HE'S GOT BOUNCE

Former national swimmer Captain (CPT) (NS) Joel Tan channels his athleticism into a fitness concept using mini trampolines.

The studio is dark except for pulsing pink lights. People are waving their hands in the air, jumping to the beat of 80s music. It's almost like a disco, except that they are bouncing on the latest fitness fad.

Co-founded by former national swimmers CPT (NS) Tan and Corporal (CPL) (NS) Leslie Kwok, BBOUNCE Studio specialises in Rebounding, an exercise concept using mini trampolines (or rebounders).

Just six months into his full-time job at accounting firm Ernst & Young, CPT (NS) Tan decided to venture into the fitness scene.

"I always knew I wanted to do something by myself, so I decided why not transform the fitness scene in Singapore? Throw in some creativity, add a little imagination and bring the hype up!" said the business management graduate from Singapore Management University.

That was in 2015. Over the past year, BBOUNCE Studio has seen more than 9,000 people trying out its classes, with regulars numbering around 1,000.

Leap of success

Being a familiar face in the swimming scene may have given him an edge initially, but CPT (NS) Tan has had his fair share of challenges. For instance, getting people accustomed to the idea of working out on a rebounder and understanding its benefits.

"In our first month, it was very hard to convince people. But after a while, they realised that it was very good and started coming back," said the 28-year-old, who invested $200,000 jointly in the business with his partner.

"They introduced the class to their friends and we had remarkable results with people losing weight. Even I was surprised -- we had people losing 8kg in two months!"

As the rebounder absorbs shock, it is suitable for people who have knee, back and ankle injuries. Running on the rebounder can potentially burn more calories and cellulite as compared to running on flat ground, because of the constant need to balance.

Every move counts

To spice things up, CPT (NS) Tan and his team of three instructors designed their signature Hybrid Rebounding class.

Modelled after how athletes train, it combines cardio, body-sculpting and weights, all while rebounding so that people can have an effective workout in 50 minutes.

CPT (NS) Tan explained that every move has to have a purpose and the instructors often brainstorm together to come up with the best combination to train the whole body.

The trainers take everything into account -- from the number of reps to specific angles for moves. Classes are kept small as well, with a maximum of 24 students to one instructor.

An Officer Commanding from 785th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment, CPT (NS) Tan credited his success to CPL (NS) Kwok and the Singapore Armed Forces -- the former for sharing his business acumen and the latter for teaching leadership, teamwork and people management.

"At a young age of 20, you start to manage people as a platoon commander. All officers, warrant officers and specialists go through a lot of hardship before they become commanders and that builds character."

He added it was only when he entered command school that he started learning how to manage people and it was no easy feat.

"People come from different backgrounds and it's my job to bring them together (for a common goal) I'm still learning this."

Sincerity is key

Since starting operations last June, there has been a sharp increase in the number of sign-ups. CPT (NS) Tan plans to expand the current location at The Centrepoint shopping mall and open another studio by this year.

Other ideas include creating a circuit class to attract more males. This new class will involve rebounders and a more intensive use of weights so that customers can get fit and bulk up at the same time.

Said CPT (NS) Tan: "Our demand is way above our supply and we don't have enough slots for people. This is a good problem and we hope to sort it out soon."

The athlete regards all his students as his friends, and classes have become peer-to-peer workout sessions. They have even gone out for karaoke sessions together.

"Friends who work out together stay together," he explained.

The key to his success? A friendly and fun atmosphere and a heart for customers.

"We have to have the heart to serve customers. Once people feel it, they will come back to you."

The man is clearly ahead of the game.