Welcome to ABSOLUTE, the boutique gym that focuses on just two efficient exercises for maximum results.
Before the recent boom of boutique gyms that turned the once grungy Fight Club-esque space into MoMA-like establishments, Benjaporn Karoonkornsakul also known as the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of ABSOLUTE had her eyes on the prize. By launching Absolute Yoga in Thailand and making it the first boutique to focus on yoga in Thailand and the second in Asia, it was soon followed by a series of classes like ABSOLUTE Pilates, Coreblast, and basically, classes that you might be taking in the now.
In 2018 and with the launch of ABSOLUTE in Singapore, her next move is the boutique gym’s newest outlet at The Star Vista which focuses on two classes: cycling and pilates. Here, Karoonkornsakul talks about their benefits and why they should be at the core of your fitness routine.
Hello Ms Benjaporn, it’s a classic Men’s Folio way to start an interview by asking founders/CEOs/etc to pitch their brand/business in 10 words or less so if you could humour us.
Asia’s largest boutique fitness studio, pioneers of the workouts we provide.
When ABSOLUTE opened in 2018 in Singapore, that was probably when boutique gyms were becoming even more popular. What is it like in 2023 now considering that they are everywhere? More importantly, what does ABSOLUTE do differently?
We are easily set apart from our focus on quality and study of every discipline, and our instructor training.
We only work with pioneers and experts of each discipline — yoga, rhythm cycling, pilates reformer, pilates chair, personal pilates, personal training and mat pilates are included — to ensure that the workouts are effective and safe; and at the same time able to provide room for the emotional and mental care and development.
The increase of boutique gyms can easily be cited as hopping on the bandwagon (or joining a “trend”), but given our run for the past 20 years as a group, we have stuck closely to our values and only evolved to cater to the ever-growing needs of the physical body living in different seasons of time.
Following trends can become dangerous if trainers and instructors lack ample and proper research of their discipline. Especially in Singapore, businesses are expected to keep up with the economic shifts so for newer gyms, the fight to stay afloat might take priority and quality and safety may be compromised.
At Absolute, we consistently maintain a high standard of qualification for our instructors. Every pilates and cycle instructor is required to attend training at Absolute Academy, the first of its kind in Asia that trains individuals to conduct large group classes.
Leading and caring for a large group is a challenge — you are not just giving instructions, but you are investing emotionally and mentally as well. You allow yourself to be the most authentic version to create the community you want, and you watch out for every individual’s progress.
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What exactly is the Absolute Methodology and how does it work on first-time gym-goers and those who are more seasoned?
The Absolute Methodology falls under our rhythm cycling training with our trademarked, unique class sequences that have been curated to support physical, mental and emotional growth. This powerful synergy creates a dynamic and innovative workout for a good burn and escape.
As mentioned, we have a variety of class types and sequences to cater to different fitness levels. First-timers have Foundation classes to help build strength and overall cardiovascular fitness, and regular riders can try our advanced class types that seek to improve stamina and muscle endurance.
For seasoned gym-goers who are not regular riders, we do recommend that they start from Foundation classes as rhythm cycling is a different ball game altogether.
ABSOLUTE only focuses on cycling and pilates: why so? What two do you think are the best benefits of both exercises in a Singaporean male context?
Absolute Group itself has an array of disciplines as mentioned before. I started Absolute by bringing in hot yoga to Thailand with us being the first to do so in the country and second in the whole of Asia. As fitness is a passion, I would try different kinds of exercises and go in-depth in understanding their benefits.
In Singapore, I dissolved our yoga arm as a business strategy to focus on pilates reformer and rhythm cycling. Back in 2018, both disciplines were not yet popular but I pushed forward because of how they can add value to one’s exercise regime.
Both exercises though vastly different with cycling being highly energetic and the pilates reformer requiring a lot of focus and control of the resistance. Both are very complementary.
With pilates reformer, the exercise builds core strength and stability; the key factors required in a rhythm cycling class when you remain off the saddle while riding to the beat. Riding on the other hand is supportive of the pilates flow given its push to strengthen overall physical and mental stamina and cardiovascular endurance.
For the Singaporean male, rhythm cycling is a highly effective form of cardiovascular exercise that can help improve heart health, increase stamina and endurance, and burn calories. Regular classes can also help lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, and improve overall cardiovascular function.
As for pilates, the exercise can improve overall posture and balance, reduce the risk of injury, and enhance athletic performance.
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For personalised pilates, how does individualised training start? And what are some of the changes you’ll first notice with your body?
Personal Pilates training typically starts with an initial assessment with one of our highly-trained instructors. During this assessment, the instructor will assess your movement patterns, posture, and any musculoskeletal imbalances or injuries you may have.
Based on this assessment, the instructor will design an individualised training program tailored to your specific needs as well as health and fitness goals. Whether you’re working towards injury rehabilitation or looking to get a toned body, Personal Pilates is the definitive solution.
Depending on your goal, the strengthening of the area you are working on will be the first thing you will notice. Other changes include improved posture, increased flexibility and mobility, muscle toning, improved balance and coordination, and reduced pain or discomfort in areas of your body that may have been previously problematic.
How about extreme results then? How long do you have to commit to seeing changes?
As with everything in life, consistent practice makes progress. The time it takes to see extreme changes varies depending on several factors, such as the one’s commitment level (i.e. mentally and emotionally as well), frequency and intensity of the practice; the individual’s starting fitness level and the individual’s body type play a part as well.
If one practices consistently, results can be seen within a few weeks to a few months.
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On top of dedicated practice, there is also the individual’s lifestyle and diet to take into consideration. It’s important to note that the results from pilates may not always be visible in the form of muscle size or weight loss but can be observed through improvements in body alignment, posture, and movement patterns.
What is next for ABSOLUTE then? Where do you see the brand and its gyms heading?
Since our inception in Thailand in 2002, Absolute’s goal has been to provide a safe and inclusive space for people from all walks of life to enjoy exercise. We constantly strive to identify gaps in the market and find new ways to support individuals on their fitness journeys.
As we celebrate our 5th anniversary in Singapore, we are thrilled to announce the opening of our new outlet at The Star Vista. This is our second initiative to increase accessibility for those who may not always be in the city, with the first being our i12 Katong outlet.
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We are committed to expanding our reach in Singapore, and in the years to come, we will definitely be looking to open more locations throughout the city. We also believe that everyone should have access to quality fitness facilities and the support they need to achieve their health and wellness goals.
Lastly, another way we like to end a Men’s Folio interview: what song have you been looping as of late and why?
Flowers by Miley Cyrus! Looking at it as a whole, I actually find it empowering. It reflects the one thing I stand for (and one of the goals for my businesses): taking care of ourselves because we are worth the investment of time; sometimes not everything is about money.
Availing ourselves of opportunities for learning and growth is sometimes one of the best things we can do for ourselves.
Once you’re done with this story, click here to catch up with our May 2023 issue!
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