In early 2016, Gareth Deiner was at a crossroads. Weighing in at 142kgs, the combination of a high-stress sedentary job and poor lifestyle choices had taken its toll. He had lost his strength, his conditioning, and frankly, his way.

Like many, he was skeptical. He wasn't looking for a "bootcamp" to scream at him, and he didn't need a gym full of mirrors. He needed a reset. At the suggestion of a friend, he walked through our doors.

What Gareth found wasn't a magic pill.

"Unlike other gyms, Ving and the guys never promised a 'quick fix'. Instead, they focused on consistency."

This is the Pit philosophy in action. We didn't starve him. We didn't break him on Day 1. We rebuilt him.

• The Strategy: Small, sustainable adjustments.

• The Training: Progressive strength training to build metabolic capacity.

• The Discipline: He showed up. We did the rest.

Fast forward six years. Gareth hasn't just "lost weight", he has transformed his entire physiology.

• Weight Loss: Nearly 40kg down.

• Strength: Stronger and fitter than he was 20 years ago.

• Mindset: Training is no longer a chore; it is a non-negotiable part of his day.

"I cannot currently live without it. You bring the discipline, and they bring everything else."

One of the biggest fears for big guys starting out is getting hurt. Gareth notes that The Pit’s technical expertise was the safety net he needed.

"Their technical know-how means they know how to train you to recover from, and improve on, injuries that we all acquire. Their skill genuinely never ceases to amaze me."

Gareth’s story isn't just about the barbell; it's about the people.

"The Pit is a REAL community. The gym is a diverse place full of people from all walks of life. This is not the place that makes you feel bad about yourself—it's one that builds you up, in every sense of the word, from the ground up."

Gareth proves that the scale is just a number. The real victory is in the lifestyle change. He didn't just lose fat; he gained a community, a routine, and a body that works for him, not against him

Nikki’s Story

There are plenty of gyms in Singapore where you can plug in your headphones, lift some weights, and leave without speaking to a soul. That works for some. But for members like Nikki Deiner, training required something more. She wasn't just looking for a physical workout; she was looking for a place to train "both body and mind."

The Pit has a reputation for being raw and gritty. But as Nikki discovered, the "hardcore" exterior hides a surprisingly welcoming interior.

"The community Ving and his team have built is a very special thing; a diverse group of people united by a desire to be stronger and fitter than they were yesterday."

This is a crucial point for anyone scared to join. You don't have to be a powerlifter to fit in. You just have to be willing to try.

Nikki highlights the unique balance that The Pit strikes: serious training with a "sprinkling of fun." It’s not a boot camp where you get screamed at. It’s a team environment.

• The Support: "They will welcome you with open arms as you arrive."

• The Push: "Cheer you along as you strive to reach your objectives."

• The Balance: "Make you laugh when you need it most."

In an industry where people switch gyms every few months, Nikki discovers the reason why members stay for so long. It’s not the equipment; it’s the feeling of belonging.

"A couple of sessions is all it will take to realise why people join and stay members for years."

Nikki is the perfect example of the "Pit Family" ethos. Strength training is hard. It hurts. It tests you. Having a community that laughs with you through the pain makes the difference between quitting in Month 2 and training for Year 10.

Thank you for your unwavering support over the years Nikki! :)

Peter Velonis arrived in Singapore facing a clear challenge: managing fatherhood, life changes, and a deteriorating physical state. At 42 and 130kg, the standard methods were not working. He needed a system, and he found it at The Pit.

When Peter started in 2017, he simply needed a gym and a trainer. He needed discipline. At The Pit, we did not offer a quick fix. Instead, we initiated a highly structured program based on Peter's current fitness level, tracking his physical needs and goals. We believe true progress comes from tracking, not guessing.

The commitment went further than the gym floor. Recognising that training is only half the battle, we armed him with our Dietary Plan; teaching him macro tracking. This system, combined with a rigorous training protocol, fundamentally transformed his state of mind and wellness. This is the difference between aimless exercise and dedicated, science-backed Personal Training.

The ultimate measure of The Pit's value is Peter’s continued commitment. Though he has since moved back to the United States, his training did not stop. He continues to utilize our services and train with Irving via WhatsApp and FaceTime. This proves that our programming is so effective and our accountability so high, that distance is irrelevant to results.

Peter’s journey validates our core philosophy: The Pit is not defined by its physical location, but by the discipline and camaraderie forged within its community.

“The PIT gets a 5 star rating from me and I highly recommend it! I miss The Pit dearly. It became a place where all the trainers and clients came together in a very happy, judgement-free atmosphere.”