Mid-market gyms feel the heat in Singapore's 'golden age' of fitness

Singapore's fitness industry is experiencing a golden age, with more residents embracing regular exercise than ever before. Sharon H, a personal trainer, offers her clients the choice between training at ActiveSG gyms, her flat, or their own homes, catering to those who prioritize privacy and convenience amidst a saturated market of big box gyms. Despite limited equipment and long queues, ActiveSG gyms remain affordable and conveniently located.

Trainer Sharon H started her career around 2018, initially following online workout videos and now primarily working out at home. This trend mirrors the broader fitness landscape, as more Singaporeans opt for both home workouts and shared facilities. The industry's growth has led to the closure of larger fitness studios like True Fitness and True Yoga, attributed to the rise of boutique studios, residential gyms, and online training options.

The industry is now divided into three main segments: value and convenience-focused 24-hour franchises, specialized training and premium experiences, and low-cost 24-hour gyms. Boutique gyms, which typically occupy smaller footprints, offer unique expertise, personalization, a strong sense of community, and measurable fitness outcomes at a lower cost.

Meanwhile, larger gyms face high fixed costs, making profitability challenging if utilization falls. As consumers seek either value and convenience or specialized training, the middle ground for conventional big box gyms becomes increasingly difficult to sustain.