Fitness Minutes 13: Recession Proof Fitness

A teacher friend of mine flinched as she was calculating how much she spends on fitness activities every month. She has a 2 year gym membership that she pays via an interest-free installment scheme and also spends $60 every weekend to get her wakeboarding fix. In all, she spends close to $200 per month and that does not include the transport and parking costs to get to the fitness facilities! With all the scary financial news out there, there is a very real possibility that such discretionary spending will soon catch up with you if it has not already…

Are there any inexpensive or even free alternatives to get fit while having fun too? Fortunately, the answer is yes! Other than jogging and walking, here are some ideas and activities will keep your hear rate going!
 

Trekking

The slopes of Bukit Timah Hill (The highest natural summit in Singapore) provide a challenging and fun alternative to the stationery stair climber in the gym! If you re unfamiliar with the hills, the easiest way to the summit is to get the free pamphlet from the Nature Reserve Visitor Center at the trailhead which has a simple topography map with colored routes.

Another great place to trek is at the Southern Ridges trail connecting Mount Faber, Telok Blangah Hill and Kent Ridge. My favorite part of the trail is climbing up the pre-war granite steps cut into the forest at Mount Faber. A close second would be to walk on the magnificent Henderson Waves and Alexandra Arch. The experience is refreshing and the scenery is simply breathtaking!

 
Fitness Bootcamp

If you fancy working out as a team, make new friends and enjoy a combo of fitness activities such as kickboxing, yoga, circuit-training and obstacle course, take part in one of these bootcamp sessions that are available at almost every major park on the island. The best part about these sessions is that there is no long term money committent. You only pay when you join the sessions. Hit www.fitnessbootcamp.sg for more info.
 
Rope Skipping

Inexpensive, effective and convenient! For those of you want to pick up new rope-skipping styles or to simply learn the basic bounce, there are free lessons being conducted at East Coast Park every Saturday. Check out www.skipping.sg for details.

 
Team Sports

Most of us have got a deflated soccer, rugby ball or a Frisbee stashed somewhere. Gather a few buddies for a kick-about or a game of Touch Rugby at the nearby fields. You get to catch up with your friends and get fit all at once!

 
Finally, avoid the trap of "recession pounds", weight put on by eating less healthy food as a result of financial hardship and other unhealthy activities such as smoking. Instead take this opportunity to engage in sport and fitness, which are productive activities in managing stress.
 
 
Health and Energy
 
Hansen Bay
Coach (Health & Wellness)
BA P.E.(S,pore)
Dip Hypnotheraphy (USA) NGH,IMDHA,IACT
M (65) 97939745
F  (65) 65828922
www.vitagefitness.com
"The First Wealth is Health"-Ralph Waldo Emerson
 
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