1. Executive Statement

The fiscal and calendar year of 2025 represents a watershed moment for the Republic of Singapore. As the nation grapples with the demographic realities of a "super-aged" society—where the median age has climbed to 43.7 years and citizens aged 65 and above now constitute 20.7% of the populace—the commercial landscape of health and wellness is undergoing a parallel, yet distinct, structural transformation. This report, utilizing proprietary datasets from Carbyne Fitness and IFPA Singapore, offers an exhaustive examination of the market's current state.

The analysis reveals a fitness ecosystem defined by sharp dichotomies. Consumption patterns are heavily stratified by gender, with an 80/20 split favoring males in equipment ownership, contrasted against a 63/37 split favoring females in service procurement. Furthermore, the study identifies a "Dwelling Gap" where the architectural realities of Singapore’s public and private housing stock dictate consumer behavior, influencing everything from the probability of gym ownership to the specific type of equipment purchased.

By triangulating transactional data from over 1,000 hardware customers, lead generation metrics from nearly 400 service enquiries, and macro-demographic statistics from the Singapore Department of Statistics (SingStat), this report provides a roadmap for stakeholders. It argues that the sustainable future of the industry lies not in serving the "already converted"—the young, male, landed property owner—but in democratizing access for the "structurally excluded": the older adult, the space-constrained HDB resident, and the female consumer seeking autonomy in her health journey.

2. Introduction: The Post-Pandemic Fitness Landscape

2.1 The New Normal of Hybrid Wellness

The trajectory of Singapore’s fitness industry in 2025 is shaped by the residual effects of the global home-fitness boom, catalyzed by the pandemic, and the distinct socio-geographical constraints of the island nation. While the immediate post-lockdown era saw a rush back to commercial facilities, the data from 2024 and 2025 indicates a stabilization into a "hybrid" model. Consumers now view home training not as a temporary substitute, but as a permanent component of their wellness infrastructure. However, unlike suburban markets in the West where space is abundant, Singapore’s high population density—reaching 8,300 persons per square kilometer in 2025—imposes unique pressures. The home gym in Singapore is an exercise in spatial efficiency, competing for square footage in high-rise living environments that house 95.3% of the resident population (HDB and Condominiums combined).

2.2 Research Objectives and Data Architecture

This report integrates distinct datasets to form a holistic view of the market. The primary data sources include:

1.    Carbyne Fitness (Hardware Dataset): A localized analysis of over 1,000 customer transactions from January 2024 to October 2025. This dataset provides granular insight into the "independent exerciser"—individuals investing capital in personal infrastructure. Variables include dwelling type (inferred from delivery address), spending magnitude, and product preferences (e.g., racks vs. standalone dumbbells).

2.    IFPA Singapore (Service Dataset): An analysis of nearly 400 personal training (PT) enquiries obtained via digital platforms between October and December 2025. This reflects the "dependent exerciser"—individuals seeking professional guidance. Key variables include age, gender, trainer preferences, and medical history.

3.    Singapore Department of Statistics (Macro Context): 2025 population estimates, housing distribution data, and age structure statistics used to benchmark the industry data against the national baseline.

The synthesis of these sources allows for a "Gap Analysis"—comparing the demographics of active fitness consumers against the demographics of the general population to identify underserved segments and latent opportunities.

3. Macro-Demographic Context: The Ageing Precipice

To understand the fitness market, one must first understand the population it serves. The 2025 data from SingStat paints a picture of a society undergoing rapid ageing, a phenomenon that serves as the backdrop for all consumption trends discussed in this report.

3.1 The Ageing Velocity

As of June 2025, Singapore's total population stands at 6.11 million, with the resident population (Citizens and Permanent Residents) numbering 4.20 million. The most critical metric for the health industry is the acceleration of ageing. The proportion of citizens aged 65 and above has surged to 20.7%, up from 13.1% just a decade prior in 2015. This shift effectively categorizes Singapore as a "super-aged" society.

The implications of this shift are quantifiable in the Old Age Support Ratio, which has declined to 3.3 residents aged 20-64 for every resident aged 65 and over, down from 4.9 in 2015. This contraction in the working-age support base places an increasing burden on the healthcare system and the "Sandwich Generation"—adults aged 30-59 who are simultaneously caring for ageing parents and young children.

3.2 The Gender Balance

The resident population maintains a relatively balanced sex ratio of 947 males per 1,000 females. However, within the senior cohorts, the "feminization of ageing" becomes apparent due to longer female life expectancy (85.6 years vs 81.2 years for males). This demographic reality suggests that any "Silver Fitness" strategy must inherently be a "Female Fitness" strategy, as the cohort most in need of frailty prevention and mobility work is disproportionately female.

