CLIMBING & BOULDERING IN NOVENA: TOP PICKS FOR 2026

BEST FOR CLIMBERS

Fight Zone Velocity — 5.0 stars, Velocity@Novena, functional training View →

BEST VALUE

JR Fitness Singapore — 4.9 stars, $80/mo, strength training View →

NEAREST BOULDERING

Boulder World SingPost — 4.5 stars, $99/mo, 15min from Novena View →

18

Gyms Near MRT

$56-280

Price Range

4.4-5.0

Avg Rating

NOVENA: SINGAPORE'S EMERGING HUB FOR CLIMBING ENTHUSIASTS

Novena has quietly become one of Singapore's most strategic locations for serious climbers. While the area doesn't house dedicated climbing walls, its unique position at the intersection of Singapore's healthcare corridor and premium residential districts has spawned an ecosystem of world-class cross-training facilities that complement any climber's regimen. From the medical professionals at Mount Elizabeth Novena to the tech workers in Goldhill Plaza, there's a sophisticated fitness culture here that values quality training over flash.

The geography works in climbers' favour. Novena MRT station sits on the North-South Line, offering direct access to Boulder World at SingPost Centre (15 minutes via Paya Lebar interchange) and Boulder Movement Bugis (10 minutes northbound). This makes Novena an ideal home base for the growing number of climbers who understand that wall time alone doesn't build V7-crushing strength—you need targeted conditioning work to complement your climbing sessions.

What makes Novena's fitness scene particularly attractive to climbers is the concentration of functional training gyms within walking distance of the MRT. Velocity@Novena Square and Square 2 shopping centres connect directly to the station, housing premium fitness options alongside retail and dining. Goldhill Plaza and the Newton Road corridor offer more intimate boutique studios where trainers understand the specific demands of climbing.

The climbing community in this area tends to be professional and goal-oriented. You'll find orthopaedic surgeons who climb for stress relief, software engineers projecting their first V6, and dedicated weekend warriors training for their Sport Climbing Singapore certifications. The gyms reflect this demographic—clean, well-equipped, and staffed by trainers who can design programming around climbing-specific needs.

Singapore's climbing scene has grown exponentially since the sport's Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020. The recent opening of multiple bouldering gyms island-wide has created demand for complementary training facilities. Novena, with its central location and excellent MRT connectivity, has emerged as a natural hub for climbers who want to optimize their training across multiple modalities. The area's medical expertise also attracts climbers recovering from finger injuries or seeking preventive care from sports physicians who understand the unique stresses of climbing.

NOVENA'S CLIMBING ADVANTAGE

MRT Connectivity: 15 minutes to Boulder World, 10 minutes to Boulder Movement via direct train
Cross-Training Options: 18+ gyms within walking distance focusing on functional fitness
Premium Environment: Medical hub location means clean, professional facilities
Flexible Scheduling: Multiple 24-hour gyms for early morning or late-night sessions

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR CLIMBING TRAINING GYM: 4 CLIMBER PERSONAS

Your ideal training facility depends on where you are in your climbing journey, your schedule constraints, and what specific weaknesses you're trying to address. Understanding which category you fall into helps narrow down the overwhelming number of options in the Novena area. Here's how different types of climbers should approach the local fitness scene:

COMPLETE BEGINNER

New to Climbing

You've tried a few sessions at a climbing gym, loved it, and want to get stronger for your next visit. Your fingers hurt after sessions, your forearms pump out quickly on the wall, and you can't do more than two pull-ups. You need foundational strength before advancing to climbing-specific training.

Best Strategy:

• Start with general fitness before climbing-specific training
• Focus on pull-up progressions, core stability, and grip endurance
• Choose budget-friendly options—you're building habits first
• Avoid fingerboard training until you've climbed for 6+ months

Recommended:

JR Fitness Singapore — $80/mo, personalized attention
Dennis Gym Balestier — $56/mo, no-frills strength basics

EXPERIENCED CLIMBER

V4-V7 Boulderer

You've been climbing for 1-3 years and can confidently send V4s, with occasional V5-V6 sends on good days. You've identified specific weaknesses—maybe it's power for dynamic moves, or endurance for long routes, or flexibility for high steps. This is where targeted training makes the biggest difference in your progression.

