Gym Empire Secrets

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

In this episode of Gym Empire Secrets, we sit down with Dhyaanesh, owner of F45 Training Jurong West.Dhyaanesh shares his journey from working as a mechanical engineer overseas to returning to Singapore and taking the leap into gym ownership. He opens up about why he chose the F45 franchise model, what made Jurong West the right location, and how leaving corporate life led to one of the best decisions he ever made.We also dive into what makes F45 Jurong West stand out. From greeting every member by name to building a community that feels like family, Dhyaanesh explains how personal connection, strong coaching, and a welcoming culture have helped the gym create incredible member loyalty and long-term transformations.In this conversation, we cover:- Dhyaanesh’s transition from engineer to gym owner- Why he chose F45 and Jurong West- How community drives retention and referrals- The importance of knowing members personally- Building a strong and diverse coaching team- Supporting members through weight loss, weddings, and lifestyle change- The realities of gym ownership and competition in Singapore- Why fitness results should be sustainable, not rushedThis episode is packed with honest insights for gym owners, coaches, and anyone interested in building a fitness business centered on people, culture, and real results.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 sit down with Nick and Ian, the founders behind Yok Muay Fitness and the newly launched The Muay Thai Studio. Nick shares his deeply personal journey from teaching private classes and working in different gyms to finally taking the leap into gym ownership, inspired by his late mother, his wife, close friends, and loyal students. Ian opens up about backing Nick from day one, the trust and friendship that built the business, and how the two of them grew Yok Muay Fitness into a strong Muay Thai community. We also dive into why they launched The Muay Thai Studio as a second concept, how it differs from the more traditional Yok Muay Fitness model, and their vision of making Muay Thai more accessible through fitness-focused programming, community, and even their unique idea of rhythmic Muay Thai. They also share the realities of gym ownership, from rent and manpower struggles to the importance of creating a true home for members. This episode is packed with honest insights for gym owners, martial arts coaches, and anyone curious about building a meaningful fitness business rooted in passion, trust, and community. 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 sit down with Kelvin, owner of BFT Punggol Oasis, BFT Punggol Coast, BFT Daisy Farm, and BFT Tampines West. We also get a chance to speak with Derek, the head coach of the 4 studios.Kelvin shares his journey from running a construction business to opening his first gym during the COVID period, the hard lessons learned from a rough start, and how those experiences helped him scale to four BFT studios.We dive into what Body Fit Training (BFT) really is with Derek, how they build strong gym communities, supports mental health initiatives like SOS Singapore, prepares members for HYROX, and why community and continual improvement are at the core of his business philosophy.This episode is packed with honest insights for gym owners, fitness professionals, and anyone curious about building a sustainable fitness business.You can reach them at: +65 8043 6968To learn more about our community and how we can help you visit https://strategym.sg/join

In this episode of Gym Empire Secrets we sit down with Victorino, Head Coach and Gym Manager of Spartans Boxing Jurong West. Victorino shares his journey from being introduced to boxing by his father at a young age to leading one of Spartans’ most award-winning gyms.We talk about leadership, building a strong coaching tOeam, creating a clean and inclusive gym culture, and why boxing is one of the most powerful tools for mental resilience, discipline, and personal growth. Victorino also explains how Spartans Jurong West supports beginners, develops fighters, and builds a genuine community across all ages.If you’ve ever wondered how boxing can shape your mindset, career, and life, this episode is for you.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 sit down with Viknesh (Vicky), founder of Sculpt Society, a Singapore-based weight loss gym known for its raw honesty and life-changing transformations.Vicky shares his powerful journey from weighing 136kg and facing a serious heart scare, to losing the weight, rebuilding his life, and opening a gym dedicated solely to sustainable weight loss. Unlike most trainers, Vicky intentionally gains and loses weight every year to experience exactly what his clients go through — mentally, physically, and emotionally.We dive into:The reality of obesity and health in SingaporeWhy Sculpt Society focuses on “graduation,” not client retentionThe psychology behind sustainable weight lossThe brutal challenges of running a gymWhy Vicky is transitioning into motivational speakingThis is an unfiltered conversation about discipline, mindset, failure, and what real transformation actually takes.To learn more about our community and how we can help you visit https://strategym.sg/join

In this episode of Gym Empire Secret, Justus Wah sits down with Benjamin Lim, co-founder and owner of MT30, a 30-minute Muay Thai–inspired fitness studio in Singapore.Benjamin shares his journey from working as a Singapore Airlines flight attendant to navigating career transitions during COVID, personal loss, and depression — and how those experiences shaped the creation of MT30.We dive into how MT30 reimagines Muay Thai with a no-judgment, high-energy, efficient workout, why customer experience is at the core of the brand, and Benjamin’s vision to scale MT30 globally.This episode is about resilience, purpose, and building a fitness business that truly puts people first.To learn more about our community and how we can help you visit https://strategym.sg/join

In this episode of Gym Empire Secrets, host Justus Wah sits down with Brandon Koh, former macro FX trader turned multi-gym owner, who has built, acquired, and scaled up to 11 boutique fitness studios.Brandon breaks down why most gyms fail in years 1, 3, and 5, how to stress-test a gym business before opening, and why he believes revenue systems matter more than motivation or coaching talent. He shares hard-earned lessons on customer acquisition costs, referrals, digital ads, community building, real estate decisions, and the “revenue cake” framework that helps gyms survive in highly competitive markets.This episode is a must-watch for gym owners, studio founders, and fitness entrepreneurs who want practical, numbers-driven strategies - not hype.To learn more about our community and how we can help you visit www.strategym.sg/join