4. The Housing Determinant: The Economics of Space

In Singapore, one's residential address is a primary determinant of lifestyle options. The type of dwelling—HDB, Condominium, or Landed Property—dictates the feasibility of home fitness solutions and correlates strongly with spending power and consumer psychology.

4.1 The National Housing Baseline

According to the 2025 SingStat data and Carbyne’s customer data, the residential distribution is as follows:

Table 1: Resident Households by Dwelling Type (2025)

Dwelling Type	National Share (SingStat)	Carbyne Customer Share	Index (Representation)
HDB (Public Housing)	72.0%	58.5%	0.81 (Under-indexed)
Condominiums	23.3%	25.6%	1.10 (Over-indexed)
Landed Properties	4.7%	15.9%	3.38 (Heavily Over-indexed)

Note: National Share is based on population count.

4.2 The Landed Elite: The "Super-User" Segment

Landed property owners represent a small fraction of the population (approximately 5%), yet they exert a disproportionate influence on the fitness hardware market. The Carbyne Fitness data indicates that Landed dwellers account for 15.9% of all customers, meaning they are three times more likely to build a home gym than the average resident.

The behavior of this segment is distinct not just in frequency but in volume. Landed owners are significantly more likely to purchase comprehensive setups. The data shows that 51% of Landed premium dumbbell customers buy a rack, compared to just 33% of HDB premium dumbbell customers. This 18-point gap is a proxy for floor space. A rack turns dumbbells into a permanent piece of furniture; its absence implies the equipment must be stored away (under a bed or in a corner) after use. Thus, the Landed segment represents the "Permanent Gym" market, while others represent the "Pop-up Gym" market.

4.3 The HDB Majority: The Underserved Core

Despite accounting for nearly three-quarters of the population, HDB residents make up only 58.5% of home gym buyers. This under-indexing suggests structural barriers to entry.

●     Space Constraint: The average household size in 2024/2025 is approximately 3.09 persons, and with the majority living in 4-room (approx. 90-100 sqm) flats, dedicating permanent space to fitness is a luxury.

●     The "Value" Proposition: While HDB owners do buy premium equipment, they are more value-conscious than their private property counterparts. Carbyne’s data implies that Landed owners are likely to spend more, whereas HDB owners constitute the volume of the mass market but with lower average order values.

4.4 The Condo Premium: Aesthetics and Status

Condominium owners, representing roughly one-quarter of the market, show a distinct psychographic profile. The study highlights that Condo owners are "more likely to opt for premium dumbbells, even compared to landed owners".

●     The Premium Ratio: An analysis of the purchase data shows that Condo owners purchase "Premium Dumbbells" over "Value Dumbbells" at a ratio of roughly 2.5 to 1 (128 vs 52), whereas Landed owners purchase at a ratio of roughly 1.9 to 1 (88 vs 47).

●     Psychological Drivers: This preference for "premium-ness" likely stems from the aesthetic requirements of condominium living, where interior design often prioritizes sleek, modern visuals. A home gym in a condo is not just a tool; it is a lifestyle statement that must blend with high-end decor. Additionally, the decision to buy equipment despite having access to a shared condo gym suggests a high valuation of privacy and hygiene, or dissatisfaction with the maintenance of communal facilities.

5. The Gender Divergence: Equipment vs. Instruction

One profound insight from the research is the stark gender bifurcation in how fitness is consumed. When the market is split into “Product” and "Service", the gender ratios invert.

5.1 The Equipment Gap: A Male Domain

The analysis of Carbyne Fitness customer data reveals an overwhelming male dominance in the home gym sector. 80% of home gym buyers are male.

This statistic (49% males vs 51% females in the general population, yet 80% male buyers) points to deep-seated cultural and practical barriers.

●     The "Industrial" Barrier: Traditional strength equipment—iron plates, knurled bars, bulky racks—is historically coded as masculine. The sheer weight and industrial aesthetic of standard gym gear can be intimidating or unappealing to the average female consumer who may prioritize toning, flexibility, or functional strength over hypertrophy.

●     Autonomy: The act of building a home gym implies a high degree of "Training Autonomy"—the knowledge of what to do without supervision. The data suggests that men, perhaps socialized into weight training via National Service or sports, possess higher baseline confidence in independent training.

5.2 The Service Gap: Female Reliance on Guidance

In contrast, IFPA Singapore’s data shows that 63% of personal training seekers are female.

Table 2: Gender Distribution in Fitness Consumption

Category	Male %	Female %	Dominant Characteristic
Home Gym Buyers (Carbyne)	80%	20%	High Autonomy
PT Seekers (IFPA)	37%	63%	Guidance Seeking
Population (DOS 2025)	49.3%	50.7%	Balanced

Data synthesized from Carbyne Fitness and IFPA Singapore’s data.

