Joining group exercise classes is about the easiest way to get fit.
Joining group exercise classes is about the easiest way to get fit.
All you need to do is show up in your sportswear. The rest will do its job.
What exercises to do? Your instructor will tell you. How to do them? He will teach you. Need a towel, mat or dumbbells? The gym provides all.
Essentially, group exercise classes are about empowering you to work out, so you have #noexcuses.
When you’re surrounded by like-minded women, magic takes place. You’ll try things you’ve never done before, go harder than you normally would, and even hold a difficult pose for longer without batting an eyelid. Because you’re sweating it out as a group (some call it suffering), with no judgment or expectations, you’ll want to give your all.
Through group exercise classes, you’ll also brush up on these areas of fitness: strength, power, agility, flexibility and endurance.
This year, group training has been identified by the American College of Sports Medicine to be one of the top fitness trends. That’s no surprise, given the rising number of gyms and novel exercise classes in Singapore. They are here to stay.
Over the last few months, a group of sports enthusiasts – including the Shape team – have been hard at work, sussing out the latest and hippest fitness classes in Singapore to see which ones are worth your sweat.
Whether you’re a HIIT girl or a laid-back yogi, you’re about to find classes that will excite you. Welcome to #thesweatlife.
REVIEWERS
CURIOUS ABOUT THE WINNERS? BUT FIRST, MEET THE FITNESS-CRAZY TESTERS…
1 ESTELLE LOW, 29, Shape writer
Does yoga, swimming and running
I work out because…I want to be fit enough to carry and run after my kid! And, of course, look good in my favourite activewear.
Reviewing fitness classes has taught me… the importance of being open-minded. I was surprised to learn new ways to do old moves. That helped me activate muscles that were neglected!
I always tell myself… every step counts, whether it’s climbing the stairs or doing two minutes of squats.
2 LANA NGUYEN, 26, Shape designer
Does pilates, yoga and circuit training
I work out because… i t’s transformational to both my body and mind. I feel much more confident when I exercise regularly.
The best thing about group exercise classes is… they are fun, energising, and motivate me not to give up.
I always tell myself… impossible is not a fact; it’s an opinion.
3 ZARELDA MARIE GOH, 36, Shape editor
Does running, barre, yoga and high-intensity interval training
I work out because… exercise relieves stress. It’s often “meditation in motion” for me. I also work out to stay lean and toned, and so that I can eat whatever I want, especially now that my metabolism is slowing down, no thanks to age!
Group exercise classes make me… push myself harder, because I’m a competitive person.
I always tell myself… you’re only one workout away from a good mood.
4 DAWN CHEN, 25, Shape writer
Does running and pilates
I work out because…I ’m inspired to get stronger, especially since I often suffer from back aches and a stiff neck.
What I learned from attending fitness classes is… that I really value classes with an emphasis on good form. I’m all for injury-free workouts.
I always tell myself… no matter how slow you go, you’re still faster than everyone else sitting on the couch.
GYM CLASSES
BEST TRAMPOLINE FITNESS GYM CLASS
Bbounce – Bbounce Lite
What Learn the basics of rebounding while grooving to the latest club music. All your muscles will be activated as you try to balance and look graceful on the trampoline.
Our tester says “The workout was really fun and I felt energised after that. Overall, it’s a great cardio workout!”
MOST COMPREHENSIVE SPINNING GYM CLASS
Crucycle – All Levels (The Pack Ride)
What A multi-level class for those looking to push themselves. Light weights and core exercises are incorporated into the 50-minute ride.
Our tester says “Besides the u sual spinning, I got to work my arms and abs from the strength training exercises built in.”
THE REST OF OUR PANEL...
Cleo Chen, 28, admin manager
Does pilates
Karen Tan, 43, community partnerships manager
Does yoga, pole dancing and running
Kyla Tan, 27, image stylist
Does running and highintensity interval training
Chng Shanying, 34, procurement manager
Does reformer pilates, yo ga, high-intensity interval training, horse riding, running, ballet and swimming
Sharon Tan, 30 , account manager
Does running and highin tensity interval training
Siti Raudhah, 27, marketing executive
Does running
Stephanie Chan, 25, assistant psychologist
Does running and strength training
Stephanie Seah, 29, senior risk analyst
Does high-intensity interval t raining, pilates and running
Lim Yi Xuan, 29, marcom manager
Does running, yoga and s trength training
MOST COMPREHENSIVE BARRE GYM CLASS
Barre2Barre - Barreamped
What This 55-minute class introduces you to the fundamental movements of a barre workout, with a focus on alignment and building stamina to move on to the next level.
Our tester says “The class was well thought out. The instructor made sure everyone could do the moves with proper form and using the right muscles. When she saw us struggling with some exercises, she tweaked them so we would still get a good workout without over-exerting ourselves. Time passed by so quickly!”
MOST BEGINNERFRIENDLY DANCE FITNESS GYM CLASS
Amore Fitness – Cardiolatino
What An innovative aerobic workout that challenges your coordination through samba, rumba, cha cha, paso doble and jive elements.
Our tester says “I’m not into dance, but I enjoyed this! My instructor, Fernando, made sure to repeat the dance steps so that the new students could keep up. He was friendly and encouraging, telling everyone that the most important thing is to move and have fun.”
