Choosing the right gym will not just allow you to be fit, but it enables you to do it for the long term with better results. The right environment, coupled with the proper influence and equipment will propel you to achieve more than just sweating it out for one session.
By using this cheatsheet, you’ll be able to make the right choices at your own discretion.
Do note that our list does not include (yet) class-based gyms (i.e. Haus Athletics/BFT or boutique gyms (i.e. iron fitness)
Before agreeing to anything, you should always ask for the following:
- Minimum contract period (if any)
- Payment terms (Upfront, monthly, yearly)
- Any discounts (for specific credit cards, or members of other groups, or length of contract)
- Administrative sign-up or termination fees
- A copy of the terms and conditions
- Free gifts? (this is Singapore, after all)
- Trial session (to assess the facilities)
- Number of franchises/outlets in Singapore
- Termination/pause conditions & penalties
You might be pressured to sign up on the spot, but never do it. Even if you think you made up your mind, you should always give yourself a day or two to think about it. Getting a gym membership is a commitment that can last a year or even longer and has an impact on you financially and physically.
Read Also: How To Use ClassPass To Score Cheap And Free Exercise Classes And Gym Access
One more thing: mega-gyms often try to differentiate themselves by offering classes and programmes, or by having packages that include sessions with personal trainers. For the purposes of this list, we choose to exclude them. For one, is there a way to really know the difference and compare between programmes like Bodypump, Bodybalance, Bodyjam, Bodyattack, Bodycombat, Bodysmash, Bodystep, and Bodyvive? You don’t. Because if you did, you’d know I made one of the programmes up.
Anyway, if there is a specific programme you are interested in, then you can look to see if a specific gym chain conducts them. As these classes are subject to change, you should also not base your decision banking on these classes or trainers being there for the duration of your membership.
An important aspect to look for if you’re a greenhorn, is to look for gyms that have an amazing record of excellent personal trainers. These trainers will support and teach you the principles and proper techniques involved.
Read Also: Some Ways Gyms In Singapore Are Making You Pay More
Anytime Fitness
Fees: $80-100/mth. Rates vary based on location, amenities and membership type. (prices can be discounted if you refer a friend to the current outlet that you sign into)
Locations: 91 islandwide (more than 5,000 locations worldwide)
Opening Hours: 24/7
Facilities: Differs by gym outlets, but most have treadmills, ellipticals, exercise cycles, strength equipment (power racks, deadlift platforms, bumper plates), circuit, free weights, racks, plate loaded machines. Some even have classes you can attend for group workouts.
Great For: Individuals on the move | Busy individuals
ActiveGYM™ (by ActiveSG)
Monthly Fees: MyActiveGYM membership grants unlimited access based on a monthly or 6-month package. Fees differ based on age group and whether you can access during Off-Peak hours only (Mon – Fri from opening time till 4pm, except for Public Holidays) or during all operating hours.
| Monthly Unlimited Access | ALL operating Hours | Off-Peak Only |
| Adult (18-54YO) | $30 | $15 |
| Student (<18YO) and Senior (>55YO) |
$18 | $9 |
| 6-Month Unlimited Access | ALL operating Hours | Off-Peak Only |
| Adult (18-54YO) | $160 | $40 |
| Student (<18YO) and Senior (>55YO) |
$95 | $40 |
Per-entry fees: $2.50 for adults and $1.50 for senior citizens and students. For those who go to the gym less than 12 times a month, it may be more worthwhile to pay per entry.
Locations: 28 islandwide
Opening Hours: Most open at 7am and close at 10pm. Check the individual gym pages for more details.
Facilities: Basic equipment, free weights, stacked weights, cardiovascular machines, shower and lockers.
Some ActiveSG gyms are designed to be like a strength & conditioning facility. However, it differs from outlet to outlet.
Great for: Individuals who just started | Price sensitive and just need basic equipment
Read Also: ActiveSG Membership: What Is It And What Can You Use It For?
