Gym Empire Secrets

In this episode of Gym Empire Secrets, host Ivan speaks with Liong, Studio Manager and trainer at F45 Tanjong Rhu, located at Kallang Wave Mall in Singapore’s Sports Hub.

Liong takes us behind the scenes of operating a busy group-training studio—from responding to member enquiries and supporting trainer welfare to maintaining the space, setting class standards, and ensuring every member feels welcomed from their very first session.

He also shares how F45 Tanjong Rhu has created a loyal and inclusive community through beginner-friendly coaching, personalised support, friendly challenges, themed events, brand collaborations, and a culture where members encourage one another. From HYROX athletes and marathon runners to complete fitness beginners, the studio focuses on helping people progress at their own pace—without intimidation or comparison.

This conversation is packed with practical insights for gym owners, coaches, fitness professionals, and anyone interested in how meaningful member experiences can build long-term loyalty.

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In this episode of Gym Empire Secrets, host Justus speaks with Babs, owner of F45 Tanjong Rhu, located at Kallang Wave Mall in Singapore's Sports Hub.

Babs shares her journey from group-fitness member to studio owner — from stumbling across F45 through an expat magazine, to coaching part-time, to eventually opening her own studio after searching through dozens of potential locations.

She also talks about what's kept F45 Tanjong Rhu's community so close-knit over the past six years, from long-serving coaches to members who've formed lasting friendships beyond the studio, and how the team has stayed strong even as competition among Singapore's fitness studios has grown.

This conversation is packed with practical insights for gym owners, coaches, fitness professionals, and anyone interested in how a strong community culture can carry a studio through six years of growth and competition.

To learn more about our community and how we can help you, visit: https://strategym.sg/join

In this episode of Gym Empire Secrets, we speak with Balli and Jay, the leaders behind BFIT—a multidisciplinary lifestyle hub that combines physiotherapy, rehabilitation and one-to-one strength training.

Balli shares how his 16 years of experience as a physiotherapist inspired him to create BFIT, starting from a simple shared space before developing it into an integrated fitness and rehabilitation business. Jay explains how his background as an athlete helped BFIT close the gap between recovering from an injury and safely returning to sport.

We explore how BFIT’s physiotherapists and coaches collaborate to deliver personalised care, why the business employs a full-time team, and how its trusted network of doctors, specialists and wellness partners supports each client’s journey.

Balli and Jay also discuss building a welcoming culture, creating sustainable results without hard selling, preventing injuries among young athletes, and their plans to expand BFIT without losing what makes it special.

This conversation offers valuable lessons for gym owners, physiotherapists, coaches and fitness professionals who want to build a client-focused business with a strong team and lasting culture.
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In this episode of Gym Empire Secrets, Ivan sits down with Justin and Nicholas from Cavo Fitness, one of Singapore’s most interesting boutique fitness studios. They share how Cavo was built around intentional, periodized group training rather than hype-driven coaching, how the gym grew through word of mouth, and what it takes to design programs that work for both beginners and experienced members. They also talk about coaching philosophy, community, and the long-term vision for expanding Cavo’s impact beyond Tiong Bahru.

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In this episode of Gym Empire Secrets, we sit down with Sarhan, founder of SwoleFit Garage, to hear how a simple workout group under a void deck grew into a purpose-driven gym community in Singapore.

Sarhan shares his unconventional path from working as a shipyard safety officer to becoming a full-time fitness coach and gym owner. What began with a few barbells, dumbbells, and informal $5 training sessions soon attracted a growing group of members—many of them aged 40 and above—who wanted to get stronger, move better, and improve their health.

We discuss the real challenges behind the journey: police complaints at the void deck, retrenchment, COVID shutdowns, rental pressure, change-of-use issues, and the incredible support of members who believed in SwoleFit Garage when things became difficult.

Sarhan also explains why he is passionate about making strength training approachable and affordable for everyday people—not just athletes or experienced gym-goers. From helping runners manage knee pain to encouraging members to complete their first 5K or compete in strongman events, his focus has always been on education, progress, and leaving no one behind.

This episode is full of honest lessons for gym owners, coaches, fitness professionals, and anyone who believes in building a business through genuine care for people and community.

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https://strategym.sg/join

In this episode of Gym Empire Secrets, host Ivan sits down with Master Zac, founder of U-Elite Martial Fitness and one of Singapore's most respected martial arts coaches. With over 30 years of experience, Master Zac's journey spans Taekwondo, boxing, Krav Maga, and military combatives, starting from his time in the Singapore Police Force and Special Forces, where he led his unit to championship gold in 1997.
Master Zac shares how he built a gym with over 1,900 Google reviews by taking self-defense training beyond the gym walls — traveling across Singapore to teach corporates, government agencies, hospitals, and airlines. He also opens up about earning his rare 7th Dan in Tukong Musul, a Korean special forces martial art, under a grandmaster who shaped his entire coaching philosophy, and breaks down the real costs and challenges of running a martial arts gym in Singapore today.

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YJ is the owner of BFT Ang Mo Kio, a group fitness franchise studio in Singapore. With 16 years of training experience, 12 years as a certified coach, and a background in competitive bodybuilding and BJJ, YJ opened BFT Ang Mo Kio four years ago as the 16th BFT studio to launch in Singapore. In this episode, he shares the raw story of building a thriving gym, stepping away to pursue other ventures, watching it quietly decline, and the grueling 9-month turnaround that followed, including replacing half his coaching team, spending $30K on upgrades, and going undercover in his own classes to find the truth.

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In this episode of Gym Empire Secrets, we uncover the real story behind running a fitness business as Justus sits down with Clarence, owner of BFT Tai Seng. From his years as a fitness trainer with a day job to navigating the rough waters of gym ownership—including betrayal by business partners, firing toxic coaches, and rebuilding team culture—Clarence holds nothing back.

He shares how his dream of gym ownership quickly collided with painful realities: late nights worrying about payroll, handling difficult clients, and the tough choices necessary to foster a positive, inclusive community. Clarence reveals the lessons learned the hard way, why sales remain the lifeblood of any gym, and how creating genuine connections outweighs having the fanciest equipment.

Whether you’re a gym owner, trainer, or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes of the fitness industry, you’ll find priceless insights and unfiltered advice in this candid conversation.

To learn more about our community and how we can help you grow your gym, visit https://strategym.sg/join