When Ollie Wang first entered the world of fitness, he was like any other young gym-goer — hitting the weights with friends and seeing it as just another way to stay fit. But a chance trial at boutique gym, introduced by his mother about eight years ago, showed him that fitness could be about more than a routine of lifting and leaving, and could be transformed into an experience.

Fast forward a few years later, and during a summer studying in London, Ollie had an epiphany that would go on to reshape the Singapore fitness scene. Having heard so much about some of London’s boutique fitness concepts, Ollie decided to venture out and see why so many people had raved about it. What he found out made him see the possibilities that existed out there: that they were about creating a community — a space where people came together to motivate each other, celebrate victories, and share in the ups and downs of the fitness journey.

“Fitness to me has always been more than just working out. Going to these boutique gyms showed me that gyms could be hubs where people supported each other, made lasting friendships, and pushed each other to reach new goals,” Ollie shares. “When I trained there, it wasn’t just about the workout. It was about the experience, how the owners interacted with people, how they created a space where everyone felt welcome. It was the perfect combination of group fitness and community. I wanted to bring that same spirit to Singapore.”

This insight became the seed for what would eventually blossom into REVL Training Singapore, one of the most dynamic and inclusive fitness brands in Singapore today, which Ollie first brought in, and remains the director, overseeing 11 studios across the country. “I saw an opportunity to do something different,” he says. “It wasn’t about just opening another gym. I wanted to create a space that felt like home, where people weren’t just there for the workout but for the community, the energy, and the camaraderie.”

The actual impetus for REVL was tied to Ollie’s final-year university assignment, when he was still a Business Management student majoring in Strategy at Singapore Management University. Tasked to find a niche in the market to fulfil, Ollie considered finding a middle ground between what was currently on the market, and took a chance on a boutique gym REVL. “We were asked to identify a gap in the market. That’s when I came across REVL and felt there was a genuine product–market fit. It offered structured, progressive training without being overly technical — something I felt the Singapore scene was still warming up to. At the time, I sensed that the fitness space here was evolving. Many boutique brands in the HIIT space had done a great job introducing functional training to the market, but there was growing interest in something more intentional,” says Ollie.

If anything, the decision to open REVL Singapore was a leap of faith, considering that it all started just three years ago, when the world was still navigating the challenges of the pandemic, with many businesses pulling back, unsure of what the future held. But Ollie, with a heart full of ambition and a mind focused on his vision, took that bold step forward, doing his due research before settling on REVL. Speaking to the founders of REVL, the kind of workouts and philosophy they offered matched Ollie’s ideals, and thus, REVL Singapore came into being.

“I found that REVL was founded by very genuine people who weren’t obsessed with the idea of growth. They always put people first, and worked to fit what the market needed. That captivated me, and I was thinking, wow I want to be like them one day,” says Ollie.

From the outset, REVL Singapore set itself apart with a focus on community-building. Rather than simply being a space to burn calories, Ollie wanted REVL Singapore to be a platform for people to connect, learn, and grow together. The gym quickly became a place where members didn’t just come to work out — they came to be part of something bigger. “You know how back in school, we all had CCAs (co-curricular activities)? That was the time you really felt you were free from stress, where you could just focus on doing something you loved together with friends,” says Ollie. “To me, the gym, and REVL Singapore specifically, could become a meeting place for adults to do something they needed to and wanted to, and hang out as well, and find their community.”

“We’re creating an environment where you’re not judged, where everyone from beginners to seasoned athletes feels comfortable and supported. It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned athlete or a newcomer, our coaches are here to ensure you feel like you belong,” he adds. “For our classes, we have different targets for people of different skill levels, so everyone will walk away with a sense of achievement by the end of class.”

One of Ollie’s most proud achievements has been the way REVL Singapore has seamlessly integrated a culture of giving back into its fitness programs. By leveraging his members’ passions, REVL Singapore has turned workouts into opportunities for social impact. Ollie recalls a member who was deeply passionate about supporting the Singapore Cancer Society. Recognising the member’s dedication, Ollie and his team worked with them to organise fundraising efforts that were not only well-supported but also amplified by the gym’s already strong sense of community. “We wanted to make sure that fitness wasn’t just about personal achievements, but about collective goals as well, using their fitness journey as a way to give back to society.,” Ollie says.

“We started small, hosting fundraisers at City Hall — the first REVL I owned. Members shared personal stories, and we rallied the community around causes that mattered. Over time, this grew. Today at the REVL Singapore level, we’ve partnered with organisations like AWARE, Edible Garden City, and most recently, the Singapore Cancer Society,” Ollie elaborate. “In both 2023 and 2024, we ran a 24-hour erg marathon where every studio had a rower and bike running non-stop. For every calorie clocked, REVL Singapore donated to charity — raising over $6,000 with more than 300 participants in 2023, and surpassing $18,000 with 800 participants in 2024. It’s become an annual tradition and a reflection of what this community stands for.”

REVL Singapore’s focus on creating a welcoming environment has been central to its success, alongside its ability to stay ahead of and respond to trends in the fitness world. For example, the introduction of the REVL Pace running program reflects the growing run culture — and the inclusion of new movements like the hang power clean, adding elements of weightlifting as the market evolves and clients become more receptive.

But Ollie isn’t just about keeping up with the trends. He’s also looking to the future, continuing to innovate and carve pathways for his team. “One of the things that makes REVL Singapore special is our focus on our coaches,” Ollie explains. “We don’t just want people who can teach a class — we want people who can foster a culture, who can make every member feel seen and heard.” REVL Singapore offers a 2-3 day course for its coaches, ensuring that they not only understand the technical side of fitness but also how to build those all-important connections with members from the language they use to the way they engage them after class.”

Ollie’s ambitions for REVL Singapore extend beyond just the physical space of the gym. “Our goal has always been sustainable growth,” he says. “We’re not in this for short-term gains. We want to create a fitness community that lasts and continues to evolve.” And part of that long-term vision is ensuring that REVL Singapore’s events, like the highly anticipated REVL Singapore Team Games and Arena Games, become signature moments that bring together not just the members but the coaches, too.

“These events are about pride,” Ollie says. “It’s not just about running classes anymore. Our coaches are part of something bigger, and the community gets to see them in action, leading and motivating their teams. The REVL Singapore Team Games are a chance to showcase that sense of ownership and pride that we’ve built here.”

Ollie’s view is that these events help provide the coaches with a deeper connection to the REVL Singapore brand, giving them a sense of pride in being part of something that extends beyond day-to-day classes. It’s not just about fitness; it’s about building a culture and legacy. “These events have become a cornerstone of our community — something that gives our coaches a real sense of pride, and something for the members to look forward to.”

As REVL Singapore continues to grow — with 11 studios already in operation — Ollie’s vision for the brand is continuing to unfold. “We’re never satisfied with just being ‘good enough.’ We’re always looking for ways to improve and innovate. Our members deserve the best, and that’s what we’re going to keep delivering.”

Fitness is more than just a business. It’s a way of life. And as REVL Singapore continues to make waves in Singapore’s fitness scene, it’s clear that his calculated risk has paid off. What began as a dream is now one of the most respected names in the industry, thanks to Ollie’s unwavering dedication to his community, his clients, and his team. At the end of the day, Ollie sums it up perfectly: “It’s about creating a space where everyone can thrive.”

Find out more about REVL Singapore here