The number of people is becoming more concerned with their lifestyles now. Do you think people nowadays prefer to work out in the gym in town or just go for jogging and exercises in the city? Well, the term “urban fitness” is becoming popular now and urban fitness refers to adopting a healthy lifestyle by people who live and work in the city. There are many forms of urban fitness and these can help city dwellers to stay healthy. In this report, I will give an overview of urban fitness trends in Singapore. Next, I will talk about how outdoor gym Singapore have become popular here. One of the convenient places to find out about fitness sessions is Health Promotion Board. Very often, we can see groups of district people in the park or open space enjoying their Taiji or Zumba. As compared to sweating it out in the gym, outdoor exercises make people happier and healthier. As research has shown, spending just 20 minutes in the park can already help to reduce stress. Well, Singapore Sports Council is one of the marketing agencies that promote a healthy lifestyle here. Every year, they will organize a national campaign called “National Step Challenge” to encourage people to exercise more.
Overview of Urban Fitness Trends
As of late, there has been an expansion in the quantity of Singaporeans who are moving away from traditional gym memberships and towards more community-based outdoor activities. Driving this trend is an increased awareness of the benefits of outdoor activities that are facilitated by the beautiful year-round climate in Singapore. Many Urban Development Authority-designated areas in Singapore have dedicated outdoor exercise stations, allowing dedicated gym attendees to take their exercise routines outside. While these stations are most popular early in the morning or in the evenings, a recurring theme throughout the report is how Singapore’s low crime rate makes it ideal as a safe exercise environment. The emphasis on collaborative activities and integrating fitness with social behavior is also contributing to the increasing popularity of community-based activities as a platform for non-standard workout routines, such as high-intensity interval training (HIIT). With the recent launch of the “Active Health Lab Research Facility” by the Health Promotion Board in June 2019, this trend towards using technology to support fitness research programs has been further strengthened, and this will also likely drive students and researchers towards innovative digital solutions. Through this report, we’d like to address the following four core questions: What are the recent trends in using increasingly innovative solutions to support exercise and fitness research in the public? Why is it considered a good method for modifying the current living environment in a strategic way? What are the effects of collaborative activities on changing society and behavior in Singapore? How can innovative technologies and exercise solutions generate new demands, new perceptions, and new behaviors among Singaporeans?
Section 1.1. Overview of urban fitness trends
Importance of Outdoor Gym Singapore
Taken as a whole, it is proven that group activities play a significant role in sustaining one’s interest in exercises. Albeit the fact that both outdoor workouts and group activities have manifold benefits, one cannot deny that each comes with its own unique set of benefits and limitations. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals to strike a balance between both types of activities to maximize the results of their exercise regimes.
However, one clear advantage of outdoor fitness activities is its relatively lower cost when compared to the purchasing of a gym membership. Many outdoor activities are often free for all, such as using the public swimming pool or engaging in recreational games at the park. On the other hand, organized group activities are known to offer something extra – friendship, commitment and perhaps a little competitiveness. A survey conducted by Loughborough University’s Dr. Nicky Ridgers showed that people who attend group walks in the countryside or group swimming sessions tend to be more consistent in their exercise regimes. Another research study by Dr. Pamela Rackow and Professor Yannis Pitsiladis of the University of Brighton suggested that group activities, such as organised team sports, can lead to significant improvements in mental well-being. When asked why this is so, Dr. Rackow explained that through group exercises, individuals develop a sense of belonging and group cohesion, which in turn strengthen one’s commitment to the activity. This finding supports the observations made by adventure therapist and licensed counselor Ms. Estela Landeros, who has been advocating group-oriented outdoor activities as a form of therapy for many years. Through shared nature experiences and trust-building activities, the group members develop inter-personal skills and self-awareness. Ms. Landeros believes that this sets a good foundation for addressing many challenges in life.
In a study conducted by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, it was found that outdoor exercises bring about greater decreases in tension, confusion, anger and depression when compared to indoor activities. Professor Richard Ryan, a researcher in clinical and social psychology, believes that outdoor activities are more likely to lead to renewal and restoration of energy, given the ‘breathable’ aspect of the outdoors and the greater sense of personal space. He explains that the feeling of freedom in the open air is crucial for wellness. All these benefits make outdoor workouts an attractive option for the 21st century urbanite.
