Picture brawny weightlifters focused on strength training with barbells, kettlebells and weight machines. We get it. Gyms can be incredibly intimidating, especially for beginners new to working out. If you're looking to improve your personal fitness, there are plenty of classes in Singapore to keep that motivation going strong. Cardio (short for cardiovascular conditioning) exercise is another great alternative for anyone looking to get those endorphins in. Known to be an aerobic activity, cardio exercises help in heart health and endurance—whether it be running, cycling, swimming or more. Best of all, they aren't limited to a gym. Neither do you require fancy equipment! In this article, we've sifted out a list of interesting classes to try. They all go beyond typical weightlifting, but you’ll still feel the burn from a great workout. 

1. Stand Up Paddling

Forget surfing on rough waters—here’s another water sport that’s worth checking out. Better known as Stand Up Paddling (or SUP), this is a form of exercise that works as a hybrid between surfing and canoeing. Unlike surfing, SUP doesn’t rely on natural elements like the wind or waves. Rather, it thrives on Singapore’s calm and placid waters.

As its name suggests, SUP is a sport where you get to paddle across water all while standing on a paddle board. Sounds simple enough, but don’t take it lightly either. This form of exercise is great for working out those core and thigh muscles, as you’ll be expected to maintain your balance against the unpredictable flow of water currents while paddling.

One place that you can go to learn SUP is at the Constant Wind Sea Sports Centre. Nestled in a tranquil spot in Changi, this centre’s targeted at both watersports veterans and rookies alike. If you’re just starting out, check out the two-hour basic course (S$80 per pax). This provides a quick introduction to the functions of the SUP board, including paddling techniques such as forward strokes, and how to safely stand and launch into the open waters. 

Beyond that, the centre also conducts courses designed for team or family bonding. For more information regarding these packages, contact them at 6445 5108 or via email.


Address: 11 Changi Coast Walk, Singapore 499740
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday—9:30am to 5:45pm

2. Pole Dancing

Looking to train your upper body and core? You should definitely try out pole dancing. Not only is pole dancing a great discipline to learn how to move better, it also celebrates the beauty of the human form.

In many ways, it's an art form that’s all about embracing one’s sensuality alongside fitness goals. You’ll get to express yourself as you learn tricks, transitions and routines. Above all, it’s about growing body confidence with each class. 

Worried about suitability? At The Brass Barre, you’ll get to try out a 1-hour trial class first. For S$15, this provides a good introduction to the bare basics before you decide to commit to a longer-term package.

For a more well-structured syllabus, try its eight-week course (S$275) which focuses on strengthening foundations critical to your pole dancing journey. These include inverted tricks like the back hook and cradle spin. Of course, feel free to sign up for a private class (S$130/hour) if you’re relatively shy and prefer learning at your own pace.  


Address: 277 Orchard Rd, #02-24 Orchard Gateway, Singapore 238858
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday—11:30am to 10:00pm

3. Rebounding

If running isn’t your cup of tea, here’s another alternative to getting your cardio fix—rebounding. This is essentially an aerobic sport that allows you to bounce on a mini-trampoline along to heart-thumping music. If you loved jumping on the bed as a kid (most of us do), this is a great pick for you. 

Though rebounding looks like something for the young-at-heart, don’t be quick to underestimate the health benefits it brings. Even regular members will testify that it's no child’s play—one session is all it takes for you to feel the effects of this high-intensity, low-impact workout. From jumping jacks to frog leaps and more, you’ll be sure to leave the studio drenched in sweat. It’s even said to burn up to 900 calories within an hour!

For the full experience of LED light displays and club bangers, head to Bouncefit by Kulture. The difficulty level of the classes ranges from Lite to Killer Burns—the former is slower and perfect for beginners, while the latter is meant for high-endurance rebounders looking to torch as many calories within a single session. Currently, the four-session package costs S$100, while an unlimited subscription costs S$250 per month. Find out more about the different class offerings here.
 

Address: 12 Tai Seng Link, #08-02, Singapore 534233
Operating hours: Monday to Friday—6:00pm to 9:30pm, Saturday and Sunday—10:00am to 2:00pm

4. Bouldering

If you’re looking to obtain that lean-yet-muscled physique, look no further than bouldering—a sport involving free-form climbing performed on small rock formations. Daunting as bouldering might seem, there has actually been an increase in popularity among Singaporeans in recent years. 

In the city alone, you’ll find tonnes of bouldering gyms, including Climb Central, Boulder World and Boulder Movement. Each of these provides foundational classes for those with zero prior experience, but also intermediate options for seasoned climbers with greater pull strength and mobility.

Looking to expend your kid’s energy in a focused manner for fitness? One great kid-friendly option is The Rock School. Aside from catering to adults, they’ve got vibrant walls designed for children between the ages of two and 14. The Step Up! Coaching Programme (S$388), for instance, is well-suited for children as young as seven. This comprises in-depth lessons led by trained coaches. 

It’s hard to describe the sense of satisfaction one gets from conquering a wall. Within eight lessons, students get to learn a variety of things— different types of handholds, ways to scale to the top, and the best techniques to apply when faced with an obstacle. 