Fitness First
Fees: The Home Club plan costs $200 per month, giving you access to a home club which you choose. The Platinum plan costs $215 per month, but allows you to access all clubs. These plans includeunlimited HIIT circuit classes, unlimited Yoga classes, unlimited cycling classes and unlimited group fitness classes. We can choose to commit for 4 months or 12 months.
Check out the membership plans here.
Locations: 16 islandwide
Opening Hours: Weekdays, most outlets open from 6am to 10pm, though some close at 11pm. Hours vary for Saturdays, Sundays and PH, with outlets opening between 7am to 8am and closing between 5pm to 10.30pm. Some outlets are closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. Individual gym opening hours can be found here.
Facilities: Full suite of gym facilities, recovery amenities, workout clothes and towels at all outlets. You have your standard power racks, Olympic bars, and strength equipment. Some outlets have unique facilities like a swimming pool and sauna.
Great for: Office athletes working nearby who wants the full suite of equipment and a higher level of service and attention.
True Fitness
Fees: From $105/mth. Price on enquiry
Locations: 5 (Ang Mo Kio, Great World, Harbourfront, Tampines, Novena)
Opening Hours: Opens as early as 6am and closes as late as 10pm for weekdays with the exception of HabourFront Centre which starts from 7am. Saturday opening hours are from 6am to 9pm while Sunday and public holidays are from 8am to 8pm. Check out the different clubs for more details.
Facilities: Full suite of shower facilities, RFID personal lockers, lounges, an indoor sprint track and boxing zones.
Great for: Group class goers, individuals keen on personal coaching, yoga & gym enthusiasts, office workers/athletes.
Safra EnergyOne
Fees:
| Membership Type | 3 Mth | Extension for 12mth + 2mth free |
| Main (SAFRA Member) | $185.30 | $654.00 |
| Spouse (SAFRA Member’s Spouse) | $152.60 | $523.20 |
| Term (All-Day) | $316.10 | $1,177.20 |
| Term (Daylighter) | $218.00 | $784.80 |
Term plans are for Non-SAFRA members. All-Day plan subscribers get access to all 7 Gyms, whereas Daylighter plan subscribers only get access to a single gym. Daylighters are also restricted to off-peak hours which are defined as follows:
Peak period: Weekdays: 5pm – 10.30pm
Weekends: 1pm – 8pm
Off-peak periods: Weekdays: 6.30am – 5pm
Weekends: 6.30am – 1pm & 8pm – 10.30pm
Locations: 7 (Jurong, Mount Faber, Punggol, Tampines, Toa Payoh, Yishun, Choa Chu Kang)
Opening Hours: 6.30am to 10.30pm daily.
Facilities: Think ActiveSG on steroids and you’ll get EnergyOne. They have a full suite of amenities including jacuzzi steam room, shoe lockers and a swimming pool. Do note that not all outlets have the full suite (most do). Check them out here
They even have the latest strength and cardio equipment, not to mention IPPT preparation courses (go get that $300 lads)
Great for: Heartlanders or WFH employees who want luxury and the full suite of gym amenities and equipment, in your neighbourhood.
Read Also: Complete Guide To SAFRA Memberships: How Much They Cost And What Benefits You Enjoy
Gymmboxx
Fees: Off-Peak: 1 Month @$110, 6 months @ $80/month, 12 months @$65/month (Weekdays – 9AM – 4PM and 11PM – 7AM | Weekends and Public Holidays – All day)
Regular: 1 month @$130, 6 months @$115/month, 12 months @$95/month
Locations: 8 (Bishan CC, Canberra Plaza, Ci Yuan CC Keat Hong CC, Margaret, Vista Point, Yew Tee)
Opening Hours: 24/7.
Facilities: Straightforward gym with all the facilities you’d need for a good workout, with comprehensive equipment for strength training.
