It's just $2.50 per visit at the Singapore's Sports Council's 14 Clubfitt gyms - $310 a year, if you sign up for membership.

And these gyms are conveniently located throughout the island, So why would anyone pay 10 times more for membership at commercial gyms like California Fitness and Fitness First?

Their rationale? They're not just providing gym equipment, but an environment for members to enjoy their workouts fully.

To find out what's their draw, Men's Health went undercover at more than 20 gyms. Here is their top five of the lot, in no order of merit.

1
Sky Fitness, Harbourfront Tower
Best feature: Environment
Located on the 16th floor, you'll see, through the wide glass window, cable cars come out from right under you as they head towards Sentosa. Also, the equipment is almost brand new and one can expect to share the gym with only about 20 people even during peak hours.

2
Planet Fitness, Suntec City
Best feature: Equipment
The gym is split over two levels. The first level houses the main weights area and a selection of cardio machines, while the second level has a workout area exclusively for women and a studio for hot yoga. It is a spacious 30,000-sg-ft in size, and there is no need to queue for machines during peak hours (6pm to 8pm).

3
Fitness First, One George Street
Best feature: Changing room
Fitness First gyms supply you with a workout kit if you forget to bring yours or if you find it a hassle to bring your
own. You still have to bring your own shoes though. The gym has a heated swimming pool with a stunning view.

4
California Fitness, Orchard Building
Best feature: Environment
California Fitness is famous for its highly charged environment. The gym is split into three levels, with the main
weights room on the third level. On the second level are a lower-body machine station, as well as an Xpress Zone - the time-saving circuit training area common to all California Fitness gyms - where machines that target different body parts are placed together.

5
California Fitness, Bugis Junction Tower
Best feature: Equipment

The gym has a wide range of equipment with state-of-the-art weight machines, and cardio machines are positioned to face TV panels. While it is 33,000-sq-ft in size, the gym can get packed between 6pm to 8pm on weekdays, which may not be everyone's cup of tea.

For the full story, grab this month's issue of Men's Health.