I am surprised they hosted a pro show in Japan. Not really known for big guys. While they have some guys that are well built, it's a very small number. And you hardly ever know it until they take their shirts off. Also, the gyms are kind of on the inadequate side. Basically like a much smaller version of Planet Fitness. Machines, dumbbells max at 75lbs, other than leg press and smith machine, no free weights or plate loaded machines. You may find a few in the two biggest chains Golds Gym and Anytime Fitness, but they are rare. There are other places known as "training facilities" which are basically public gyms, but they are usually swarmed by women and kids. The video game corporation Konami is an example. They have a dozen or so Konami Sports Club all over. But you are not going to really "work out" there. You are just going to wait in line to use exercise equipment. If that makes sense.
Nearly all the gyms follow the same rules.
No tattoos
No supersets
No chalk
No outdoor shoes. Which is why I don't really go to gyms over here. By outdoor shoes, it basically means ANY shoes. Not barefooted, but whatever shoes you walked in wearing. You actually have to bring a separate pair of work out shoes with you. Even if you walk in to the gym wearing sneakers or training shoes, you have to have ANOTHER pair with you. You have to take off whatever shoes you are wearing when you walk in and change into another pair before even going into the locker room. They even restrict you from wearing your shoes when you go to the bathroom to take a piss. You have to change into "toilet slippers" (that they provide). Some staff members sort of let you slip by on this, but the majority do not. Gatekeeper Syndrome.
I leave for Japan this Friday and if I get a chance I will take some photos of one of the gyms.
