Fundamentals on Haarlem City Blog

Current offer: the Kickstart now consists of three one-hour sessions for €149. The account below describes the offer at the time of the visit.

There is a new fitness gem on Essenstraat in central Haarlem: Fundamentals. It is no ordinary gym, because personal training is accessible to everyone here. Want to lose weight, live more healthily or finally feel confident in swimwear? You work towards that with your personal trainer, and will probably enjoy it too. Personal attention and high quality are central to Fundamentals. You receive a tailored plan based on what will work best for you, whatever your starting level.

Personal training can be expensive, but Fundamentals shows that there is another way. Combining guided sessions, group classes and independent exercise creates a suitable mix for everyone. For example, choose one individual training session and two group classes each week. You still benefit from a personal trainer, commitment and accountability, and get plenty of exercise at a much lower cost. Everyone receives help finding the right approach. Your progress is also always made visible, helping exercise become a pleasant routine.

The special Kickstart programme is recommended for getting started. It comprises four sessions with a personal trainer who carefully considers you as a person, your exercise history and your goal. Together, you work through a tailored programme until you know it well. Personal nutritional advice is included, with an e-book and a weight-loss challenge. The Fundamentals app keeps your programme, nutrition advice and appointments together. After four sessions, you receive recommendations for continuing, always taking your preferences into account. Some people prefer constant guidance; others also enjoy training independently. The Kickstart programme costs €99 in total.

Alongside personal training, group classes take place in Fundamentals' beautiful space and sometimes outdoors. They combine bootcamp and fitness, or cardio and strength. Choose a membership or class package, with memberships ranging from €32.50 to €65 per month. There is also a therapist offering sports and relaxation massages, plus a nutrition consultant for dietary questions. The approach is not about restrictive diets, but healthy, enjoyable food that suits you and is sustainable.

During my visit, I naturally had to try a workout. I tested the prowler, which really challenged my strength. Thijs, the founder and one of Fundamentals' personal trainers, coached me. His infectious enthusiasm and guidance with my posture immediately put me at ease and motivated me to keep going.

The gym also looks fantastic. Its industrial style and plant-covered wall create a wonderful training atmosphere. Alongside the equipment, there is a stretching area and a group-class room. In summer, a small garden provides space for exercises too. After my workout, I relaxed in the comfortable seating area with a coffee and the shake of the week. The nutrition consultant creates a different shake every week. They really have thought of everything.

Fundamentals
Essenstraat 25
Haarlem