3 fitness studios in Singapore that use a holistic approach for physical wellness

“Fitness studios often look after one dimension of wellness (usually physical), but at TRC we are firm believers that there are multiple dimensions of wellness that span the physical, spiritual, emotional and more that we need to tend to.” In the near future, Wee plans to offer new recovery products and services, as well as workshops that touch on other dimensions of wellness such as financial and environmental wellness.

Driven by the ethos of Playful Balance, TRC aims to champion fitness, rest and recovery in one space, allowing the various dimensions of wellness to be accessible to all, while encouraging everyone to have fun at the same time. “I think historically, most people—myself included—always thought of physical wellness as getting fit at the gym, being muscular and toned, doing lots of cardio exercises and so on. Now the definition has evolved, and rightfully so, to include other important elements such as nutrition, sleep and recovery, as these aspects of wellness contribute just as much to being physically well,” says Wee.

“I think that to be physically well, one also has to have balance. I see a lot of extreme diets and workout plans that aren’t sustainable, and don’t look like very much fun either. It should be okay to have a few drinks with your friends, or indulge in some fried chicken. I know I sure do.” 

To create the right environment for the various activities throughout TRC, Wee worked closely with Ken Yuktasevi, the founder and creative director of local design firm Parable Studio. Wee’s favourite colour green appears throughout the club and complements the natural light and greenery woven into the space, helping to create that sense of calm that being in nature brings. Using an interplay of natural materials and textures like marble, terrazzo and wood, each floor of the club is designed to feel different.

“I think the design of a space can really influence one’s mood and well-being. The more open, inviting and uncluttered it is, the more relaxed you feel. I also think that since we’re living in the age of Instagram, spaces need to be beautiful and awe-inspiring; they can’t just purely be functional anymore,” Wee explains.

An important consideration for Wee in building TRC was to ensure it would be a truly accessible and inclusive space. TRC is wheelchair accessible, the bathrooms are gender-neutral, and stairways are guided by Braille handrails. “Most importantly, our community is inclusive and diverse,” Wee adds. “My goal has always been to create a well-informed, diverse, accepting and collaborative community, where people can feel safe to be themselves and know that they will be accepted.”

With its stark white walls and high ceiling, Sphere could easily be mistaken for an art gallery. Not to mention, there are artworks by contemporary artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Daniel Arsham, Iabadiou Piko and Didin Jirot housed within its two floors. Co-founder Bowen You describes the fitness studio as “a new expression of physicality, functionality and design, integrating recovery and performance optimisation, and built on a foundation of intention”.

Sphere aims to push the envelope by introducing modern recovery methods in a curated environment inspired by art and architecture. Having spent a few years in New York City studying and pursuing a career in fashion, You was inspired by the art galleries in the Chelsea neighbourhood when designing Sphere’s all-white space.

“Sphere embraces the philosophy that human movement is an artistic expression and seeks to create a space that emphasises the process over results, as well as provide an alternative perspective on human performance,” the 28-year-old explains, adding that exposure to art has been shown to improve memory, develop mental resilience and raise serotonin levels—all of which help prime the brain for learning. Consequently, You and his team believe that the interaction with art in a training space can inspire optimal performance.

“Individuals are constantly on the search for new experiences to integrate fitness and wellness as a lifestyle marker, rather than solely weight training,” he says. “The integration of art and architecture in Sphere reflects a broader shift in the market on what a fitness experience should feel like.”

Sphere is split into three main areas: social, a lounge space for the community to gather; a training space furnished with fitness equipment; and service suite, a hospitality-oriented experience comprising infrared sauna and cold plunge and sensory deprivation float tanks.

When it comes to both its performance and recovery functions, Sphere goes a step further by tailoring them to its members’ needs. In addition
to private performance classes, semi-private workouts are offered where clients follow individualised programmes conducted in a small group setting of up to six people. These programmes place emphasis on mindset, quality of movement, and learning and developing the intention behind each exercise.

Additionally, for those who want to make the most out of their experience at Sphere, Apex is a customised programme of training sessions and methodically dosed recovery sessions to help clients achieve timely, peak performance. This tailored approach, done in tandem with phasic programming, is an offering that You believes is unique to Sphere.

Evidently, it is a model that works as despite Sphere only officially operating since November last year, You is already planning to expand the brand both in Singapore and the region. He points out that there is potential for a fitness studio like Sphere in Hong Kong, where there is an international audience of high-performing individuals who have a healthy demand for such products and services.

Also in the pipeline is a range of Sphere apparel. Tapping on You’s background and interest in fashion, he aims to create collections that blur the lines between performance and lifestyle, with influences from designers such as Aitor Throup, and will suit the needs of Sphere’s growing community.

There are a few things at Ally that seem curious and counterintuitive to the concept of a fitness studio. Step inside the space in Telok Ayer and you will be greeted by a well-lit and sprawling lounge area that takes up the largest floor area in the over 6,500 sqft studio. Rather than utilising the space to expand the main function of a typical rhythmic cycling studio—its cycle rooms—founder Tan Jenn Bin wanted to dedicate it to the Ally community and encourage interaction between members in an inviting and relaxing environment.

It is also within this spacious lounge that Ally hosts its Champagne Fridays, where members are treated to a complimentary glass of bubbly after the last class on Friday evenings. It sounds a little ironic and even counterproductive, but Tan explains this initiative is not only an opportunity for Ally’s clients to hang out together but also to celebrate their commitment to work out on a Friday night.

“We stand for striking a good balance between health and hedonism,” explains the 25-year-old. “Champagne Fridays also emphasises and solidifies Ally as a lifestyle studio where people come together to build connections, have a good sweat, and then enjoy a drink after. It’s all down to the small details that can make a difference to a member’s experience.”

Some of the other thoughtful details can be found in the design of the space, such as the unique semi-circular cycle room. It is the first of its kind here and is meant to allow for visual connectivity between members and towards the instructor during a workout. There is also an in-house beverage bar called Neighbourhood that is open all day to the public and is a convenient way for members to grab pre- or post-workout power shakes, specialty coffee and light bites.

Tan opened Ally in November 2021 with the aim of shaking up the boutique fitness scene in Singapore by marrying fitness and hospitality, and it seems he has found success in doing so. The studio has garnered around 10,000 members (and counting), who enjoy its inspiring and energetic group spin classes, ample community hangout spaces, beverage bar, and well-appointed amenities.

As part of Ally’s hospitality- driven culture, it also invites members to connect with each other through various activities outside of class such as wellness events and dining experiences. “People are our core focus,” says Tan. “It has always been and always will be, and it is the reason why I decided to create a studio of this size and a customer-focused experience and concept that’s so different from others. While we created an aesthetically pleasing studio, our main focus is still on hospitality and making every member feel special and taken care of.”

Given the encouraging reception, Tan shares that he has a few new fitness and wellness concepts launching in the first and second quarter of the year. Ultimately, he hopes to create multiple concepts and spaces that cater to the needs of various groups.

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