As the concept of fitness evolves, outdoor workouts and group activities have become a mainstay in the urban fitness culture. Nowadays, the modern urban dweller is busy and often encounters the paradox of choice. Cities and towns are bustling with fitness centres, yoga studios and innovative fitness start-ups – so much so that the sheer number of options can be overwhelming. Here is where outdoor workouts come in. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, incorporating outdoor activities into one’s fitness regime can lead to improved mental well-being, as outdoor exercises tend to have a restorative effect on the mind and reduce stress. This is something many urbanites can benefit from.
Outdoor Workouts
Gyms can be daunting, especially if some gym equipment may be viewed as complicated or dangerous to use. Outdoor fitness equipment is designed to be used by any individual, regardless of their experience with workout equipment, and anyone over the age of 14 can make use of the facilities for free. Gyms can be daunting, especially if some gym equipment may be viewed as complicated or dangerous to use. Outdoor fitness equipment is designed to be used by any individual, regardless of their experience with workout equipment, and anyone over the age of 14 can make use of the facilities for free.
Research shows that living in an urban environment increases the risk of some mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, and these can be alleviated by exposure to green spaces. After a good workout in fresh air, people generally go home feeling a lot happier and more positive in their everyday lives. Studies have shown that if an individual exercises on outside fitness equipment, rather than just using the equipment inside a gym, they are likely to feel more energized and see more physical and physiological benefits.
There are a lot of health benefits of working out outside, as you can find just about anywhere. The different terrains and the scenery changes that can occur from one park to the next or even one trail to the next are astonishing. Plus, fresh air and the sounds of nature create a comforting feeling while exercising. Exercising outdoors can also give you an opportunity to socialize with friends and laugh and talk while getting a good workout at the same time. Instead of driving to the nearest gym in the local community, you could go for a run in the park and exercise in the fresh air. Also, doing a workout in the gym can be very disheartening and may start to feel like a chore.
Outdoor workouts can be more challenging, and many people think it’s because the landscape creates natural obstacles. But the truth is that most people find it more challenging because there is no fitness equipment outside, so people think they can’t perform the same fitness exercises. This pushes people out of their comfort zone and forces them to work harder. This, in turn, leads to greater results and higher fitness levels, which is the main goal for anyone exercising after all.
Benefits of Outdoor Workouts
Exercising outdoors is an enjoyable way to get in touch with nature and unwind from a stressful day. Research has proven that natural settings and fresh air can increase levels of tranquility and decrease tension, making your workout more beneficial for your mind, body, and soul. This is something which you cannot attain at an indoor fitness center. By just viewing trees, plants, green open spaces, and listening to the sounds of nature, it can make your outdoor workout far more enjoyable and tranquil. Moreover, when you exercise at a fitness center, you will most likely have to wait for the use of fitness equipment you require, which can be time-consuming and frustrating. On the other hand, outdoor exercises give you the freedom to do your training whenever you feel like it and with no restrictions of time. So you won’t waste time waiting for equipment used by other exercisers. Also, the majority of the outdoor exercises are free. This means that you can save a great deal of money on membership fees and monthly subscriptions. Plus, you do not have the trouble of commuting to the fitness center, dealing with traffic, and finding a parking space. Through outdoor workouts, you get the freedom from enclosed cubicles and artificial air, as well as move in a less structured, more versatile environment. You can adopt natural elements such as the side of a hill for some incline work or running on sand for resistance training. This uptake in variability can produce more fulfilling workouts and faster results in weight loss, toning, and strength gain.