 

Climb Central
It has a total of four outlets. Find their address and operating hours here.

Boulder World
Address: 290 Orchard Rd, #06-25/26 Paragon Shopping Centre, Singapore 238859
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday—9:00am to 10:30pm

Boulder Movement
Address: 6A Shenton Way, #B1-03 Downtown Gallery, 068815
Operating hours: Monday—5:30pm to 10:00pm, Tuesday to Friday—12:00pm to 4:30pm, 5:30pm to 10:00pm, Saturday and Sunday—10:00am to 2:00pm, 3:00pm to 8:00pm

The Rock School
Address: Our Tampines Hub, 1 Tampines Walk, #02-81, 528523
Operating hours: Monday, Wednesday to Friday—11:00am to 10:00pm, Tuesday—4:30pm to 10:00pm, Saturday and Sunday—9:00am to 9:00pm

Address: Climb@T3, Changi Airport Terminal 3, #B3-01/02, Singapore 819663
Operating hours: Monday to Friday - 12:00pm to 9:30pm, Saturday and Sunday - 10:00am to 9:30pm

5. Spin Class

Picture yourself hovering above a stationary bike in a room with flickering strobe lights as a catchy tune builds up. In front of you is an energetic instructor hyping you up through the entire session. This is a common sight in any spin class—and if you haven't heard, they’re all the rage in Singapore right now. 

Cycling indoors on a stationary bike is a lot more fun than it sounds. Spin class, in reality, doesn’t only involve cycling. Rather, users are required to vary movements (from low to high postures) according to the beats of music playing in the background. It definitely commands a full-body workout, so be sure to pace yourself to prevent overstrain. 

With four studios across the island, Absolute Cycle is one of the top players in the spin class scene. Explore what it’s like to Rhythm Cycle with its beginners’ trial (three classes for S$49), or opt for more advanced class packs once you’re feeling more confident. For S$200, you’ll get five classes and access to all studios, valid for two months. 

Another great option to get that cardio high is Revolution—a homegrown brand that has made its mark in the local market. Here, expect to find themed rides, from pedalling to 2nd generation K-pop tunes to iconic R&B nights.

 

Absolute Cycle
For the full list of outlets and operating hours, visit this page.

Revolution
For the full list of outlets and operating hours, visit this page. 

6. Indoor Bungee

For something entirely different from the usual exercises, here’s a fun activity worth a shot: Indoor bungee. Forget what you know about the regular bungee. This contains some aspects of gravity-defying stunts—except that it’s done completely indoors. 

Here’s how it works: During a session, participants are strapped onto a harness that’s connected to an elastic cord. And as its name suggests, all you’ll need to do is bounce and soar. This buoyancy is similar to the feeling of swimming, yet it incorporates movements such as jumps and dives too. 

According to the Movement & Sports Medicine Centre, such classes help burn more calories than exercises like running. A huge bonus? It’s kinder on the joints. 

Elin Dance Studio offers exactly that and more. Apparently, a single class that lasts for 1.5 hours burns an estimated 700 to 1,100 calories. For families, consider opting for the Family Bungee too. It’s suitable for kids as young as four-years-old!
 

Movement & Sports Medicine Centre
Address: 151a Kitchener Road, #02, Singapore 208526
Operating hours: Monday to Friday—11:00am to 9:00pm, Saturday—12:00pm to 4:00pm, Sunday—11:00am to 4:00pm

Elin Dance Studio
Address: 896 Dunearn Rd, #03-03B/03C, Link@896, Singapore 589472
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday—10AM to 9:30PM
For enquiries on pricing and promotions, contact them here.

7. Water Biking

Say hello to water biking—the new kid on the cardio fitness block. If you’re clueless as to what this is, it’s essentially a type of exercise where you’ll find bike frames mounted on large water floats. 

Put simply, you’d be sitting and pedalling the same way you would on a normal bike, except that you’ll be doing it on water. Essentially, water biking allows you to move freely on the surface of the water and it’s perfectly safe even for those who don’t swim. Don’t worry, there will be safety officers looking out for you during the session—they’ll also be the ones to give you a strong push as you make your way out to sea. 

For a thrilling new way to explore Singapore’s eastern shores, be sure to check out WaterbikeSG at Pasir Ris Park. Rental rates begin at S$30 per hour, and each session comprises a life jacket, a storage dry bag and walkie talkie (for communicating with peers). 

This makes for a great family bonding activity too! Considering it’s relatively easy to manoeuvre, the minimum age requirement is only eight-years-old. Pro tip: We’d recommend wearing shorts and a dry-fit top to make the experience a little more comfortable.  
 

Address: Pasir Ris Close, Singapore 506927
Operating hours: Saturday and Sunday—9:00am to 6:00pm

 

When traditional fitness sessions fail to keep you going, that might be a sign to try something new. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to settle with a dull run around the neighbourhood; nor do you have to work out exclusively within the confines of a gym. Perhaps, the trick to getting fit is to mix things around every now and then. If any of these sound like your jam, go forth and let those feel-good endorphins kick in!

 

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