by Andrea Wang and Vir Chiniwala
AFTER the abrupt closure of California Fitness, some of us will now have to find a new gym. Others just want to get in on this whole exercise thing, but are unsure of where to start.
Consider boutique gyms. More of these smaller gyms, many of which specialise in a specific type of workout or machine, are popping up.
Here’s why (and where) you can get in on this trend:
They offer more unconventional methods of exercising
No, your options are not limited to running, the elliptical and weight training. Find the workout that’s perfect for you, and in the process, you might also find a like-minded community of people.
Upside motion
If you’re looking to shake things up, Upside Motion is a good place to go. With a focus on three main programmes – Pilates, Xtend Barre, and Aerial – Upside Motion offers a unique range of workouts.
That coveted dancer’s body can become a reality with Xtend Barre, a fast paced exercise that taps into ballet and Pilates to sculpt a leaned and toned body. Aerial, on the other hand, is a low impact workout that uses a silk hammock to loosen your joints and strengthen your core.
Location: 36 Armenian Street, #02-03, 179934 / 321 Orchard Road, #04-05, 238866
SURFSET Singapore
Ever dreamt of living on the beach and surfing the waves every day? SURFSET gets you halfway there with a workout that is done on top of a surfboard. Designed to mimic what it’s really like on the waves, the surfboard is on an unstable base, which helps build core strength and balance.
SURFSET gets you moving with a fat-burning, muscle-toning cardio work out that will have you ready to hit the beach in no time.
Location: 454B Joo Chiat Road, 427667
Work out in a gym that doesn’t look like a gym
There’s no need to confine yourself to an overly bright room – or even a room at all. Switch it up with a change of environment, and you won’t even feel like you’re working out.
UFit
You have a dilemma – you like the idea of getting out to exercise but you don’t like running, are terrible at conventional sports and want something a little more intense than just talking a walk.
Develop your fitness and strength with UFit by doing crossfit – outdoors. If crossfit isn’t your thing, it’s not the only outdoor activity that UFit offers. Yogafit, Hiitfit, and Boxfit are some of the many activities that you can get involved with while being in some of Singapore’s most scenic locations.
Location: Multiple locations
7Cycle
If the one thing you really hate about going to the gym is how boring it is, try out 7Cycle. It’s indoor cycling that will get your heart pumping. With their self-proclaimed “pulsating soundtrack and party-like atmosphere”, it’ll feel less like exercise and more like being at a dance club.
Whether you want to enhance your cycling, you’re looking for an intense conditioning class, or if you’re just doing it for fun, 7Cycle has a range of classes to fit your needs.
Location: 19 Anamalai Avenue, #01-01, 279987
You won’t be just another face in a sea of faces
For those who are worried about getting lost in a group, these gyms look after every member with a specialised personal touch.
PIT
For those who are serious gymming enthusiasts, look no further than the Pit. It has personal training classes ranging from metabolic conditioning to cardio boxing classes – this gym really isn’t for the faint of heart.
The Pit trainers or “Pitmasters” have a no-nonsense attitude and will put you through a gruelling schedule that might make National Service look like a piece of cake. Its methods are exclusively tailored for each individual, with exercises involving kettlebells and clubbells. Plus, if you remain devoted, you might even get a chance to flip tyres or push sleds as part of Pit’s strength workout.
Location: 123 Devonshire Road, 239883
Breathe Pilates
Breathe Pilates (BP) might seem like a run-of-the-mill aerobics gym but it is refreshingly different. It provides rehabilitative physical training for a range of issues, from headaches to larger problems like muscle pulls. BP also offers special classes for mothers and expectant mothers in order to ensure their health and fitness levels remain high.
Moreover, its unique class “Zen.Ga” is the first of its kind that combines science, yoga, and relaxation – sounding more like a fascinating science experiment than a sort of workout.
Location: Four branches islandwide
Instead of shifting your schedule to accommodate them – they’ll accommodate you
For those who require a gym that can work around a hectic work schedule and can be completed quickly, look no further – these gyms will allow you to lead a healthy lifestyle without wrecking your daily calendar.
Ritual
Ritual calls itself “the world’s most efficient gym” – it focuses on high intensity training (HIT) utilising kettlebells and bodyweight, so that you can get in and out of the gym in a guaranteed 30 minutes. To further ensure that you don’t put your timetable in a jam, Ritual holds a workout session every 20 minutes from 6.30am to 9pm daily.
Furthermore, it provides gym clothes and amenities such as towels along with protein shakes in case you feel the hunger pangs after the intense workout – how’s that for convenience? To quote the gym – “All you need to do is show up.”
Location: 11 North Canal Road, #03-01, 048824
Club Insignia (GYMM BOXX)
Club Insignia was recently acquired by GYMM BOXX – a rapidly growing chain in the gym market, but Insignia’s style of working out will remain intact. What sets this gym apart from others is that no session is identical – in each workout, the exercises and routine are unique, making it ideal for those who get bored of doing the same repetitive exercises.
The gym is also accessible for the elderly, with its trainers holding specialist classes reserved for senior citizens. These “aqua fit” classes use cardiovascular exercises to ensure that even the aged are able to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Location: The Oasis #03-02, 87 Science Park Drive, 118260
Featured image from UFit’s Facebook page.
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