1. BARRY’S BOOTCAMP

Verdict: Highly intense, total body training for the determined athlete

Bring: Workout attire, running shoes

If you’re not afraid to get shredded, check out the latest HIIT spot, imported from Los Angeles and boasting members like Victoria Beckham and Kim Kardashian. Expect a certain flashy flair as you walk into the swanky new gym – from the loud LED-lit logo at the entrance to the signature Red Room. First-timers get a detailed rundown on their user-friendly Woodway treadmill control system for speed and intensity settings.

They weren’t joking when they said you could burn up to 1,000 calories in just 50 minutes. Between interval-based cardio (short sprints and uphill tracks) on the treadmill and circuit strength training, their Original HIIT Workout could really get your heart racing. With treadmills and benches arranged in extremely close proximity, it’s easy to get competitive with the person right next to you. If you’re not much of a runner, the Original Double Floor strength training classes target specific muscle groups.

It sounds intimidating, but as you move along to high-octane music in the ambient Red Room, it’s really just you against yourself. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned fitness goddess, the key is to pace yourself and set realistic targets. Feel beat after your workout? They’ve got an in-house Fuel Bar with a menu of 18 delicious shakes to choose from.

#03-03, 18 Robinson Rd. Tel: 8666-0303.

2. RITUAL

Verdict: A 30-min formula optimised for the time-starved urbanite

Bring: Nothing. You train barefoot and may borrow a set of T-shirt and shorts over the counter

This ultra-cool gym is all about personalisation. At the entrance, a geometric linear chart depicts the efficient process: A quick change of attire in the co-ed locker room before the 20-min cardio and strength session, capped at a maximum of 10 people per class. Efficient booking (online or through the in-house app) and sessions scheduled every 30 minutes could accommodate a packed or erratic schedule perfectly.

Each person’s personal 40 sq ft pod is armed with a variety of personal equipment: kettlebells, dumbbells, medicine balls, suspension trainer and pull-up rings. You consult a chalkboard with training plans in three levels of progression, adjusted to your specific needs and current mood. New daily training plans are formulated by Ritual’s proprietary algorithm. Developed by the latest exercise science research, the in-house app is updated periodically when new data emerges.

Co-Founder Ian Tan shares that there is no judgement at Ritual: “Your workout shouldn’t be torturous. Intensity is relative and should be catered to your current fitness and tolerance level. Our internal coaching app also helps us deliver personalisation for our clients and a level of service beyond even what a personal trainer can provide.”

Though Ritual prides itself on its 20-min formula, newbies at the gym can expect an hour for their first session: A thorough one-on-one assessment to discuss your goals and evaluate your fitness level, posture and form, before having a taste of a personalised workout.

#03-01, 140 Robinson Road. Tel: 6584-9469.

3. CRUBOX

Verdict: Trendy, Neo-Retro Los Angeles HIIT technical boxing comes to town

Bring: Boxing wraps (also available for purchase), workout attire, training shoes. Complimentary rental of boxing gloves over the counter

Of all the boutique gyms in the burgeoning fitness scene, CruBox really knows how to create an aesthetically-pleasing, conducive environment. It’s got that industrial chic ambience that extends from its fighter cage lockers, to its multi-coloured neon-lit studio, to the showers with soft lighting. It’s even got a thoughtfully constructed photogenic corner with a retro leather sandbag and beaten up lockers for the #gram.

Of course, this pretty face also packs a mean punch. The crux of CruBox lies in its signature group bag classes: That’s 50 minutes of technical boxing moves on the chained sandbag combined with strength and cardio training on the floor, in a dimly-lit studio for zero judgement. Whether you are a rookie or a Floyd Mayweather equal, you get to jab, cross and uppercut your pent up frustrations in sync with a specially curated playlist.

“CruBox was made for anyone who enjoys music and wants to have a good time, even if you don’t like to workout. We have clients of all ages and fitness levels – the important thing is to go at your own pace. The room is dark, the music is loud, and you can pick the corner if you prefer to hide. There’s really no excuse not to work out,” shares CruBox co-founder and head of training Bebe Ding.

Ding shares that the Los Angeles import was supposed to debut in Singapore before West Hollywood. However, after more research, the team decided to prove their concept in fitness-crazed LA first. That has certainly paid off. Usher, Nicole Scherzinger and the Kardashians are just some high profile names in CruBox’s celebrity clientele.

Adds Ding: “All of our Pack Leaders (instructors) are held to high standards. Especially since I’m also obsessed with working out, I want to know that they can kick my butt!”

#04-01, 68 Duxton Rd. Tel: 6509-0804.

4. UPPERCUT BOXING

Verdict: Modern, low-impact aqua boxing meets authentic technique

Bring: Boxing wraps (also available for purchase), workout attire, training shoes. Complimentary rental of boxing gloves over the counter

Unless you’ve paid zero attention to the fitness scene, you’ve probably noticed the sprout in HIIT aqua boxing boutique gyms. But that just means something is working. To be sure, unlike the traditional sandbag, which can feel like you’re punching a wall, aqua boxing is its trendier, gentler sibling. Filled with water, these heavy duty teardrop-shaped boxing bags are designed to absorb your kinetic energy upon impact to minimise strain and injury.

Despite the overflowing aqua boxing arena, Uppercut Boxing, which debuted about a year ago, caught our eye for many reasons, other than its fresh monochrome interior, parquet flooring and accessible downtown location. True to its name, Uppercut incorporates authentic boxing moves (jab, cross, uppercuts and hooks) in its Hitt workouts, as well as swift slips and weaves for dodging punches. Attentive instructors observe you, approaching to correct your form or encourage your momentum.

Explains Isaac Kwok, co-founder and instructor at Uppercut: “Boxing basics and fundamentals go a long way; we want people to eventually learn a skill set. Our programs, curated weekly, break down complex techniques (e.g. tempo, footwork, counters, etc) to be easily understood. Our trainers are boxers/fighters first before becoming instructors.”

Though you can join any of the open-level classes and still have a good time, we’d recommend Undercard for beginners, and Overthrow/Beatdown for the seasoned pros. And, like many contemporary gyms in the vicinity, the action starts when the studio dims, aglow with changing neon lights and trendy music. It’s a vibe.

Telok Ayer Street 155A/ 157A. Tel: 6224-1157.