Post-California Fitness Era

Working out the math behind running a gym.

THE FIRST 400 DAYS were the hardest, according to founder of boutique gym aileron Wellness academy Keith Tan. Tucked behind amara sanctuary in the middle of Sentosa and hidden from public view, few knew about its existence. But the plucky gym would one day garner a group of loyal supporters. six and a half years on, it’s one of the most trusted gyms around. Tan shares with us his markedly different business philosophy to fitness in these trying times.

What do you think went wrong with California Fitness?

It was important to the industry when it started. as one of the first few in Singapore to drive the idea of going to the gym to keep fit, it succeeded in promoting a culture of working out in an air-conditioned environment to good music. But it wasn’t providing enough value. it was chasing sales figures instead of being focused on the health of its members. People didn’t feel they were cared for at California fitness. When competition began to spring up and people could make comparisons, it was all too clear what was lacking.

Could it also have been financial mismanagement?