Popular Outdoor Fitness Activities
Even with limited spaces due to the dense population in Singapore, outdoor activities and fitness programs are found everywhere. Customs are maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and the good news is there are countless places where one can take pleasure in such activities. One of the popular outdoor activities is the Aerobics and Body Toning Exercise, which is normally held at the void deck area within the public housing estate. Most sessions are conducted in the late evening and it is common to see groups of participants in their sports attire and exercising enthusiastically to the accompaniment of lively music. They had a choice of either joining the line-dance aerobics which involves low impact, high-energy dance movements, or the body toning exercise which combines aerobic workout with stretching and muscle toning movements using resistance bands and body bars. Another popular outdoor activity is jogging. MacRitchie Reservoir and East Coast Park are the popular places where runners can get pleasure from the stunning views and tranquility in the morning and finished off with a delicious meal at the food centres nearby. In addition to jogging, many Singaporeans also joined the Water-Venture, Learn-to-Row programme. The activity is organised by public service provider such as the People’s Association, Civil Service Club and the National Community Leadership Institute and it is to enable participants to learn the basic skills and knowledge of the rowing sport. The Sembawang Park, where the programme is normally conducted, attracts people from different walks of life to take part in this meaningful and exciting activity. Not only that, more and more people are developing interest in sea sports, including windsurfing and sailing. It is the best to gather a few friends and form a group to learn the sea sport together. Singaporeans can surf from dawn to dusk at the ECP’s Aloha Sea Sports Centre, which offers windsurfing boards and sails rental at affordable rates. In addition, various courses such as the 2-day windsurfing programme and the Optimist Dinghy Sailing Programme are offered to children, organised by the People’s Association Water-Venture and the National Sailing Centre, Singapore. Last but not least, an activity which is getting increasingly popular is the Nordic Walking, introduced in Singapore in year 2005. This whole body exercise started as a summer training method for Finnish cross-country skiers and it soon enjoyed a phenomenon growth Europe. Well-renowned for its multiple health benefits, Nordic Walking is especially suitable for active adults and people of all ages, and it is an excellent physical activity for those seeking simple yet effective method that can improve health and well-being.
Tips for Safe and Effective Outdoor Workouts
By following these tips and guidelines, you can maintain a safe and effective outdoor workout routine, thereby reaping the full benefits of exercising in natural environments. With everyone else not bothering and you have the green spaces all to yourself, we think we’ve done a great job in convincing you to move your workout outdoors! Have fun!
A final point to remember is that you need to be very aware of the different types of insects native to Singapore when working out in parks, the countryside, or jungle areas. Sand-flies, ants, mosquitoes and ticks are the most common concerns. Make sure you use an insect repellent containing ‘deet’, and where necessary apply calamine lotion or antihistamines to ease itching and inflammation. And if you develop a fever, severe headache, rash, or joint, muscle or bone pain, seek medical attention immediately, as these could be signs of a more serious illness resulting from insect bites.
If you’re going hiking, cycling, or taking part in any other form of outdoor exercise outside of Singapore, it would also be a wise idea to take your mobile phone, some water and if you either let someone know, or take them with you. Even if you don’t want your friends to come along, having a phone can save you from a real problem if you get into trouble.
If you workout at night, make the effort to wear bright clothing or put on a high-visibility vest, so you can be easily seen by cyclists, cars or other people. And if, heaven forbid, anything should happen (after all, accidents do happen sometimes), it could be incredibly important that you have some form of identification on you. If you don’t have any form of ID on you, make sure someone else knows your name and who to call in case of an emergency.
We’ve all been there; you’ve had a great workout, you’re feeling pleased with yourself… and then the familiar ache becomes apparent. You push through it, but then the ache turns into, well, a pain. Don’t let that pain be the result of a lack of stretching. It’s easy to neglect stretching, especially if you’re pushed for time. But not stretching properly, or even at all, can mean your muscles shorten and become tight. This can then lead to a strain being put on your joints. So, try and set aside time at the beginning and the end of your workout to stretch your muscles out and give them a chance to lengthen and ease.
First and foremost, be mindful of the weather. Singapore is a hot and humid country, and the weather can change quite suddenly. Play it safe and avoid working out in the sun between 10am and 4pm, when the sun’s rays are the strongest. And if you’re planning an outdoor workout later in the day, bear in mind that the thunderstorms this time of year can creep up on you.
