Best Gyms in Singapore – Part 2

If commercial gyms (and all their daunting machines and mirrors) don’t appeal much to you, read on. In this article, we explore the new breed of gyms in Singapore – places that specialise in specific training regimes and structured programmes.

The Pit

Address: 123 Devonshire Road, Singapore 239883 | Tel: 6222 4860 | Opening Hours: 7am – 10pm daily

The Pit has been in the gym scene since 2011, providing a great training ground for those who are seeking to improve their strength, endurance and conditioning. Both of their training programmes are built on the foundation of a single motto, ”Strength, then conditioning”.

The strength training class entails learning the fundamentals of correct lifting techniques, which are geared towards getting your base strength up.

On the other hand, the Metcon (Metabolic Conditioning) class is more for efficiency and endurance training. The fast-paced high intensity exercises will leave you panting. You can also choose to dive further into other vigorous Sparta-like workouts like tyre flips, tyre hits and kettle bell swings.

Group sessions last for a solid hour and are conducted weekly. The Pit also offers personal training with their knowledgeable and highly-experienced trainers, who will develop a customised programme based on your fitness level.

Although The Pit may seem like an intimidating place for newbies, the community there is supportive of one another – no matter which fitness level you are at.

While the theme of the place might suggest a “macho” environment, about half the members are women – including Singapore’s powerlifting champ Chew Feng Yi.

Reebok CrossFit Enduro

Address: 11 Syed Alwi Road, #01-03 Teck Heng Long Industrial Building Singapore 207629 | Tel: 9011 3167 | Opening Hours: Varies. See schedule here.

(Source: crossfitenduro.com)

If you’re looking to try out CrossFit, there’s no better place to start than Reebok CrossFit Enduro. Started in 2012, the gym sees many working professionals, athletes and military men flocking there for its all-rounded CrossFit training programme. The high-calibre guidance and coaching given to each individual there also ensures that you are able to continually improve your level of strength and fitness.

(Source: Reebok CrossFit Enduro Facebook)

For those who aren’t familiar with CrossFit, the programme basically mixes up various exercises from Olympic weightlifting, calisthenics, gymnastics and more. The gist of the programme can be summed up in three phrases – ‘constantly varied’,  ‘functional movements’ and ‘high-intensity’.

(Source: Reebok CrossFit Enduro Facebook)

A typical 1-hour class starts off with a 10 minute warm-up, before moving on to practise the mechanics of specialised movements (which are also tracked for progression over a period of time). Finally, participants then embark on the Workout Of The Day, where you perform a series of exercises in the maximum number of rounds, within a limited amount of time. Not going to lie – the workout is brutal, but it is also efficient.

(Source: Reebok CrossFit Enduro Facebook)

After your workout, members note down their results on a main board so that they can track their weekly progress. While this may seem daunting at first, the “all-in-it together” spirit at the gym really motivates the group to push through the Workout Of The Day. Even if you’re just a beginner, the unpretentious and supportive community atmosphere will keep you coming back for more.

Ritual Gym

Address: 11 North Canal Road #03-01, Singapore 048824 | Tel: 6536 7291 | Opening Hours: 6.30am – 9pm (Mon – Fri), 9am – 3pm (Sat), Closed on Sundays

(Source: Ritual Gym)

Although Ritual Gym was launched only two years ago, the gym already has a loyal following among working executives. A workout at Ritual is only 30 minutes, so it’s easy to see why busy working types love training there. Oh, and have we mentioned how they also provide workout clothes for you to use at the gym?

The workout may only be 30 minutes, but Ritual’s cardio-circuit interval training will stretch your limits with non-stop, high-intensity exercises. Workouts vary every session, but they are structured for three different fitness levels – so you can do the one that suits you best. There are experienced trainers at each session to monitor your form and push you through the exercises. Each session only accommodates 10 people, but there are slots every 30 minutes.

Ritual also has some pretty impressive facilities at the gym, including a spick-and-span shower area that offers fresh towels and organic bath gels. The gym also has a protein bar on site, so you can conveniently fuel up post-workout. While you’re there, try the protein balls. They’re so yummy, you won’t even believe that they’re healthy.

Solitude of Strength

Address: 37 Lorong 23 Geylang #01-04 Singapore 388371 | Tel: 9008 3560 | Opening Hours: 6.30am – 11.30pm Daily

(Source: Solitude of Strength)

Started in 2013 by national weightlifter Lewis Chua, Solitude of Strength births from his vision of creating a community for strength enthusiasts to come together and train. The gym draws in many professional weightlifters, competitive athletes and CrossFit types.

(Source: Solitude of Strength)

Solitude of Strength isn’t a glamorous or plush-looking gym with state-of-the-art equipment, but that’s not the point here – people train there because of the stellar strength and conditioning classes that they offer.

If you’re keen on learning the fundamentals of strength training, then this is the place for you, as they teach a wide range of compound exercises.

The facilities at Solitude of Strength are pretty no-frills, but they do have all the necessary equipment for training. In fact, with multiple pull-up rings lining the ceiling and barbells/weights covering the floor, Solitude of Strength almost feels like a playground – for lean, mean machines.

And FYI – senior athletes get 50% off membership rates, while junior national athletes (U18) are allowed to train there for free.

About The Writer

Donna Samuel is a fitness enthusiast and certified personal trainer who specialises in aesthetics. For enquiries about personal training sessions or group classes, drop her an email. If you’re in need of #fitspo, follow her on Instagram (@donnasamuel) or check out her fitness and health blog here.

Still want more? Check out these other articles:

Best Gyms in Singapore – Part 1

How To Stay Fit While Travelling

Your Basic Guide To Gym Equipment

Best Free Diet And Fitness Apps