MOST CHALLENGING DANCE FITNESS GYM CLASS
True Fitness – U-Jam Fitness
What A heart-pumping dance sequence that involves catchy hip-hop and Bollywood moves to the beat of the latest chart toppers.
Our tester says “The energetic vibes are so infectious. I worked up a good sweat and walked out feeling lighter and ready to tackle anything.”
BEST STRENGTH TRAINING GYM CLASS
Kulture – R-remix
What Do resistance training exercises to the beat of catchy music. You’ll learn to use the resistance band to tone and sculpt different parts of the body.
Our tester says “The good variety of moves kept me engaged throughout.”
BEST EXPRESS CIRCUIT TRAINING GYM CLASS
Contours Express – Circuit Training
What In 30 minutes, do a combination of cardio, toning and flexibility exercises using gym machines. Each exercise is done for 45 seconds, followed by a 15-second break.
Our tester says “There was never a dull moment. My body was challenged to adapt to each exercise quickly, as I alternated between the machines and floor work. The female-only environment motivated me to give my all.”
BEST EXPRESS SPINNING GYM CLASS
Fitness First – Procycling Individual Sprint
What This 45-minute class will bring out your competitive streak. It’s all about fast pace and increasing your speed levels using interval training. Expect stronger endurance, power and cardio fitness.
Our tester says “I like how the instructor placed a countdown timer at the front of the class to show the duration of each sprint. It helps students pace themselves and encourages them to persevere.”
MOST CONDUCIVE MUM & BABY CLASS
Upside Motion – Babies On Board – Xtend Barre
What Targeted at new mums with babies who aren’t actively crawling or walking, this post-natal class focuses on strengthening the arms, abs and lower body using a combination of ballet, yoga and pilates moves. Infants will be held in the baby carrier for the first half of the class.
Our tester says “I broke out in sweat very quickly, thanks to the additional 9kg weight of my baby. During the workout, my baby was entertained by her mirror reflection and the colourful exercise balls used in the routine. Instructor Beatriz was quick to provide variations whenever I had difficulty doing any of the exercises.”
MOST COMPREHENSIVE AERIAL FITNESS GYM CLASS
Virgin Active – Anti-gravity Aerial
What Hone your strength and flexibility by learning to do tricks and poses safely using a silk hammock. In no time, you’ll be able to perform flips like an aerial gymnast.
Our tester says “The hammock was adjusted to suit every individual’s height. While holding inverted poses, I got a good stretch and strength workout at the same time. Also, the spacious environment with dim lights let me clear my mind and relax.”
BOOTCAMP CLASSES
MOST ENJOYABLE HYBRID BOOTCAMP CLASS
Bbounce – Hybrid Rebounding
What If you’re looking for the ultimate class to test yourself, this is it. In 50 minutes, you’ll do fast-paced cardio and strengthening moves while jumping on a mini-trampoline.
Our tester says “My heart rate shot up and I sweated a ton! Bouncing on the trampoline was super-liberating and had little impact on my joints.”
BEST OUTDOOR BOOTCAMP CLASS
Ufit – Shefit
What Conducted in the Singapore Botanic Gardens, MacRitchie Reservoir and Bishan Park, this female-only bootcamp is created to shape and strengthen your body, while making sure you have a blast in nature.
Our tester says “In between a series of squats, skipping and push-ups, there was a significant amount of cardio, such as running up and down a slope. The equipment used was clean and in good condition. I appreciated that the instructor chose shady spots for us to do the exercises.”
BEST EXPRESS HYBRID BOOTCAMP CLASS
7Cycle – 7Cycle Bootcamp: Core and Strength
What A 35-minute high-intensity interval that combines spinning with body weight, plyometric and functional training exercises.
Our tester says “I like the good mix of exercises, which worked my whole b ody, especially the abs, butt and thighs. It was a fun and challenging workout that taught me some new moves.”
YOGA CLASSES
BEST STRENGTH & CONDITIONING YOGA CLASS
True Yoga – Hot & Hip Therapy
What Traditional hatha yoga in a 37-deg-C heated room, paying special attention to poses that increase mobility and flexibility around the hip joints. This class is designed for those with hip stiff ness and/or injuries.
Our tester says “The heated studio loosened up my muscles quickly so I could go deeper into the poses. During this rehabilitative class, I got to try poses and variations I’d not done before.”
BEST ALIGNMENT YOGA CLASS
Como Shambhala – Power & Stretch
What Spanning 75 minutes, the first half of this class features power yoga to build strength and stamina, while the next half consists of a gentle stretching sequence to calm down the nervous system. There’s a strong emphasis on alignment.
Our tester says “It helped that there were two instructors l eading this class. One would lead the class while the other went around to check our form and alignment. They were really adept at explaining the poses so everyone could understand how to do them properly.”
MOST RELAXING YOGA CLASS
Alpha Balance – Yin & Restorative Yoga
What A slow-paced yoga that involves mainly sitting and lying-down poses that are held for several minutes. Props like cushions, yoga blocks and therapy balls may be used.
Our tester says “My yoga teacher, Laurence, was very clear and d etailed in her explanation, and gave many options to suit different needs. Her calming voice made me even more relaxed. This class is perfect for both newbies and experienced yogis.”
PILATES CLASSES
