While S’pore gyms shut down, UFIT is making up to S$18M a year with just 4 outlets

In 2009, Dean Ahmad founded UFIT, a homegrown health and fitness brand in Singapore, when gym options were scarce. Dean noticed a gap in the market and began offering outdoor group classes and personal training sessions. His clients introduced him to James Forrester, a former national rugby player, who became a UFIT investor and helped open the first physical location in 2011.

UFIT differentiated itself by focusing on personalized training programmes, outcomes, and a holistic approach to health and fitness, including nutritionists and physiotherapists. Word of mouth was the primary driver of growth, with referrals accounting for about 90% of business. UFIT expanded to a second location in 2012 and introduced the Circle of Care model, which combines trainers and clinicians to coordinate care.

This model has improved client retention, with customers staying with UFIT for an average of eight to 12 months. Despite COVID-19 and increased competition, UFIT has grown and reached its best year in five years, generating between S$15 million and S$18 million annually as of 2026.