Since the arrival of the Covid-19, more people are now taking health into serious consideration and many are choosing to hit the gym to get their daily dose of exercise.

Contrary to common belief that getting a gym membership in Singapore is an expensive affair, there are many affordable gyms with advanced equipment and well-developed fitness classes at monthly fees of less than S$100. Many of them are even located in the Central Business District (CBD) in Singapore.

If you are looking for a gym to visit, here are five affordable gyms that we have handpicked for you.

24X Fitness

24X Fitness is one of the more affordable gyms in Singapore that operates 24/7. Besides having a comprehensive range of fitness equipment, it also focuses on Personal Training (PT) programmes tailored to members' fitness goals. This gym has produced many competitive bodybuilders and has a no-nonsense approach when it comes to fitness. If you are serious about physical training, this place may pique your interest.

Anytime Fitness

With over 90 outlets islandwide, Anytime Fitness is the largest gym chain in Singapore on the island that members can easily locate without having to travel far. Compared to some other pricier gyms in Singapore's CBD, Anytime Fitness offers an affordable alternative for those who love to workout near their workplace.

However, do note that Anytime Fitness outlets in Singapore are small setups and fitness classes are also available at certain outlets. Not sure if this is the right gym for you? You can always contact them for a free one-day trial pass to try it out.

Dennis Gym

Dennis Gym was founded by former bodybuilder Dennis Tew who has won numerous bodybuilding championships. Also a 24-hour gym, the outlets are fitted with advanced fitness equipment that are built on a medical and scientific foundation, making it an ideal option for fitness enthusiasts who are serious about sculpting their bodies to perfection.

GymmBoxx

GymmBoxx is a popular chain in Singapore with eight gyms strategically located in community clubs or close to heartlands. It may not be the cheapest on our list of gyms but the monthly gym fee is very affordable. Every outlet is fitted with practical equipment, lots of free weights and power racks for functional training. Overall, it is a no-frills gym for weightlifters. You can also ask for a trial even though it is not listed on the website.

SAFRA EnergyOne

Unlike typical community gyms in Singapore, SAFRA EnergyOne offers more than just cardio or resistance training machines. With every entry, you will also get to enjoy the swimming pool, jacuzzi and steam room.

It is good to note that SAFRA EnergyOne goes with per entry price on a regular basis. If you much prefer to sign up for a membership with a monthly gym fee, you have to look out for SAFRA's periodical promotions where bundle fees will be offered to SAFRA members, their spouses and non-SAFRA members.

Which credit cards should you use to pay for gym memberships?

Whether you choose to pay your gym fees on a monthly basis or in a lump sum, make sure to utilise the best credit cards that let you earn maximum rebates or rewards. We have shortlisted three cards that can help you make the most of every dollar spent.

UOB One Credit Card

PROMO: Qualified customers will get S$350 cash credits when you apply now

Pros

• Good fit for budgets of at least S$2,000 per month
• Easy cashback on daily spend
• Gives rebates for paying bills

Cons

• Doesn't fit high budgets or low/inconsistent budgets
• Annual fee

Overall rewards

• Five per cent rebate on general spend, up to S$200/quarter (S$2,000 min spend) with min five transactions/mo
• Up to 10per cent on Grab, Shopee, Dairy Farm Singapore & select UOB travel, one per cent on utilities bills
• 3.33 per cent rebate, up to S$100/quarter (S$1,000 min spend)
• 3.33 per cent rebate, up to S$50/quarter (S$500 min spend)
• 0.03 per cent rebate on all spend if no rebate earned for calendar year
• Up to 21.15 per cent savings at Shell and 22.66 per cent at SPC

Depending on your lump sum fee, paying with UOB One Card can easily earn you a 3.33 per cent rebate or as much as a five per cent rebate if you can combine the payment with four other transactions within the month to meet the minimum spend of S$2,000.

Maybank Family & Friends MasterCard

Pros

• Good for budgets of S$800/month
• Awards eight per cent cashback on five categories of your choice
• Three year annual fee waiver
• Great to use in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines

Cons

• Merchant restrictions
• Lacks miles & travel perks

Overall rewards

• Up to eight per cent rebate on five preferred categories (dining & food delivery, groceries, retail, petrol discounts & online TV streaming)
• Up to S$125 cashback per month with S$800 min spend
• 0.3 per cent rebate all other spend

Maybank Family & Friends MasterCard is one of the most generous credit cards that offer straightforward rebates. Assuming your annual gym fee is S$1,200, you can max out the reward of S$80 if you pay with this card. This sum can help to offset your total gym fee.

UOB EVOL Card

Pros

• Great for budgets of at least S$600/month
• Rewards all online and mobile spend

Cons

• Lacks cashback on essentials (ie groceries, bills)
• Cashback capped at S$60/mo

Overall rewards

• Eight per cent cashback on online and mobile contactless spend
• 0.3 per cent cashback on all other spend
• S$600 min spend, S$60 cashback cap

This card is popular amongst young adults. If you happen to own one and intend to use it to pay for your gym fee, take note that the minimum spend to qualify for cashback S$600 per month and cashback limit is S$20 per category with a total of S$60 per month.

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This article was first published in ValueChampion.