The Atlas Difference
Fitness science is simple.
People and their circumstances are complex. The key is to understand people well so that fitness programs work for them. If there’s something Atlas Fitness is passionate about it is fitness and people.
We believe that so many are frustrated…
… with their attempts at fitness and the fitness industry because they are told that it is simple. You do the program or follow the diet and like magic, it works! As we know, that is not always the case.
What is often left out is each person comes with a unique set of circumstances such as:
Their food preferences and the values and emotions they associate with food.
Their schedule, obligations, and free time in both their personal and professional lives.
Their perspectives (or perceptions) on exercise and what “being healthy” looks and feels like.
Their reactions to injuries and nagging pain and how it affects their lives.
Their feelings, thoughts, and actions when they don’t look the way they think they should.
And even how they respond to being coached.
This is where the Atlas Difference lies.
We are arguably the most client-focused gym in Singapore and you can tell us apart by the way we conduct our client consultations. We are committed to giving each of our clients a program that is both effective and sustainable and it integrates smoothly with their life and their preferences.
How do we do it? We ask a lot of questions and listen intently before creating a bespoke program for our clients with regular checks to ensure it works.
Sign up for our free consult and assessment to experience it!
“Atlas is more than a gym, it is a supportive community that helps people get fitter and happier. The coaches are very competent, great instructors and full of helpful knowledge. But equally, they are also empathetic of each person’s situation and they’re just fun people. It feels good to train in a place where the “experts” listen and treat you well.” - Bie Hoa
How we develop and implement your bespoke training programs
#1 Interview: It starts with a conversation about you.
The main objective is to get a holistic and accurate understanding of our client so we can design a program that works for you.
We are not only trying to understand your fitness goals and issues We are trying to understand you: the person. By understanding the many factors that may affect your fitness we get to understand also how fitness can improve and fit into your life. We agree on your goals and listen to how those fitness goals make life better for you.
Don’t be surprised if we ask questions about your sleep, the responsibilities you have at home and at work, what activities you enjoy, which ones you hate, your take on carbs and cheat days, and how pain from injury affects you and others around you.
We ask the questions others don't because we want to address your fitness issues even if you don't yet know the root cause.
“Kelvin asked me the most insightful questions during my consultation session. At first, I did not see the connection of his questions to my weight but when he connected everything for me, it all made sense and now I understand how all these factors were contributing to weight gain.” - Johannes
#2 Tests & Measurements: What to track on your health and fitness journey
To make sure that we are always moving towards your goals, we will take baseline measurements of your body, levels of pain in problem areas, range of motion in areas of concern, and energy levels so we can track progress during the monthly check-ins.
While we are very client-centric we apply a science-based approach to sustaining progress– we look at your data, check for improvement, and adjust when necessary to stay on course.
Are your hips moving well? Which muscles do you seem to be using the most? Which places are stronger or weaker than others? Where is the site of the pain and what is the cause of the pain? How is posture affecting your movement?
These are examples of areas we check before developing your program.
“I’ve never really understood how to use my bum (glutes) to move my lower body until I was put through a series of tests. It turned out that my back was bearing much of the load putting it in awkward positions that led to back pain.” - Francis, 75, retired entrepreneur
#3 Presenting the Full Picture: Connecting the Dots for the client
Based on the in-depth interview, the measurements, and tests, we will be able to share what is going on from a behavioral, physiological, and pathological perspective to show what is working, what is not working and what we could do to make things work. We share insights that connect all the aspects in their life to their current state of fitness.
This is often an Aha! Moment which gives the clients a clear picture of their issues and their root causes leading to an overall solution in simple, understandable, and doable terms that brings both relief and excitement to get started.
Understanding clients well is something we obsess about at Atlas Fitness because a well-understood problem is already half of the solution.
“It has been challenging getting back into a fitness routine and prioritizing workouts when I started traveling extensively for work again. When we realized the initial program was not working, Kelvin pivoted and planned an entirely new program to fit into my schedule and lifestyle. Kelvin and the team are also so fun to work out with, and I now look forward to working out versus dreading going to the gym.” - Jasmine
#4 Assessing Movement & Skills: A few tests before you get started
We want you to start at a level that matches your skill and strength so we will ask you to try a few movements. This way when you begin your program, it matches your current ability and comfort level while addressing the areas of concern.
This will also be your first experience of the high standard of compassion, competence, and attention our coaches put into each client that comes to Atlas Fitness.
“I’ve been working out on my own for about 10 years now and I wanted to take things to the next level with the supervision of coaches. When I was asked to do a few movements, Kelvin observed that my squat could be better even if I could lift quite heavy. He incorporated some complementary exercises into my program and made some improvements to my form and now I’m lifting heavier than before with more ease!” - Albert
#5 The Program: Developing and Implementing your Bespoke Program
From the information we gather about you, we develop a bespoke 12-week program to bring you closer to your goal or address their fitness issues. This program covers what you do in the gym (exercise and training) and what you do outside the gym (nutrition, sleep, recovery, and even fun).
In your first few sessions we will carefully explain the goals of your program and supervise you closely in order to develop skills to give you confidence to explore your own strength and abilities while training. As you go further, we make sure that you train at the right pace and effort even if we have to (sometimes) take a step back for your own benefit.
“I’m really happy that my program is designed to fit in my busy schedule. As a father and professional I don’t have as much time as others. My program is time-efficient and incorporates things I like doing such as the skip rope and sled pushing. I always leave the gym with a feeling of accomplishment and enjoyment!” - Taffy
#6 Monthly Tracking & Celebrating Wins: Tracking against meaningful indicators
We define success by achieving the goals we set at the very beginning. Monthly tracking allows us and the client to revisit what is working and troubleshoot what isn’t but more importantly to celebrate wins and acknowledge the effort put in by our clients.
In Atlas Fitness we measure wins not just in kilograms, centimeters, or repetitions but also in the efforts made to show up, to make time, and to learn new things. As a result, our clients attain and exceed their goals with confidence and positivity.
“I’ve been working with Kelvin for almost 2 years now and one thing I appreciate about him and his team is that he always acknowledges effort and this is especially valuable on the days I don’t feel like training. While there have been positive changes to my fitness through the years, the guidance, encouragement, and attentiveness of Kelvin and the other coaches are constant.” - Angie
In a nutshell
We put the person before the program. We observe and act scientifically instead of pretending to be gurus. And we cheer for you the whole way.