Best Strategy:

• Target your specific weaknesses with functional training
• Integrate antagonist exercises to prevent injury
• Consider martial arts for explosive power development
• Train 2-3x per week off the wall, 2-3x on the wall

Recommended:

Fight Zone Velocity — $150/mo, explosive power training
Trilogic Fitness Novena — 5.0 stars, periodized programming

KIDS & FAMILIES

Climbing Families

Your kids have caught the climbing bug, and you want to support their development while staying fit yourself. You need a family-friendly environment where children can train safely, and parents have their own fitness options nearby. Climbing is increasingly popular among Singapore youth, with many schools now offering it as a CCA option.

Best Strategy:

• Look for gyms near child-friendly amenities
• Consider locations in malls where kids can be supervised
• Youth climbing classes at nearby Boulder World are excellent
• Group fitness classes let parents train while kids attend programs

Recommended:

F45 Training Novena — $238/mo, fun group atmosphere
Boulder World — Youth programs, 15min away

FITNESS-FOCUSED

Climber-Athletes

Climbing is one part of your broader fitness regimen. You might compete in OCR races, do hybrid training, or simply want to be generally athletic. You need versatile facilities that support multiple training modalities while still serving your climbing goals effectively.

Best Strategy:

• Prioritize 24-hour access for training flexibility
• Look for gyms with diverse equipment (assault bikes, rowers, etc.)
• HIIT classes complement climbing's metabolic demands
• Consider multiple gym memberships for variety

Recommended:

UBX Novena — $168/mo, boxing + conditioning
BFT Balestier — $280/mo, heart-rate group training

NOVENA'S CLIMBING ECOSYSTEM: A GEOGRAPHIC GUIDE

UNDERSTANDING THE NOVENA FITNESS LANDSCAPE

Novena MRT station (NS20) serves as the central hub, with fitness facilities radiating outward in three main clusters. Understanding this layout helps you optimize your training logistics and find the right combination of climbing walls and cross-training facilities. The station is well-connected to both the North-South Line and nearby bus routes, making it accessible from across Singapore.

VELOCITY@NOVENA SQUARE

Connected directly to Novena MRT via underground link. The primary fitness hub with multiple options and excellent amenities for post-workout recovery.

• Fight Zone Velocity (#03-57)
• True Fitness (#03-46)
• Various retail and F&B for post-training

GOLDHILL PLAZA CLUSTER

5-minute walk from MRT. Premium boutique studios in a quieter office building environment with professional clientele.

• UBX Novena (#02-35)
• F45 Training Novena
• Lunch crowd from nearby offices

NEWTON ROAD CORRIDOR

3-8 minute walk. Mixed residential and commercial area with diverse options and convenient post-workout food at Newton Food Centre.

• JR Fitness Singapore (#05-02, 55 Newton Rd)
• Trilogic Fitness Novena
• Near Newton Food Centre

BALESTIER ROAD EXTENSION

10-15 minute walk or one bus stop from Novena MRT. More budget-friendly options in this heartland area with a local neighbourhood feel and plenty of food options.

• Dennis Gym Balestier ($56/mo)
• Anytime Fitness Balestier (24/7)
• Anytime Fitness Viio@Balestier

• BFT Balestier (premium HIIT)
• Storm Athletic Club
• Atlas Fitness Novena

TRAVEL TIMES TO DEDICATED CLIMBING GYMS

From Novena MRT, here's how long it takes to reach Singapore's main climbing facilities. Both options offer day passes for flexible training schedules:

BOULDER WORLD SINGPOST

15 minutes via MRT (Novena → Paya Lebar, change to CCL)

Singapore's largest bouldering facility with extensive wall space, youth programs, and regular route setting. Day pass $28.

