This article was first published on Dollars and Sense
Story by Sim Kang Heong
You arrived at this article. Congratulations! Deciding to join a gym and starting to research your options is the first step taken by bodybuilding champions, sportspeople or Instagrammers who go to the gym just to take photos in sportswear. So whether your goal is to be a healthier and fitter version of yourself, or reach a certain fitness target, you’re in good company.
Choosing a gym can be a daunting prospect. How does one choose? Not all gyms post their fees publicly, and for good reason. Many would prefer you call or visit them to allow their salespeople customer service representatives to offer you a membership package.
Before agreeing to anything, you should always ask for the following:
- Minimum contract period
- Payment terms (upfront, monthly, yearly)
- Any discounts (for specific credit card, or members of other groups)
- Administrative sign-up or termination fees
- A copy of the terms and conditions
- Free gifts (this is Singapore, after all)
You might be pressured to sign up on the spot, but never do it. Even if you think you’ve made up your mind, you should always give yourself a day or two to think about it. Getting a gym membership is a big decision, and will have a financial and physical impact on you (depending on how much you use your gym to exercise).
One more thing: mega-gyms often try to differentiate themselves by offering classes and programs, or by having packages that include sessions with personal trainers. For the purposes of this list, we chose to exclude them. For one, do you really know the difference between programs 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 programs up.
Anyway, if there is a specific program you are interested in, then you should check if a specific gym chain conducts it. Programs are subject to changes, so you should not bank on these classes being there for the whole duration of your membership.
Anytime Fitness
Fees: $88/month (for an 18-month package) or $98 a month for a year-long package. Joining fee: $98.
Locations: 37 (https://www.anytimefitness.sg/find-gym)
Opening Hours: 24/7 (duh!)
Facilities: Treadmills, elliptical, exercise cycles, strength equipment, circuit, free weights, racks, plate loaded machines.
ActiveSG
Fees: Year-long memberships cost up to $300 for adults and $190 for senior citizens and students below 19 years old, while fees are way lower for off-peak schemes. Per entry rates are $2.50 for adults and $1.50 for senior citizens and students.
Locations: 18 (https://www.myactivesg.com/facilities/gyms)
Opening Hours: As early as 7am and closes as late as 10pm. Look at individual gym page for details.
Facilities: Basic equipment, free weights, stacked weights, cardiovascular machines, shower and lockers.
Fitness First
Fees: Year-long memberships cost between $130 and $175 per month.
Locations: 18 (Alexandra, Ang Mo Kio Hub, Capital Tower, Changi, Clementi , Fusionopolis, Market Street, MBFC, One George St, One Raffles Place, One Raffles Quay, Paragon, Tampines, Tanjong Pagar, The Cathay, The Metropolis, Westgate)
Opening Hours: Weekdays, 6am to 10pm, Saturdays, 8am to 5pm, closed on Sundays and public holidays. Individual gym opening hours are here.
Facilities: Swimming pool and sauna at some branches; workout clothes provided at most outlets.
Safra EnergyOne
Fees: $350 to begin membership. Subsequently, $90 per quarter (most people get a better deal due to ongoing promotions).
Locations: 6 (Jurong, Mount Faber, Punggol, Tampines, Toa Payoh, Yishun)
Opening Hours: 6.30am to 10.30pm on weekdays. Opens from 8am or 9am on weekends and public holidays to 7pm or 8pm.
Facilities: Cardio machines, free weights, plate-loaded machines, resistance training machines, showers, towels.
Gymmboxx
Fees: Between $50 to $80 per month. Per entry access available between $3 to $10. Youth and seniors discounts available.
Locations: 7 (Bedok Point, Bishan, Bukit Batok, Kampong Ubi, Keat Hong, Kent Ridge, Taman Jurong)
Opening Hours: Some outlets are open 24/7, others open as early as 8am and stay open till about 11pm.
Facilities: Straightforward gym with all the basic facilities you’d need for a good workout.
True Fitness
Fees: Annual memberships start from $89 a month. $180 to access all clubs.
Locations: 8 (Ang Mo Kio Djitsun Mall, Chevron House, Great World City, Harbourfront Centre, Suntec City, Income @ Tampines Junction, Velocity @ Novena Square, Viva Business Park)
Opening Hours: Opens as early as 6am and closes as late as 11pm. Check individual gym page for details.
Facilities: Steam rooms, lounge, sprint track.
Virgin Active
Price: $43.50 per week with a sign-up fee of $99 for a year-long membership, $51.50 per week with a sign-up fee of $199. Not including GST.
Locations: 3 (Holland Village, Raffles Place, Tanjong Pagar)
Opening Hours: 6.30am to 10pm daily
Facilities: Steam room, ice room, sleep pods, foot baths
Pure Fitness
Price: About $150 to $200 per month. S$209 per month for 6 months’ contract, with a $200 registration fee.
Locations: 2 (Asia Square and Ocean Financial Centre)
Opening Hours: 6am to midnight from Mondays 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.
As always, when spending your precious dollars, weigh your opportunity costs and do your homework before jumping in. Speak to friends who are members, and take advantage of free trials passes that gyms provide.
DollarsAndSense.sg is a website that aims to provide interesting, bite-sized financial articles which are relevant to the average Singaporean. Subscribe to their free e-newsletter to receive exclusive content not available on their website. Follow them as well on Instagram @DNSsingaporeto get your daily dose of finance knowledge through photos.
