A Japanese gym chain that grew to more than a million members in under two years has opened its first Singapore outlet, and it comes with a twist: laundry machines, massage chairs and beauty gadgets alongside the treadmills.

chocoZAP, one of Japan's biggest gym chains with over 2,000 outlets covering all 47 prefectures, opened at Orchard Towers (#01-29) on Orchard Road on 17 March 2026. It's about a six-minute walk from Orchard MRT Exit 11, and it never closes — the whole concept is built on removing excuses. No dress code (yes, you can work out in your office suit), no fixed hours, and the founding philosophy that even five minutes of exercise beats none.

In Japan, membership runs about ¥3,278 a month (roughly S$28). Singapore pricing is steeper: $118 a month plus a $25 sign-up fee, or an annual plan at $1,176 that works out to $98 a month. A $25 day pass gets you in for a trial. Sign-ups and cancellations are handled entirely online through the GymMaster app, which doubles as your entry pass and facility-booking system — and there are no lock-in contracts.

The gym floor itself is modest. There are no barbells or squat racks; you'll find pin-loaded machines (upper-body stacks cap out at 72kg), five treadmills, two ellipticals, two stationary bikes, and a small functional corner with dumbbells up to 5kg, kettlebells up to 8kg, and adjustable dumbbells reaching about 22.6kg each. Serious lifters will hit a ceiling fast, but beginners can string together a full-body routine without ever touching a free weight.

The quirks are the selling point. Six bookable extras come free with membership: an EMS muscle-recovery machine, a pelvic support chair, an RF and ultrasound beauty device, a skin whitening machine, self-service laundry with washers and dryers, massage chairs, and a small workspace for emails between sets. The catch? No showers — and none of the extras that make Japanese chocoZAP outlets famous, like karaoke rooms, billiards, darts and DIY manicure stations. The company says it's working through local regulations to bring more of that over.

Worth knowing: membership only covers Singapore outlets, and a second location in Bendemeer or Potong Pasir is rumoured for early 2027. There's also a promo running until 4 November 2026 — code TSL10151104 gets you $88 a month with the joining fee waived.

For travellers, the day pass is the interesting bit. If you're staying near Orchard Road and want a cheap, no-fuss workout without committing to a hotel gym fee, $25 buys you 24/7 access and a laundry run while you're at it. Just plan your shower back at the hotel.