Great for: The everyday lifter, Office worker/athlete
Virgin Active
Price: There are 3 notable plans to choose from: “Once-a-weeker”($33.31/week), “Long Termer”($56.52-$64.59 per week for a 12 or 24 months minimum commitment) and “Goal Getter”($79.73/week). More details of the plans can be viewed here.
There are no signing fees and you get access to all gym facilities. Each plan allows you access to the particular outlet that you signed up for.
Locations: 5 (Raffles Place, Tanjong Pagar, Holland Village, Marina One, Paya Lebar)
Opening Hours: 6.30am to 10.30pm on Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm on weekends and public holidays, with the exception of Virgin Active Raffles Place, which is open from 8am to 5pm on Saturdays and closed on public holidays.
Facilities: Different outlets have unique facilities, but you can find things like a steam room, ice room, sleep pods, foot baths and more. They have a variety of classes like yoga, Pilates, cycle and much more.
Great For: Office workers/athletes, High SES athletes, Busy individuals who want the full exercise & recovery package.
Pure Fitness
Price: $155 Per Month for 6 visits per month. Minimum 3-month commitment.
Locations: 3 (Asia Square, Ngee Ann City)
Opening Hours: 6am to midnight from Mondays to Thursdays. 6am to 10.30pm from Fridays to Saturdays. 8am to 10pm on Sundays and Public Holidays.
Facilities: Sauna, indoor running track, swimming pool, juice bar, complimentary workout gear, towels, socks and toiletries.
Great For: Office worker/athlete, individuals looking for the full luxury experience whilst working out.
Dennis Gym
Price: $770 for a 12-month membership ($64.10 a month). $430, $230 or $120 for a 6-month, 3-month, and 1-month contract respectively (which works out to $66.50, $76.70 and $120 per month respectively). More details on membership plans and pricing here.
Locations: 6 (Farrer Park, Jurong, Tai Seng, Tampines and Balestier, Super Bowl)
Opening Hours: All branches are open 24/7.
Facilities: Comprehensive suite of fitness equipment, used by competitive bodybuilders and recreational clients alike.
Great for: Physique athletes, All-round gym goers, Those starting out
Ark Bloc
Price: $28 per entry, $58 for 3 entries, $168 for 10 entries or the more sensible option of $90/month with unlimited entries
Locations: 1 (Ark Bloc Punggol, 6 Tebing Lane, #01-05, (S) 828835)
Opening Hours: Weekdays: 8am – 12pm, 3pm – 10pm Weekends: 10am – 10pm
Facilities: Bloc: Ark Bloc is a functional/strength-centric gym that emphasises strongman, callisthenics, climbing and powerlifting and weightlifting type sports. They have strongman equipment like atlas stones, farmers walk bar. They even have a climbing wall and very heavy weights not found often.
Great For: Strength Athletes, Climbers & All-round functional athlete
Read Also: DollarsAndSense Experiences: Make Working Out A Hassle Free Ritual
Ready To Sign Up?
As always, when spending your precious dollars, weigh your costs, and opportunity costs, and do your homework before jumping in. Speak to friends who are members, and take advantage of free trial passes that gyms provide.
If you do choose to sign up for a gym membership, you could consider using CardUp, which allows you to make recurring payments and earn credit card points and miles, even if the gym does not accept credit card as a mode of payment. You can read more about how it works.
Pay With CardUp To Earn Miles and Cashback On Your Credit Cards For Expenses That Were Previously Not Accepted On Credit Cards
Now, you can still earn miles, cashback and points on your credit cards for payments where credit cards are not accepted. Use the Promo Code DNSFREE to enjoy $30 off CardUp fees on your first payment. Sign-up for your free CardUp account today. Terms and conditions apply.
Read Also: The Pros And Cons Of Using CardUp For Your Recurring Bills
This article was first published on 22 August 2017 and updated to reflect the latest prices and outlets in 2024.
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