View Details →

BOULDER MOVEMENT BUGIS

10 minutes via MRT (Novena → City Hall, change to EWL)

Central location with diverse problems. Popular with the office crowd during lunch and after work. Day pass $25.

View Details →

TOP CROSS-TRAINING GYMS FOR CLIMBERS IN NOVENA

These Novena gyms offer the best climbing-specific training benefits, from functional movement patterns to explosive power development. Each has been evaluated for equipment quality, trainer expertise, and relevance to climbing performance. All images shown are actual facility photos from the gyms.

FIGHT ZONE VELOCITY

5.0 Stars | $150/mo | Velocity@Novena Square #03-57

Why Climbers Love It

Martial arts-based training develops the explosive hip power and dynamic body control that translates directly to dyno moves and powerful lockoffs. Their conditioning circuits build the anaerobic capacity you need for sustained hard bouldering.

Climbing Benefits

• Explosive power for dynamic moves
• Core tension through combat training
• Mental toughness under pressure
• Balance and proprioception work

View Fight Zone Velocity →

JR FITNESS SINGAPORE (NOVENA)

4.9 Stars | $80/mo | 55 Newton Road #05-02

Why Climbers Love It

Small-group training with personalized attention makes this ideal for building foundational climbing strength. The trainers understand functional movement patterns and can design programs around your climbing goals without charging premium PT rates.

Climbing Benefits

• Pull-up progression programs
• Antagonist muscle strengthening
• Core stability focus
• Budget-friendly at $80/mo

View JR Fitness →

UBX NOVENA

5.0 Stars | $168/mo | Goldhill Plaza #02-35

Why Climbers Love It

Boxing-based HIIT training builds the cardiovascular endurance needed for long climbing sessions. The wrist and hand conditioning from bag work strengthens the forearm muscles that support finger tendons—essential for injury prevention in climbing.

Climbing Benefits

• Superior cardiovascular conditioning
• Hand and wrist strengthening
• High-intensity metabolic training
• Mental focus under fatigue

View UBX Novena →

TRILOGIC FITNESS (NOVENA)

5.0 Stars | Contact for Pricing | 55 Newton Road #05-02

Why Climbers Love It

Known for science-based programming that can be periodized around your climbing schedule. Their trainers work with several competitive climbers and understand how to structure strength phases that complement wall time effectively.

Climbing Benefits

• Periodized strength programming
• Competition prep support
• Movement quality focus
• Injury rehabilitation expertise

View Trilogic Fitness →

COMPLETE GYM COMPARISON FOR NOVENA CLIMBERS

Compare all fitness options in Novena based on price, climbing relevance, and key features to find your ideal training facility:

Gym Name	Monthly Price	Rating	Best For	Walk from MRT
Fight Zone Velocity	$150	5.0	Explosive Power	Connected
JR Fitness Singapore	$80	4.9	Foundational Strength	3 min
UBX Novena	$168	5.0	Cardio + Conditioning	5 min
Trilogic Fitness	Contact	5.0	Periodized Training	3 min
BFT Balestier	$280	5.0	Group HIIT	12 min
F45 Training Novena	$238	4.8	Varied Workouts	5 min
Dennis Gym Balestier	$56	4.7	Budget Training	10 min
Anytime Fitness Novena	$70	4.4	24/7 Access	8 min
Anytime Fitness Viio	$70	4.6	24/7 Access	12 min

SAMPLE WEEKLY TRAINING SPLIT FOR NOVENA CLIMBERS

Here's how intermediate climbers can structure their week using Novena facilities combined with climbing sessions at nearby bouldering gyms. This split balances wall time with conditioning while allowing adequate recovery between sessions:

MONDAY - STRENGTH FOCUS

Morning: JR Fitness or Trilogic Fitness

• Pull-up variations (weighted if possible)
• Core stability work (hollow body, dead bugs)
• Antagonist exercises (push-ups, shoulder presses)

TUESDAY - CLIMBING SESSION

Evening: Boulder World or Boulder Movement

• Warm-up on easy problems (V0-V2)
• Project attempts on limit boulders
• Volume climbing on flash-level problems