Group Activities
In contrast to individual workouts, signing up with group fitness tasks or lessons can be a great deal more enjoyable and sociable. According to a research study published by the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, working out in a group decreases tension and raises the level of physical, emotional as well as mental quality of life considerably higher than working out alone. The advantages of group tasks do not simply stop at individual health and wellness. Most importantly, with group tasks, they can be customized right into any kind of workout that is suitable for groups. From high-intensity interval training to yoga exercises and dance workout – group tasks offer a flexible fitness program that can be adjusted according to different fitness levels and strength. This allows everyone to push themselves to their limits, whether that may mean running faster, lifting more weights or enduring intense periods workout cycles. Contrary to common belief, group tasks are not especially for professional athletes or individuals already in shape. Members in group tasks can inspire each other. Instructors for group tasks recognize that individuals have different fitness levels and they allow options to choose the intensity level that suits the participants. This ability to collaborate in a social setting while doing exercise is unique to group tasks. Such social interaction helps our mental health as well as promoting a more consistent, constant physical healthy way of life. Singapore is home to a substantial variety of group tasks and fitness classes. For someone who wants to have fun while getting a good cardiovascular and strength workout, kickboxing could be their best choice. Given the benefits of group tasks and the wide availability of classes in Singapore, you will be spoiled for choices. Whether you want to dance, do yoga, fight it out in the ring or pedal your way to fitness, chances are you will find something that suits your interests and fitness level. And the best part is, many of these activities are held in the city parks or the beautiful beaches of Singapore. This provides the opportunity to enjoy the scenic views and to get fresh air while doing exercise, which is an added bonus to the overall health benefits from group tasks.
Advantages of Group Fitness Activities
The essay then proceeds to discuss the benefits of group fitness activities. It explains that group activities provide an effective workout for participants and are accompanied by a structured workout routine. Classes are usually conducted by professional fitness trainers who will guide and motivate the participants throughout the session. This is beneficial as it offers the expertise of the professionals in the classes which can be safer and more effective than independent training. Moreover, the social environment might help to improve the mood and self-esteem, and reduce the feelings of isolation or depression. Many individuals push themselves harder in a community-based class than they would do training alone. The so-called “group effect” gives them more energy and a better workout in a friendly and productive environment. Furthermore, joining a class can help build relationships with others who may share the same passion. These relationships extend beyond the classes and will give the participants a sense of community and belonging. The group activities mentioned by the essay include popular team sports like basketball and football, group fitness classes and outdoor group activities. The essay complements the text with a brief tip on how to choose the right group fitness class, essentially summarizing the advantages and the type of activities available. The essay concludes by expressing support for group fitness activities and that readers should embrace urban fitness trends for a healthier lifestyle, which summarizes the advantages covered in the essay.
Types of Group Fitness Activities in Singapore
Last but not least, the popular Zumba is a perfect workout for anyone who enjoys dancing to music. Zumba involves dance and aerobic movements performed to energetic music. The choreography incorporates hip-hop, soca, samba, salsa, merengue and mambo, as well as bollywood and belly-dancing moves. The sessions usually are about an hour long and it starts with a slow rhythm to warm up before increasing the pace of the music and movements to help burn more calories. Also, for those who love water, Aqua Zumba is definitely a good choice. There is also strong demand for Aqua Zumba classes in Singapore. Aerobic exercises in water have been proven to be beneficial and suitable for people of all ages. The natural resistance provided by Aqua Zumba works and tones the muscles. The support of water also eases the joints and hence minimizes the risk of injury during exercise. Not to mention that being in the pool, one will feel cool and comfortable in spite of the sweating. Overall, there are diversified options for group fitness activities and different people can find their own favourite workout.
On the other hand, if you prefer something more calming and relaxing, Yoga, a popular mind-body workout, may be your choice. It involves a series of movements and poses, breathing exercises, as well as a final deep relaxation. Yoga classes offer much more than just a physical workout. It is a total mind-body workout which combines strengthening and stretching poses with deep breathing and meditation or relaxation. There are many different kinds of Yoga and it is best to find a suitable Yoga practice for one’s own individual needs. For example, there are classes such as Hatha Yoga, which focuses on the physical postures and breathing control. On the contrary, in a class like Vinyasa Yoga, the pace is quick and one breathes in sync with the instructor’s directions. Also, pregnant women can make use of the pre-natal Yoga classes to keep themselves active and healthy, as well as prepare themselves physically and mentally for childbirth.
