Faith in Fitness: More Than Workouts

Tan Yi Ren had "camaraderie" and "community" in mind when he founded CrossFit Kampung in 2020, which he describes as "more than a fitness gym."

His aim is to enhance his members' "emotional sense" of well-being and boost their self-esteem.

When members achieve feats they once thought impossible, like lifting a certain weight, it's about more than just feeling good; it instills a sense of belief that extends into their spirituality.

Mr. Tan is part of a sector that frequently uses language likening fitness to a religion—a place offering community, ritual, and ecstatic experiences, as noted by scholar Cody Musselman in The Conversation.

A Haven in Fitness

The boutique gym scene saw a boom just before COVID-19, attracting many to open new gyms.

Brands like Body Fit Training (BFT) and F45 gained popularity in Singapore, with over 60 locations, alongside local competitors. Competitive fitness events like Hyrox have also grown, with participation increasing from 3,500 to around 6,000.

However, the industry has faced challenges, with some gyms closing due to rising costs, increased competition, and changing fitness fads.

CrossFit Kampung believes its community focus is what keeps members engaged even when cheaper options exist.

Mr. Tan emphasizes that his gym is about more than workouts; it's a space for people to connect, share life experiences, and work toward common goals like Hyrox competitions.

Co-owner Poon Shu Qi highlights their approach of fostering friendships rather than just professional relationships with clients.

Creating Bonds

Clara Ang found her previous gym experience of solo weightlifting monotonous and unfulfilling.

After joining group workouts at CrossFit Kampung, she describes it as her "safe haven," free from judgment. The gym's atmosphere fosters friendships that extend beyond workouts, with members often spending time together outside the gym.

Edgar Tham, founder of SportPsych Consulting, explains that part of the appeal is the sense of connection and shared goals among members, which provides social support and positive reinforcement. He likens it to the satisfaction of receiving "likes" on social media.

A Transformative Experience

Group workouts like indoor cycling also have strong communities. These spin classes, held in dimly lit rooms with music and instructor guidance, can provide an emotional release, says spin instructor Valerie Tan. She has witnessed tears in class, spurred by the motivational environment.

Fitness enthusiasts and coaches note that gyms and group classes offer more than physical benefits—they can lead to psychological and spiritual growth.

For Ms. Ang, lessons learned at the gym apply to life's challenges, improving her outlook.

Some describe the intensity of these experiences as "cultish," but it's mostly about devotion to the practice and community.

Dr. Paul Reddish from the National University of Singapore points out that while there are similarities with cults, fitness communities aim to enhance physical and psychological well-being without the negative traits of cults like control and manipulation.

Though the "cult" label might seem excessive, Mr. Tan acknowledges this perception, while spin instructor Ms. Tan argues that fitness remains a voluntary, positive activity where participants are free to come and go as they please.

Source: channelnewsasia

The opinions shared in the GymNation blog articles are solely those of the respective authors and may not represent the perspectives of GymNation or any member of the GymNation team.