WEDNESDAY - ACTIVE RECOVERY

Optional: Yoga Movement Novena or stretching

• Hip opener sequences
• Shoulder mobility work
• Forearm stretches and massage

THURSDAY - POWER TRAINING

Evening: Fight Zone Velocity or UBX

• Explosive movements (box jumps, med ball throws)
• Plyometric circuits
• Conditioning work

FRIDAY - CLIMBING SESSION

Evening: Boulder World or Boulder Movement

• Technique-focused session
• Work on weaknesses (slabs, overhangs, etc.)
• Practice falling and commitment

WEEKEND - FLEXIBLE

Saturday: Long climbing session or outdoor trip

• Extended bouldering with friends
• Optional outdoor climbing at Dairy Farm
• Sunday complete rest for recovery

PRO TIP: Many Novena climbers maintain two gym memberships—a budget cross-training facility ($56-80/mo) plus climbing gym passes. This approach costs $150-200 total monthly but provides optimal training variety without breaking the bank.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Are there any actual climbing walls in Novena?

No, Novena doesn't currently have dedicated climbing or bouldering gyms. The area is primarily a medical and residential hub, so fitness facilities focus on cross-training modalities. The nearest climbing options are Boulder World at SingPost Centre (15 minutes by MRT via Paya Lebar) and Boulder Movement Bugis (10 minutes by MRT). Many Novena climbers adopt a hybrid training model—using local gyms for strength and conditioning work 2-3 times per week while traveling to dedicated climbing facilities for wall time.

Which Novena gym is best for building finger and grip strength?

For grip-specific training, JR Fitness Singapore ($80/mo) is the top choice—their trainers can design programs incorporating farmer carries, dead hangs, and grip-specific exercises. UBX Novena ($168/mo) is also excellent because boxing bag work naturally strengthens wrist flexors and forearm muscles that support finger tendons. However, note that fingerboard training should only be done at climbing gyms under proper guidance—doing hang protocols without experience risks injury. Most serious climbers do finger-specific training only at the climbing wall.

What's the best value climbing-focused gym membership in Novena?

Dennis Gym Balestier at $56/month offers the lowest cost for basic strength training equipment. For slightly more, JR Fitness at $80/month provides better value with personalized attention and programming support. If you need 24-hour access to fit around your climbing schedule, Anytime Fitness locations at $70/month are good options. Budget-conscious climbers often combine a cheap gym membership with day passes ($25-28) to climbing gyms, spending around $150 total monthly for comprehensive training.

How should I split my training between strength work and climbing?

For most recreational climbers, a 2-2-2 split works well: 2 climbing sessions, 2 strength sessions, and 2 rest days per week. Your strength sessions should target pulling muscles, core stability, and antagonist muscles (pushing, shoulders) to prevent imbalances. Avoid heavy upper body training the day before a hard climbing session—your fingers and forearms need to be fresh. Many Novena climbers do Monday strength, Tuesday climb, Thursday power/conditioning, Friday climb, with weekend flexibility. Adjust based on how your body recovers.

Can I train for outdoor climbing using only Novena gyms?

You can build the base fitness for outdoor climbing at Novena gyms, but you'll still need indoor wall time to develop climbing-specific skills. Fight Zone Velocity and UBX Novena are excellent for building the power endurance needed for outdoor routes. For Singapore outdoor climbing (primarily at Dairy Farm quarry), you'll want strong contact strength for granite slopers—this requires actual climbing practice. The optimal approach: 2-3 days/week at Novena gyms for strength, 2 days/week at bouldering gyms for technique, plus weekend outdoor sessions when conditions allow.

START YOUR CLIMBING JOURNEY FROM NOVENA

Whether you're building foundational strength for your first V3 or training for competition-level bouldering, Novena's fitness ecosystem has the facilities you need. Combine local cross-training with regular climbing sessions at nearby bouldering gyms for optimal progression and injury prevention.

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