Boxercise is a high intensity and fun workout which has gained popularity among many fitness enthusiasts in Singapore. As its name implies, Boxercise is based on the training concepts boxers use to keep fit. Classes can take a variety of formats but a typical one may involve shadow-boxing, skipping, hitting pads, kicking punch bags, press-ups, shuttle-runs and sit-ups. The instructors may tailor them to suit the attendees. In addition, the music is lively and those who are participating will find themselves being swept off their feet by the rhythm. Such classes are mainly suitable for individuals who are looking for a challenging and interesting workout.
Finding and Joining Group Fitness Classes
In the previous section, it is highlighted the advantages of participating in a group fitness class and also the different types of group fitness activities available in Singapore. To get the most enjoyment from a group class, it is important to find a class that is suitable to the fitness level and that also has a conducive location and timing. Firstly, one can start by asking for recommendations from friends, family, colleagues or even from a personal fitness trainer. Alternatively, the reader can go to the “Sport and Fitness” section in the yellow pages to look for a list of fitness centres and public or private organizations that offer group fitness classes. Most fitness centres provide one-day or weekend group class passes. This is a good opportunity to experience the teaching styles of the fitness instructors or simply to find out which class is the most enjoyable before committing to a full course. Fitness centres and instructors in Singapore provide classes with varying levels of intensity. For example, one can easily find a class that ranges from low intensity such as Stretch or Yoga and at the other end are high intensity classes such as Kickboxing or Step-Aerobics. Such information can be found from the published class schedules, the internet or simply ask the instructors for advice. Membership costs to fitness centers in Singapore may vary depending on the range of services and facilities provided. While some fitness centers require members to sign some form of package, where members have to pay an upfront fee for a fixed number of classes, some centres offer flexible schemes. For example, members can just walk in and pay on a per session basis. As Singaporeans become more health-conscious and the fitness industry continues to grow, there is an increasing number of fitness centers that offer exciting and innovative fitness programs such as Pilates Reformer and Hydro workouts. Well-equipped fitness centers with a comfortable work-out ambience, qualified and friendly fitness professionals and a wide range of fitness programs are located conveniently all over the island.
Benefits of Socializing through Group Fitness
Thanks to the advancement in technology, group fitness is no longer restricted to when schedules of the classes and instructors match with ours. Now we have all the access to virtual fitness community platforms which offer different ranges of fitness classes, live or pre-recorded, of all different sorts. This further strengthens the bonding among members who share the same interest and regularly attend their favorite virtual classes. Not limited to only building relationships, the technological network in virtual community also serves as an interactive column for discussions and tips for further improving from all aspects, including nutrition and workout plans.
Given that group fitness activities in Singapore encompass such a wide range of choices and styles, you will easily find something that suits your personal taste while being able to customize weekly exercise plans with the flexibility of different schedules. With the added benefit of plentiful opportunities for a post-workout tea and chat, group fitness turns into a fulfilling lifestyle which is important for long-term continuity.
Also, participating in a group class that includes others at different fitness levels, variety of ages and diversity make socializing through fitness more interesting. When exercising in the company of others, one might be more distracted and therefore pushes through the pains more effectively which leads to a more fulfilling workout. Also, it is always safer to workout in numbers and have someone around to spot if anything goes wrong. This is why many group fitness classes involve partner exercises and team workouts. It infuses a social dynamic and interactivity in the class, makes a good platform to communicate, increases sense of humanity, and boosts morale.
Research has shown that social support is a key component of successful weight loss and fitness. In fact, according to a 2015 study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, the social elements of group weight loss competitions are the significant factors that result in weight loss. This is because social influence and support is a key motivator to improve, and the mutual exchange of encouragement and inspiration helps to boost each other’s performance. In this way, working out in a group fitness setting makes it much more likely that one will consistently attend the class and create positive relationships through the shared experience of exercise.
Well-planned urban fitness tools for the residents in Singapore is a right step towards a long way in achieving goals of healthy lifestyle and that remains as a major mission to the National Sports Association. People are often looking for the best reasons to try new things and step out of their daily routine to make a positive change. By presenting the benefits of outdoor and group activities and offering some tips to get involved in these activities, I hope my writing could inspire readers to try once and make a change for life. As the saying goes “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” When it comes to outdoor workouts, experts say that the change in environment and different scenery will keep things interesting. There are plenty of outdoor activities that people can try in this garden city and I hope readers can give a try to the popular fun outdoor activities like hiking, bicycling, swimming, and aerobic.