Growing up, I've always had a complicated relationship with fitness. Unlike today's more nurturing approach to fostering one's well-being—cue practices like intuitive eating and exercising—it was a completely different story a decade ago. Like many others, my first exposure to exercise happened in school where the benchmarks of one's athleticism were measured during the dreaded annual fitness test. By assigning our physical fitness to a certain grade, I came to associate exercise as regimental and anxiety-inducing.

Fast-forward many years later, I'm now a certified yoga instructor and avid gym-goer. What changed, you might ask? The answer is simple: After plenty of trial and error, I started to feel more in tune with my body and established a holistic routine that catered to my needs. Realising that physical fitness and well-being are closely linked, I now aspire towards a balanced lifestyle that's sustainable and genuinely enjoyable.

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I kickstarted my fitness journey by signing up for a myriad of classes on ClassPass and frequented community gyms. Two years in, it's safe to say that I've (almost) tried it all—from heart-pumping HIIT sessions to more low-impact workouts like Reformer Pilates and Aerial Yoga. I eventually settled on regular strength training and yoga sessions with the goal of increasing muscle mass and maintaining flexibility. Not wanting to keep tabs on different concurrent memberships and to save travel time, I scoured the net for a fitness studio that could fulfil all my needs.

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While shortlisting the ideal gym was easier said than done, I eventually found one that perfectly complemented my regime. Centrally located with a well-equipped weight-lifting space with Pilates, yoga and spin rooms, the gym also had saunas and cold plunges that were great for muscle recuperation. Thanks to this optimal blend of fitness and wellness under one roof, I found it substantially easier to stay disciplined compared to my past habit of visiting different studios.

In an effort to diversify my workouts, I decided to check out ALLY Studio by attending the grand opening of its brand-new space. With experienced instructors, wide variety of classes and well-equipped space, it seemed like the ideal place to start one's fitness journey.

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ALLY SINGAPORE

The key to sought-after balance is right here, in the heart of the bustling Central Business District. Enter ALLY, a spin and Pilates studio that's been in the scene since 2021. Renowned for its luxurious and comprehensive facilities, which include infrared saunas, Le Labo toiletries, Dyson hairdryers and a coffee and juice bar, its recent expansion has sparked excitement amongst fitness enthusiasts. Now, the boutique spans over an impressive 9,000 square feet and includes two new Pilates rooms.

COMMUNITY

With a stellar guestlist that included the likes of style savant Calista Cuaca, socialite Nina Ng, fitness influencer Novita Lam and DJ Jade Rasif, I've couldn't help but notice that ALLY is a place that prides itself on fostering a like-minded community. While the crowd mingled amongst one another, I've come to learn that the brightly-lit space is intentionally designed to include multiple communal areas—the main piazza situated between the smoothie bar and the spin rooms serves as a multi-purpose enclave where people can mingle, work and wait for their classes. Just recently, ALLY also launched its latest community-building initiative—the ALLY Run Club, a fortnightly outdoor run conducted by the studio's instructors.

FITNESS

With its pastel-pink interiors and plush beige carpets, turn your Pilates princess dreams into reality in ALLY's brand-new Pilates room. In addition to its signature Reformer Pilates workouts, they're also one of the few studios in Singapore to offer Chair Pilates classes. Designed to improve one's posture, mobility and balance, expect a class where you can tone your overall frame and strengthen small muscle groups.

WELLNESS

After an intense heart-pumping spin session or rigorous Pilates class, what better way to unwind and recharge than in ALLY's latest private recovery suite? Fitted with two unique amenities, the infrared sauna helps eliminate toxins and reduce inflammation while the cold immersion tub is a form of cryotherapy which hastens muscle recovery and boosts energy levels.

ALLY Singapore is at 8 Cross St, #02-01/02 Manulife Tower, Singapore 048424. Tel: 6518 9588.

OTHER HOLISTIC STUDIOS TO EXPLORE

Ahead, we share our top picks of holistic fitness studios here in Singapore—from state-of-the-art gyms to wellness clubs.

ARCTIC FITNESS

Dubbed a 'social wellness club', Arctic Fitness has everything you need under one roof. From advanced gym equipment to Reformer Pilates classes, this state-of-the-art gym also has plenty of wellness services like physiotherapy and cold plunges. For those who seek a self-care day without committing to a membership, Arctic Fitness also offers a day pass. Priced at $75, the day pass grants full access to their cold plunge, hot sauna, open gym, one Pilates class, and one fitness class.

Arctic Fitness is at 22 Martin Road, #05-01, Singapore 239058. Tel: ‎6816 2319.

TRAPEZE REC. CLUB

Spanning four floors of fitness classes and wellness initiatives, it's easy to see why Trapeze Rec. Club has become one of the most popular holistic studios in recent years. With a diverse variety of fitness offerings that span across various forms of martial arts, yoga classes and an open gym, the wellness-centric studio also has an exceptional recovery branch. With the goal of enriching every aspect of one's well-being, some of its raved services include one-on-one therapy consultations and its organic in-house café.

Trapeze Rec. Club is at 27 Tanjong Pagar Road, #02-00, Singapore 088450. Tel: 6518 4927.

COMO SHAMBHALA

Renowned for its integrated luxury offerings, from dining to travel, it's no surprise that hospitality juggernaut COMO Group has pulled out all the stops for its wellness branch. Enter COMO Shambhala, a 9,000 square feet multi-floor lifestyle destination located in the heart of Orchard. The fitness space features a boutique gym with floor-to-ceiling city views as well as yoga and Pilates classes. After a gruelling workout, the luxury gym's innovative health-tech therapies are perfect for boosting immunity, while its invigorating spa treatments make for a tranquil respite.

COMO Shambhala is at 30 Bideford Road, Level 4 COMO Orchard, Singapore 229922. Tel: 6304 3552.