, find the date when registration opens then try to get in.

[tljose]

I went to one of the LSCD offices and told them I want to use the gym, the guy there asked me to sign up for the same course, I filled the form on the spot and paid $75, he handed me a ticket of the course which I attended all of them (you only need 10 out of 12 to get a certificate).

Once the course is over you'll get a certificate, then you can go to the booking office of the sports centre and book a slot before you want to use the gym ($14 for an hour). Bring the certificate and your ID. A monthly pass which grants you unlimited usage is $180.

[tljose]

Oh and I believe you can sign up for any gym? I always use the same one so not sure, but when I was at the booking office I didn't see any restrictions.

Good luck!

[answerer]

The instructions were correct - see link below - What they probably couldn't explain to you that the "Briefing on Proper Ways to Use Fitness Equipment" is by balloting, so submitting an application doesn't guarantee a spot.

I recall I had to try a few times in a few different districts before I managed to enroll. You can take the course anywhere and use the gym anywhere. I think they post new courses on the 15th of each month, so check the LCSD website in a few days.

LCSD - Fitness Rooms - Introduction

[MandM!]

Here's the master schedule for LCSD classes. Select the fitness briefing and find out when the next one is. It's a 3hrs Cantonese class where you walk around learning how to use each machine then take a common sense exam at the end and done.

Community Recreation and Sports Programmes

Most LCSD classes go by ballot 2 months in advance followed by a wait list followed by the open day which is at 8:30am on the date specified on the website.

Register for a leisure link ID and password by submitting your HKID card copy online. This lets you apply and book lessons and facilities. Passport holders and non HK residents, thus visitors on tourist visas can also use the LCSD services at the same rates. They can apply for a leisure link username and password by visiting the facility in Jordan, Kowloon. Address can be found on the leisure link website.

http://leisurelink.lcsd.gov.hk/

All LCSD one day classes allow for walk-in's based on availability. A class part of a series of classes does not. These rules and processes are concrete. Learn them and make life easy on yourself. All classes have a good number of no-shows. Simply show up about 30 minutes before the class and you'll have a good chance of getting in. Bring your ID card always!

Once you take and pass the class, they will have your name as approved to join any LCSD gym facility provided it has open space and is not fully booked with another class. There are schedules online and you can also get the gym schedule at the gym itself. You can go to any LCSD gym.

[JMD76]

Thanks, everyone! I truly appreciate the advice. I'll give it another try!

[PointingFinger]

I live in Kowloon but had trouble getting into a nearby course, so ended up enrolling on one at Mui Wo because it was easier that way. It’s a ridiculous waste of time if you are already familiar with gym equipment but just one of those hoops you have to leap through to keep the govt happy. The test at the end is basically multiple choice and impossible to fail.
After the course you are given a slip that you need to take with you to the gym in order to use...until they enter your ID details into the system which can take a few weeks.
Very good value for money though and most of the gyms I have used in Kowloon and the NT are well equipped. My local one has just recently replaced its older equipment with brand new nautilus inspiration stuff.

[Ebi the shrimp]

We had to go to Tsuen Wan to do the course.

You pay $75 to take a course of 12 lessons and thereafter, you get the privilege of paying $14 per hour for the use of the fitness rooms. The reason that the courses always fill up quickly is that the cost per session is cheaper for the starter course and people continually sign up for this course for the cost savings. If you do get into the course, notice that some See Lai do not have to pay attention to the instructor - they have taken the course before.