I used to be one of those people who believed gyms were only for fitness junkies — the type who wore tank tops and meal prepped chicken breast. It wasn’t that I didn’t care about health. I just couldn’t see how it would fit into my packed schedule juggling work, family obligations, and the occasional hawker stall indulgence. That changed the day I walked into a gym Singapore neighbourhood branch with zero expectations and a free trial pass.
That visit? It turned into a lifestyle I didn’t know I needed — one that taught me more about myself than any podcast or productivity app ever did.
The First Step: Just Showing Up
I’ll admit, my first few visits felt awkward. I didn’t know which machines did what. I was worried people would judge me. But here’s the thing — nobody cared. Everyone was too focused on their own goals. Once that clicked, I relaxed and focused on moving, sweating, breathing.
What surprised me was how quickly my body responded. I wasn’t chasing abs or lifting 100kg. I just wanted to feel better — less stiff, more alive, sharper. Within weeks, I noticed:
- I was sleeping deeper and waking up earlier without alarms
- My back pain (thanks, desk job) was almost gone
- I was craving cai fan with more greens and fewer fried bits
You Don’t Have to Be Fit to Start — You Start to Get Fit
There’s this common belief that you need to be at a certain level of fitness to walk into a gym. That’s nonsense. The gym is where people become fit — not where they prove they already are. I met retirees in their 60s doing mobility training, young mums doing postnatal workouts, and even a guy who was recovering from a car accident using resistance bands.
No matter your age or background, there’s a place for you. Some days I pushed hard. Other days I just walked on the treadmill and listened to music. But every day I showed up counted.
The Gym Gave Me Structure — And I Brought That Structure into My Life
I used to live reactively. Snooze the alarm, rush to work, grab a random lunch, and collapse at night with Netflix. But going to the gym gave me something to anchor my day.
Now, I:
- Plan my days around my gym slot
- Prepare my work outfits and gym bag the night before
- Drink more water without thinking about it
- Choose food that fuels rather than just fills
The side benefit? I became more focused at work. Meetings felt less draining. I could handle stress without snapping.
It’s Not Just About Muscles — It’s About Mental Clarity
We talk a lot about physical fitness, but what about mental fitness? That’s where the gym changed the game for me. After a rough day at work, a session with weights or a 45-minute cycling class would leave me feeling cleansed. Like I’d offloaded the baggage from the day and walked out lighter, not just physically but mentally too.
Science backs this up — regular exercise releases endorphins and serotonin, and in Singapore’s high-pressure culture, that’s priceless.
Finding the Right Fit Makes All the Difference
Not all gyms feel the same. Some are too packed, others too intense. But when I discovered TFX, it was different. It wasn’t just the equipment or classes — it was the vibe. No one was flexing or showing off. The trainers were friendly without being pushy. The members nodded in quiet camaraderie. It felt welcoming.
The facilities were spotless, and the layout made sense — enough open space, clear zones, and options for both solo and group workouts. Whether I wanted to lift, stretch, row, or unwind, there was something that suited the day’s mood.
Lessons I Learnt (That Have Nothing to Do With Fitness)
You might think the gym only teaches you about physical health, but trust me — there’s more. Here’s what I picked up along the way:
- Discipline beats motivation: Some days I didn’t feel like going. But I went anyway. And those days mattered most.
- Small progress is still progress: Just because I didn’t PR my lifts didn’t mean the session was a waste. Every drop of sweat added up.
- No one is watching you: Seriously. People are too busy improving themselves to care about how fast you’re running or how heavy you’re lifting.
- Taking care of your body is an act of respect: It’s the only home you’ll truly live in forever.
Making Time, Not Excuses
We all have the same 24 hours. And while that saying feels cliché, it’s true. When I started seeing my gym time as a non-negotiable, like a work meeting or family dinner, things changed.
Here’s how I carved out time:
- I stopped scrolling on my phone in the morning. That alone freed 30 minutes.
- I combined gym with other errands — since the gym is near my NTUC and kopi spot.
- I batched my workouts. On weekends, I’d do a longer session so weekdays could be shorter.
It’s not about having time — it’s about making time.
Real People, Real Conversations
The connections I’ve made at the gym surprised me. There’s Marcus, who gave me tips on knee-safe squats. Elaine, who shares post-workout smoothie recipes. And once, someone even helped me find my AirPods after I dropped them near the spin bikes.
In a world where so much is online, the gym reminded me how nice it is to have real-world conversations — quick hellos, encouragements, and laughter over failed planks.
FAQs
Q: I haven’t exercised in years. Is it too late to start?
A: Not at all. The best time to start was yesterday. The second-best time is now. Gyms in Singapore welcome all fitness levels, and many offer beginner programmes to ease you in.
Q: I’m worried I’ll embarrass myself. What if I can’t keep up?
A: Most people are too focused on their own routines to notice. Start at your own pace. Even walking on the treadmill or doing bodyweight exercises counts.
Q: How often should I go to the gym as a beginner?
A: Start with 2–3 times a week. Focus on consistency, not intensity. As your confidence builds, you can increase your frequency.
Q: Is the gym more effective than working out at home?
A: While home workouts are convenient, gyms provide structure, equipment, and atmosphere that can boost results and motivation. Plus, it’s easier to track progress in a controlled environment.
Q: I have a busy job. How do I make time for the gym?
A: Block it into your calendar like a meeting. Even 30-minute sessions during lunch or before work make a difference. You don’t need long workouts — you need regular ones.
