Gym Empire Secrets

Justus Wah
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Entrepreneurship

Gym Empire Secrets is a podcast about building gyms that change lives—starting with the people who run them. Each episode features honest conversations with gym owners who’ve created powerful fitness transformations in their communities while building sustainable, well-run businesses. We explore how they coach, lead, and design environments where members stay, grow, and succeed—physically, mentally, and emotionally. From life-changing client stories to the systems that allow gyms to scale their impact without burning out their teams, this show is for gym owners who believe fitness is a vehicle for transformation—and who want a business strong enough to support that mission for the long term.

  1. 2d ago

    The Art of Coaching at Unreal SG | Gym Empire Secrets Ep 18

    In this episode of Gym Empire Secrets, Justus visits Unreal PT’s studio in Singapore to meet founder Gareth, General Manager Harvey, and Head of Education Yang. Gareth shares how a personal injury and his own search for better support helped inspire Unreal PT’s founding in 2018. The team reflects on the challenges of running a personal-training-focused business, including the impact of COVID, and how those experiences prompted them to strengthen their culture, standards, and approach to coach development. The conversation explores Unreal PT’s four-part business ecosystem, its weekly education sessions, and the team’s belief that fitness results go beyond aesthetics. They explain their four areas of client progress—movement, lifestyle, performance, and aesthetics—and why effective coaching means understanding each person, adapting to their needs, and helping them build sustainable habits. This episode offers honest insights for gym owners, fitness professionals, and anyone interested in thoughtful, community-focused personal training. To learn more about our community and how we can help you, visit https://strategym.sg/join.

  2. 2d ago

    From Agency Owner to Fitness Entrepreneur: Scaling 3 BFT Locations | Gym Empire Secrets Ep 17

    In this episode of Gym Empire Secrets, we speak with Richardo, owner of BFT Paya Lebar, BFT Upper Thomson, and BFT Geylang Bahru. Richardo shares how he went from being semi-retired and barely exercising to becoming a BFT member—and eventually building a three-studio fitness business with more than 900 members. He talks about the full-circle moment of acquiring the very BFT studio where his journey first began, the realities of transitioning teams, and the culture that has helped his studios grow. We also explore why Richardo believes the best acquisition strategy is taking exceptional care of members, how dedicated full-time coaches strengthen each individual studio, and why he invests heavily in his team’s compensation, development, and education. From running clubs and HYROX training to supporting seniors and helping first-time gym-goers gain confidence, this conversation is packed with meaningful lessons on building a fitness business that prioritises people, community, and long-term impact. Richardo also shares BFT PUG’s goal of reaching 1,000 members as they celebrate five years—and why he hopes the final member spots go to people who need fitness most. Whether you are a gym owner, coach, fitness entrepreneur, or someone passionate about community-led businesses, this episode offers practical and honest insights into growing a sustainable gym brand. To learn more about our community and how we help gym owners grow, visit: https://strategym.sg/join

  3. Oct 16

    What It Really Takes to Run a Successful F45 Studio | Gym Empire Secrets Ep 16 Part 2

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

  4. Sep 23

    From Junior National Runner to Gym Owner: How Babs Built F45 Tanjong Rhu | Gym Empire Secrets Ep. 16

    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

  5. Sep 21

    Inside BFIT Life: How Balli and Jay Built BFIT Beyond Physiotherapy | Gym Empire Secrets Ep 15

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

  6. Sep 3

    Coach or Cheerleader? How CAVO Fitness Is Redefining Group Training | Gym Empire Secrets Ep. 14

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

  7. Aug 26

    How He Started a Gym With No Savings | Gym Empire Secrets Ep 13

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

  8. Aug 19

    30 Years, 1900+ Reviews: U-Elite Martial Fitness with Master Zac | Gym Empire Secrets Ep 12

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

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About

Gym Empire Secrets is a podcast about building gyms that change lives—starting with the people who run them. Each episode features honest conversations with gym owners who’ve created powerful fitness transformations in their communities while building sustainable, well-run businesses. We explore how they coach, lead, and design environments where members stay, grow, and succeed—physically, mentally, and emotionally. From life-changing client stories to the systems that allow gyms to scale their impact without burning out their teams, this show is for gym owners who believe fitness is a vehicle for transformation—and who want a business strong enough to support that mission for the long term.

Information

  • Creator
    Justus Wah
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Justus Wah