From strength training and cold plunges to talk therapy and breath work, Trapeze Rec. Club isn’t your typical wellness destination. Housed in a multi-storey shophouse in Tanjong Pagar, the space is designed to support every aspect of well-being—physical, mental, and emotional. More than just a gym or spa, it’s a thoughtfully curated environment where fitness meets recovery and mindfulness, all under one roof.
We sit down with the founder of Trapeze Rec. Club, Grant Wee, to learn more about the club’s holistic approach, how design plays a crucial role in shaping the experience, and why this modern-day sanctuary is striking a chord with Singapore’s wellness crowd.
What inspired Trapeze Rec. Club (TRC)?
We opened our doors in mid-2021, but the inspiration behind it began years earlier, during my time in the UK. When I was at university, I struggled with my mental health, and one of the things that truly helped me was an incredible gym in my small college town. Another key part of my journey was starting therapy.
As I thought about the kind of business I wanted to create, I knew I wanted to build spaces and products that could help people prioritise their well-being across all dimensions—not just the physical. That’s when the idea for TRC was born.
While Singapore offers many gyms, there was a gap for a more holistic offering. Imagine having your fitness, rest, and recovery all in one place, with professionals working together to create the best regimen for you. That’s the concept behind our first brand, TRC, and its four levels of wellness at Tanjong Pagar.
What sets TRC apart from other wellness centres?
That will be our Playful Balance approach to health and wellness. With Playful Balance, we approach fitness with a touch of playfulness—so working out feels less like a chore, and every class is welcoming and non-intimidating. We also champion the incorporation of essential elements like nutrition, recovery, and therapy, ensuring a truly balanced approach to wellness.
We want everyone who walks through our doors to feel like they can have fun on their wellness journey, and that there is always going to be a supportive, fun-loving community of instructors, crew, and other community members they can rely on.
What feedback have you received from patrons so far?
It’s inspiring to see how TRC has evolved into a community-driven experience, connecting like-minded individuals to embrace wellness holistically. People from diverse walks of life come together, staying dedicated and committed to their own journeys while also having fun together.
True to our Playful Balance ethos, we actively listen to our community’s feedback and use it to create more meaningful experiences. It’s been a fun experience for us as well, thinking of new ways to inspire our community. For example, our Fitness Lead Jarratt started the Trapeze Ruck Club—a community that comes together for playful outdoor fitness adventures beyond the studio. This November, our Ruck Club is heading out on a 14km adventure to Pulau Ubin—no gym walls, just pure fresh air and outdoor action!
What inspired TRC’s unique look and feel?
TRC is carefully and intentionally designed to be transparent, welcoming, and accessible to all. From essential mobility access to gender-neutral restrooms, we’ve made sure that everyone feels welcome here.
We want TRC to be a place for people to be able to lose their coats and choose their own journey, and know that they will be accepted and can be their authentic selves. This commitment extends to everyone who walks through our doors—whether they’re guests, crews, partners, or anyone in our wider community.
Can you walk us through TRC’s design journey in detail?
I worked very closely with Ken Yuktasevi of Parable Studio in designing TRC. We had such a fun time during the process, which I feel really shows in the design of the club.
We placed a lot of importance on the interplay of different textures and materials such as marble, terrazzo, and wood, and retained the existing concrete fixtures of the conservation shophouse. Each floor of the club feels different with varying colour themes and materials used. It was all highly intentional.
We also incorporated plenty of natural light and greenery, helping to evoke the calming feeling that being in nature brings. In contrast to the tactile monotony of the man-made world, nature—be it mountains, forests, or oceans—surrounds us with a rich variety of textures and I wanted to convey that in the design of TRC. A great place to experience this is during your cold plunge sessions, held on our outdoor terrace on the second floor, quietly tucked away above the vibrant Tanjong Pagar Road.
What does a “perfect day” at TRC look like?
A perfect day at TRC begins with an energising fitness class—whether it’s an endurance-focused HIIT session, a mobility and movement class, or one of our martial arts offerings like Muay Thai. After breaking a sweat, it’s time for recovery. You can relax in the sauna and take a cold plunge to soothe your muscles and reset your body on a relaxing outdoor terrace. Next, you can recharge at our canteen, enjoying some wholesome bites, coffee, and snacks, before heading into a physio or mental wellness consultation to ensure both your body andmind are well taken care of. To wrap up the day, unwind with a peaceful sound bath session. Let the soothing sounds melt away any remaining tension, leaving you feeling refreshed and balanced as you head into the evening.
Step inside Trapeze Rec. Club and discover how design, movement, and mindfulness come together to create a new kind of wellness experience.
Words: Joyce Yang
