8 Fun and Effortless Ways To Keep Fit

Gym memberships are a long-term commitment. But nobody likes to queue up for unkept weights machines and treadmills covered in perspiration… NOBODY.

If you’re sick and tired of the gym, why not try other workouts that train your body in more ways than one! Believe or not, some of these workouts could actually be more effective than a regular gym workout.

Furthermore, trying new workouts forces your body to work harder to adjust. When you do the same workouts for a long time, your progress will eventually plateau because you are using fewer calories to complete your workout. Hence, instead of continuing the same old gym routine, try one of the following fitness activities to keep fit!

1. Yoga

The health benefits of yoga have been severely underrated – Yoga is known to decrease stress, relieve anxiety, and improve flexibility and core strength. In fact, Yoga is also a great exercise for people who have had serious sports injuries in the past as it is a gentle but effective form of exercise. Moreover, Yoga promotes recovery and forces you to push past your physical limits.

Thinking of trying Yoga? HoneyCombers has compiled a list of the best Yoga studios in town. Click here to find out more.

2. Cross Country

If you need to get your heart-pumping workout in, try cross country! Running on the treadmill gets boring after a while, so take a run outside and admire the scenery instead. Furthermore, long distance runs also builds your legs strength stamina.

If you grow to love cross country, try gathering a group of friends to participate in a marathon or competitions!

Tip: train your calves by doing short uphill sprints.

3. Pilates

Pilates is a great exercise for anyone who hates cardio and wants to build up their upper body strength. It is also a low-impact workout that can transform your body with lower risks of injury. Pilates also makes you more flexible and teaches you to isolate your muscles.

If you’re not ready to commit to an 8-week class at a Pilates studio, try your hand at Pilates at home! Follow Cassey Ho of Blogilates for at-home and apartment-friendly Pilates workouts on her YouTube channel. Click here to try Pilates today!

4. Zumba

Even if you have no experience in dance, don’t shy away from Zumba! Zumba requires absolutely no experience in dance. In fact, a Zumba class feels more like a heart-pumping aerobics and partying workout session as the routines are fun but effective at warming up your body. Sometimes, people even forget that they are exercising! Show off your moves and boost your heart rate while grooving to the beat of the music with a sweaty Zumba session.

5. Ballet

Anyone can learn ballet. Even if you’ve not had any dance experience, there are beginner-friendly ballet lessons for all ages! Ballet teaches grace and poise while using your muscles in ways that improve posture, agility, and flexibility. It is a full-body workout experience that also gets you more aware and confident of your body in an elegant and graceful manner.

6. Aerial Silk

This sport is not for the faint-hearted as it involves acrobatic movements at high heights. Regardless, Aerial Silk classes strengthen your upper body and core without any impact at all. Aerial silk also trains your body to get more flexible and agile. Best of all, it is a great way to cut weight and tone your body without any bruising or high-impact movements. Get a leaner and stronger body with aerial silk today!

7. Swimming

Even before Joseph Schooling’s win at the 2016 Olympics, swimming has been a sport loved by numerous in Singapore. And it’s no wonder why – swimming is a great cardio workout that does not involve excessive sweating or high-impact movements but still gets your body warmed up and heart rate pumping. Swimming is also a full-body workout that uses nearly all your muscles.

8. Pole Dance

Pole Dance has evolved to become an officially recognized sport thanks to the Global Association of International Sports Federation (GAISF). It trains your core and forces you to overcome your own physical limits and fears. Pole Dance is also a sport that is open to people of all body types and ages. Whether you are looking to lose weight, gain weight or build muscle, pole dance is a fun way to experiment with your body, develop upper body strength, and lean out your body.

If you’ve been on the fence about grooving it out on the pole, check out Daily Vanity’s article about what beginners should expect and how pole dance has become one of their writer’s favourite weekend activity!