FAQ

Questions

Answered in English.

Everything below is the same information as the Japanese FAQ. If anything is unclear, email contact@badgym.jp — we reply in English within two business days.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost?

Monthly membership is JPY 14,300 (Base). Founding members — the first 30 people who join between 5 September and 31 December 2026 — pay JPY 13,200 per month, held for as long as they stay. The joining fee is JPY 11,000 for everyone, founding members included. An annual membership is JPY 157,300 (11 months for the price of 12). Drop-in is JPY 3,300 for one day and JPY 7,700 for one week. Personal training with Yusuke Suzuki is JPY 15,400 for 60 minutes, 19,800 for 90 and 24,200 for 120; a certified trainer is JPY 9,900 for 60 minutes. A rental locker is JPY 1,650 per month.

Can I visit and look around first?

Yes. Both a look around and a free 60-minute trial can be booked through the enquiry form. The trial covers a short interview, a form check, bench pressing, and a tour of the gym. We will not pressure you to join.

I am a beginner. Is that a problem?

Not at all — beginners are exactly who we want. Learning correct form before habits set in is the safest and fastest route to getting stronger. When staff are on the floor you can ask about form and how to use the equipment.

Is there parking or bicycle parking?

No. We have neither a car park nor bicycle parking. The gym is one minute on foot from the west exit of Kita-Urawa Station, so coming by train is easiest. Otherwise please use a paid car park or bicycle park nearby. Please do not leave bicycles in front of the building or on the surrounding streets.

Is there a shower?

No. There are no showers. There are separate changing rooms for men and women and rental lockers. Please plan to change and go.

What should I bring?

Clothes you can move in, indoor shoes, and something to drink. Drinks are not provided. There are no showers, so bring a towel if you need one.

Can I rent the studio?

Yes. B.A.D. STUDIO is 42.24 sqm (about 26 tatami mats) with four wall mirrors, and we rent it by the hour from October 2026. Weekday daytime (Tue–Fri, 10:00–17:00) is JPY 2,300 per hour, weekday evening (Tue–Fri, 17:00–22:00) JPY 2,800, weekends and public holidays JPY 3,000, and a fixed weekly slot (weekday daytime, Tue–Fri) JPY 1,900. Enquiries: studio@badgym.jp.

What are the opening hours?

September 2026 is a pre-opening period and we open on three days only: Monday 14 September 10:00–22:00, Saturday 19 September 10:00–22:00 and Friday 25 September 17:00–19:30. That is the current plan; the latest dates are announced on Yusuke Suzuki’s Instagram (@bodyartdesign). From the grand opening on 1 October 2026: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–22:00, closed Mondays.

Is there Wi-Fi?

Yes. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the gym. Ask at reception for the connection details.

Where exactly are you?

2F Iwasaki Bldg, 4-1-11 Kita-Urawa, Urawa-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama 330-0074, Japan. One minute on foot from the west exit of Kita-Urawa Station on the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line.

What is a bench press specialty gym, and how is it different from a normal gym?

A bench press specialty gym (also called a bench press gym) is built around the bench press: the equipment, the coaching and the room are chosen for that lift. Instead of a wide spread of cardio and selectorised machines, B.A.D. GYM URAWA is built around three combo racks — one Eleiko IPF-certified competition rack and two MBC POWER racks — and coaches with the B.A.D. Method established by bench press world champion Yusuke Suzuki.

Can women train here?

Yes. There are separate changing rooms, and when staff are on the floor you can ask about form and equipment. In the bench press, technique and body control matter more than raw size, so you can start from correct form whatever your weight or experience.

Can I train here for competition?

Yes. You can train on the same Eleiko IPF-certified competition combo rack used at official meets. There is a drop-in rate for athletes registered with the JPA (Japan Powerlifting Association), and Yusuke Suzuki coaches competition preparation in his personal sessions.

How long does it take to bench 100 kg?

It varies so much between people that we will not promise a timeframe. What we can say is that building body control first, then adding load in steps, is faster in the end. Start with the free 60-minute trial: we check your current form and suggest how to progress.

I am looking for a bench press gym in Japan. Where are you?

Saitama, about 25 minutes north of Tokyo Station by train. 4-1-11 Kita-Urawa, Urawa-ku, Saitama-shi — one minute from Kita-Urawa Station. We accept drop-in visitors (1 day and 1 week) from outside the prefecture and from overseas. The coaching follows the same method as the original BODY ART DESIGN GYM in Matsumoto, Nagano.

Do staff spot for me?

No. Our staff do not spot. Every bench and squat station has safety racks, so please set them to the right height for your body before every set. Use the safeties, and ask other members if you want a spot. While staff are on the floor their job is reception, safety and first-time orientation — and they will gladly talk about your form.

Can I use chalk?

Loose (powdered) chalk is not allowed and may not be brought in. Liquid chalk is provided free of charge in the gym; you do not need to buy your own.