This dominance in the service sector indicates that women are the primary drivers of the "Instruction Economy." They are willing to pay for expertise, motivation, and safety. However, this reliance on external providers creates a vulnerability, identified in the study as the "Sedentary Risk." Because women are less likely to own equipment (20%), they are structurally dependent on the availability of trainers. If they cannot access a trainer—due to cost, location, or scheduling—they lack the "fallback" option of a home setup, making them "more likely to be sedentary".

5.3 The "Comfort" Constraint: Trainer Preferences

The vulnerability of the female market is compounded by highly specific preferences regarding the service provider. The study finds that 67% of female PT seekers prefer female trainers. Even more critically, over half of this group (approx. 34% of all female seekers) will only consider a female trainer.

This preference creates a massive supply-side bottleneck. If the fitness industry’s workforce is predominantly male (historically common in strength and conditioning), a third of the potential female client base is effectively locked out of the market. This "Comfort Gap" is a significant barrier to entry, likely driven by concerns over safety, physical touch during form correction, and a desire for a trainer who understands female-specific physiological needs (e.g., post-natal recovery, menopause).

6. Age Demographics and the "Silver Strength" Opportunity

The intersection of IFPA Singapore’s enquiry data and the SingStat population data reveals significant misalignments in market service levels across different age groups.

6.1 The "Health Consciousness" Peak

An analysis of the age distribution of PT seekers shows that the demand is disproportionately concentrated in the 30-39 year old demographic.

●     Population Share: Citizens aged 30-39 make up approx. 13.9% of the population (507,723 / 3,660,683).

●     Enquiry Share: This group accounts for 31.1% of all PT enquiries (122 / 392).

This "Over-Indexing" (Index Score > 2.2) suggests that the 30s are the "Golden Decade" for fitness intervention—a time when disposable income rises, career stress peaks (necessitating stress relief), and the first signs of metabolic slowing prompt proactive health measures.

6.2 The Senior Gap

In contrast, the senior demographic is severely under-represented in the digital enquiry channels.

●     Population Share: Citizens aged 60 or older make up 28.1% of the population (1,029,593 people).

●     Enquiry Share: They account for only 5.9% of PT enquiries (23 / 392).

This gap does not necessarily indicate a lack of need—indeed, medical necessity increases with age—but rather a disconnect in the channel. Seniors are less likely to source trainers via digital platforms. However, the study notes a qualitative trend: "Many adults have started seeking personal training for their parents". This suggests the market is shifting towards a surrogate procurement model.

6.3 The "Silver Strength" Initiative

Addressing this demographic imperative is the "Silver Strength" program, a key case study highlighted in the research.

●     Program Architecture: Silver Strength is a youth-led initiative funded by the National Youth Council and partnered with IFPA Singapore. It operates on a decentralized model, bringing fitness directly to seniors at Active Ageing Centres (AACs) such as Hwi Yoh Community Centre, Yew Tee Community Club, and Punggol Clover Residents' Network.

●     Modality: The training methodology is specifically adapted for geriatrics, utilizing functional exercises with portable equipment: adjustable dumbbells, resistance bands, and medicine balls. This choice of equipment trains seniors to use tools they could easily own.

●     Social Impact: Beyond physical metrics, the program emphasizes "building meaningful inter-generational bonds". This addresses the dual plague of the elderly: frailty and loneliness.

●     Circular Economy: A notable feature is the integration with Carbyne Fitness’s sustainability program. Carbyne facilitates a trade-in scheme where pre-loved equipment is refurbished and donated to AACs or participants in the Silver Stregth program. This creates a sustainable lifecycle for the hardware while lowering the cost barrier for senior programs.

7. Medical History and Training Goals

While specific quantitative breakdowns of medical history were not fully detailed in the snippets, the qualitative data points to a shift in why people train. The "Medical history" category in the PT analysis signals that fitness is moving from "Cosmetic" (weight loss, muscle gain) to "Clinical" (rehab, disease management).

●     Frailty and Sarcopenia: The focus of Silver Strength on "strength, balance, and mobility" directly counters sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss), the leading cause of falls in the elderly.

●     Chronic Disease: The mention of reversing high blood pressure and cholesterol positions personal training as a legitimate extension of the healthcare continuum, potentially reducing the strain on Singapore's public health resources.

8. Strategic Implications and Recommendations

The synthesis of demographic, housing, and behavioral data points to several strategic necessities for the Singapore fitness industry in 2025.

8.1 Democratizing Design: The "Fem-Tech" Opportunity

The 80% male skew in equipment purchase represents a market failure. Manufacturers must pivot to "Inclusive Design" to capture the 50% of the population currently sitting on the sidelines.

