Interview｜How Trudy Chan Redefined 24/7 Gyms, Fitness and Wellness Experience in Hong Kong

In a city where long work hours and packed schedules often push health to the bottom of the priority list, GO24 and its sister brand ONYX are reshaping how Hongkongers approach fitness and recovery. As co-founder of both brands, Trudy Chan has helped drive the rise of 24/7, contract‑free gyms while weaving in a growing emphasis on wellness, community, and sustainable training habits. In this interview, she shares her journey into fitness, her vision for Hong Kong’s evolving gym landscape, and how she personally balances entrepreneurship, motherhood, and self-care.

Editor: Goosie Lam

Q: Trudy, could you introduce yourself to readers who might not know you yet?

I’m one of the co-founders of GO24 Fitness. I was born in Hong Kong and raised in Canada. When I was 18, I went to the United States to study, then returned to Hong Kong in 2007. Before entering the fitness industry, I was involved in property investment and the children’s playground business. However, even before COVID, that industry was slowing down, so I decided to pivot.

In 2018, I partnered with Martin Barr to establish GO24, starting with our first location in Tsuen Wan, followed by branches in North Point, Sai Wan, and Wong Tai Sin. Today, we operate eight GO24 branches and five ONYX clubs, with our first ONYX opening at Taikoo Place in October 2023.

Q: What inspired you to start GO24 and later launch ONYX?

After COVID, the fitness landscape in Hong Kong changed dramatically. Major gym chains like Fitness First, Goji, and Physical either closed or scaled down, leaving PURE as the main full-service gym group offering group classes. We saw an opportunity to serve corporate clients and office professionals, people looking for convenient fitness options near their workplaces. That’s why we created ONYX in October 2023.

GO24 Fitness expands to Mong Kok’s iconic sneaker street this August.

Q: How do GO24 and ONYX differ?

The key difference between the two brands is timing and amenities. ONYX offers more lunchtime and after-work classes tailored for professionals and provides towel service. GO24, while also offering classes, is positioned as a 24-hour gym with most sessions in the evenings.

Design-wise, ONYX features a clean, bright, white aesthetic, while GO24 is more hardcore with a darker, industrial theme. Both use high-quality fitness equipment from brands like Life Fitness, Technogym and Panatta.

Q: How do GO24 and ONYX differ in membership pricing?

The difference isn’t significant. GO24 membership fees start at about HK$578 per month including classes, while ONYX is around HK$758. We’re focused on offering the best value possible. Some competitors charge similar fees but are overcrowded. We keep our spaces clean, well-equipped and comfortable to ensure a premium experience.

ONYX by GO24 Fitness has opened a new, class-focused club at LHT Tower in Central also in this August, with bigger space designed for professionals seeking premium group sessions.

Q: Are wellness facilities like recovery and Pilates included in membership packages?

Those services have separate fees. Members can access the recovery zone for about HK$388 per month (or HK$588 for a single month). Reformer Pilates is also charged separately, with different rates for members and non-members. We also offer a variety of group classes, yoga, high-energy conditioning, Zumba, stick mobility, mat Pilates, boxing and Muay Thai. Members can book and move between different branches through our mobile app.

Q: The fitness scene in Hong Kong has changed rapidly in recent years. What factors have driven this?

COVID reshaped the industry. Commercial rents dropped significantly, allowing fitness operators to move into premium areas that were previously out of reach. Whether a gym can grow now often depends on the property owners themselves, and many landlords increasingly value having wellness brands in their buildings.

Five years ago, I never imagined having a GO24 in Central, but thanks to supportive landlords, we now have two branches there.

ONYX by GO24 Fitness has recently opened its Admiralty branch on Queen’s Road East in Wan Chai, spotlighting recovery and holistic wellbeing. The gym introduces a trending co-ed hot-and-cold contrast therapy experience, seamlessly blending effective training with a vibrant community atmosphere.

Q: The boom of contract-free, 24/7 gyms like GO24 seems to have replaced the old long-term membership model. What’s driving this shift?

The business model has completely evolved. Around 5 to 10 years ago in Hong Kong, gyms typically locked members into long contracts, sometimes three, five, or even ten years, with large upfront payments. It wasn’t sustainable and often led to aggressive sales tactics and an unpleasant experience for members. When we launched GO24 in 2018, we wanted to create a space where members could enjoy their workouts freely, without pressure from salespeople or restrictive contracts. That’s how our motto came about: “No contract. No schedule. No hassle.”

Q: How do you view the growing wellness trend in Hong Kong?

Wellness has definitely become a focus. You can see more independent recovery studios emerging, and even PURE has integrated its “RE:SET” wellness concept. However, this trend is closely tied to the economy. In good times, people willingly invest in their wellbeing. When the economy slows, they may choose cost-free options like running outdoors. While many travel to China on weekends for cheaper dining or entertainment, Hongkongers are still putting strong emphasis on wellness and healthy living.

Q: Has running your own fitness business changed how you approach your own health and movement?

I’ve always exercised for both health and enjoyment, especially so I can continue to eat what I love. As we age, maintaining mobility and flexibility becomes crucial. To me, aging well is a major part of wellness. We’ve also become more focused on holistic wellness. When we opened our Admiralty Centre location, we introduced reformer Pilates group classes, infrared saunas, cold plunges and compression boots. This reflects our direction toward a more comprehensive wellness offering, beyond just training. Looking ahead, our next club, opening in mid-2026, will feature an expanded recovery hub with an even greater focus on wellness facilities. We’re exploring new island-side and Kowloon locations, but finding the right space at the right rent remains a challenge.

Q: You’re a business owner, a mother of two, and a wife. How do you stay balanced?

Again, to me,  aging well is a major part of wellness. I’m 45 now, and my social media feeds are filled with perimenopause advice, so I’m still fine-tuning my own routine to see what works best. I currently do strength training three times a week, mix in yoga, Pilates, and both HIIT and Zone 2 cardio, plus squash or tennis when I can. I wake up around 7 a.m. and aim to go to bed before midnight, though that’s not always consistent. Running a business is stressful, so I make my workouts non-negotiable. I remember one day feeling irritable, and my husband joked, “Did you skip your workout today?” He was right, exercising keeps me mentally grounded. After sending my daughters, who are now 11 and 13, to school, I usually train in the morning; otherwise, it’s hard to fit it in later. My afternoons are packed with meetings, management, marketing and partner discussions. I try to pack my own lunch to stay on track. Hong Kong is actually a great city for working women. There’s a strong community of female entrepreneurs who support each other. I think it’s part of what keeps Hongkongers young and full of energy.

Q: What’s next for GO24 and ONYX?

We’re working on our next branch, set to open in mid-2026, and are now finalising design and equipment choices. I’m also personally very interested in emerging racket sports like pickleball, and I’m exploring partnership opportunities and looking for a suitable venue for that.

Q: Would you consider expanding into mainland China?

We’ve thought about it, but expansion would require strong local partners who understand the market and operations model. For now, we’re focused on strengthening our Hong Kong business before moving beyond.