Participation Data Reveals Shifting Fitness Habits in Singapore's Sports Facilities

ActiveSG logged 4.8 million facility visits across its network in the first half of 2026, a 12 percent increase from the same period last year. The data covers paid and free sessions at gyms, pools and multi-purpose halls.

Why the numbers matter now

Residents have returned to regular bookings after two years of uneven attendance. The latest count arrives just as schools finish their mid-year break and working adults settle into new hybrid schedules. Officials at the Singapore Sports Council note that weekday morning slots at several venues now fill faster than they did in 2024.

Two venues stand out in the report. Kallang Sports Centre recorded 680,000 visits, driven by evening badminton courts and the refurbished running track. Bishan ActiveSG Sports Centre logged 510,000 entries, with its indoor climbing wall and multi-purpose studio seeing the largest share of new sign-ups. Both sites sit on MRT lines that residents use for quick after-work stops.

Local patterns behind the numbers

The data breaks down by activity. Group fitness classes rose 18 percent, while casual pool lanes grew 9 percent. Swimming lessons priced at S$12 per session at Toa Payoh Swimming Complex filled within 48 hours of each release. In contrast, weight-room drop-ins at the same complex grew more slowly, suggesting many users prefer structured sessions over open gym time.

Neighbourhood programmes run by ActiveSG also show steady uptake. The weekly Saturday morning walks starting from Ang Mo Kio Town Garden West drew an average of 240 participants, up from 190 last year. Organisers track attendance through the ActiveSG app, which requires a free membership card linked to a SingPass account.

These figures sit against a backdrop of rising membership fees at private gyms along Orchard Road, where monthly passes now start at S$180. Public facilities remain at S$2.50 for a standard gym entry or S$1.50 for seniors, keeping costs low for frequent use.

The council plans to release full-year numbers in January 2027. In the meantime, residents can check real-time slot availability on the ActiveSG portal or at venue counters. Early booking is advised for popular evening slots at Kallang and Bishan, especially from Monday through Thursday.