●     Recommendation: Develop equipment lines with aesthetics and ergonomics suited to female users (e.g., thinner handle diameters, non-abrasive textures) and market them not just as "tools" but as "lifestyle enablers" to bridge the intimidation gap.

8.2 The "HDB-Native" Product Line

With 77% of the population in HDBs but only 58% of buyers coming from this segment, there is a clear need for "Spatial Intelligence" in product design.

●     Recommendation: Equipment must be designed for "Zero Footprint" storage. The rack purchase data proves HDB owners avoid permanent fixtures. Products should be collapsible, vertical-storage friendly, or multi-functional (e.g., a bench that converts to an ottoman) to justify their presence in a 4-room flat.

8.3 Solving the "Comfort Gap" in Services

The shortage of female trainers is a structural risk.

●     Recommendation: Industry bodies like IFPA must incentivize the certification of female trainers through scholarships or targeted recruitment campaigns. Furthermore, "Women-Only" small group training sessions could serve as a bridge for the 34% of women who refuse male instructors, offering them a safe environment at a lower price point than 1-on-1 PT.

8.4 The "Silver Economy" Pivot

The senior market is the fastest-growing but hardest to reach via digital ads.

●     Recommendation: Marketing should target the "Sandwich Generation" (the 30-39 year olds who are already highly engaged) with "Parent Packages." Promoting fitness as a gift of "Longevity" for their parents leverages the filial piety inherent in Asian culture. Additionally, expanding the Silver Strength model to every constituency in Singapore could create a standardized "National Service for Seniors" approach to wellness.

8.5 Unlocking Access: The Facility and Policy Constraint

Despite strong demand for guided training, access to suitable training spaces remains structurally constrained. Most commercial gyms and public facilities (including ActiveSG, gyms which do not officially allow coaching) in Singapore restrict coaching to in-house trainers, preventing certified independent trainers from operating within these environments. This limits consumer choice and displaces training into suboptimal locations such as homes, parks, and void decks, reducing quality, safety, and scalability—especially for women, seniors, and first-time exercisers who rely on professional guidance.

●     Recommendation: Shift toward an “access infrastructure” model by enabling credentialed, insured independent trainers to operate in designated time blocks within public or shared facilities, expanding affordable coaching access while supporting a more inclusive, community-aligned fitness ecosystem.

9. Conclusion

This research on the demographics of the fitness industry in Singapore uncovers a landscape of immense opportunity disguised as disparity. The current market is heavily skewed towards the young, the male, and the landed elite. However, the future of the industry lies in the "Blue Ocean" of the underserved: the ageing matriarch in an HDB flat, the working mother seeking training autonomy, and the retiree fighting frailty.

The data indicates that the "Hardware" and "Software" sectors of the industry can no longer operate in silos. The success of initiatives like Silver Strength—where hardware donations fuel service delivery—demonstrates the power of an integrated ecosystem. As Singapore marches towards 2030, the fitness industry must evolve from a provider of luxury aesthetics to a pillar of national public health, designing solutions that fit not just the physical spaces of Singapore’s homes, but the changing shapes of its people.

The data that support the findings of this report are available from Carbyne Fitness and IFPA Singapore. Restrictions apply to the availability of these data, which were used under license for the current study, and so are not publicly available. Data are, however, available from the author upon reasonable request and with permission of Carbyne Fitness and IFPA Singapore.

Data References:

1.    Population in Brief 2025, https://www.population.gov.sg/files/media-centre/publications/Population_in_Brief_2025.pdf

2.    Population and Population Structure - Latest Data - Statistics Singapore, https://www.singstat.gov.sg/find-data/search-by-theme/population/population-and-population-structure/latest-data

3.    Resident Households - Latest Data - Statistics Singapore,  https://www.singstat.gov.sg/find-data/search-by-theme/households/resident-households

4.    Death and Life Expectancy – Latest Data – Statistics Singapore, https://www.singstat.gov.sg/find-data/search-by-theme/population/death-and-life-expectancy/latest-data

5.    Volunteer with Silver Strength - IFPA Singapore, https://www.getcertifiedpt.com/silver-strength

6.    Yew Tee CC SCEC & Yew Tee AAC Silver Strength - A 13 Weeks Programme - onePA, https://www.onepa.gov.sg/events/yew-tee-cc-scec-yew-tee-aac-silver-strength-a-13-weeks-programme-61451665

7.    Silver Strength (Punggol Clover RN) – onePA, https://www.onepa.gov.sg/events/silver-strength-punggol-clover-rn-87011656

8.    Our Sustainability Commitment | Carbyne Fitness, https://carbyne.sg/pages/carbyne-sustainability