Audience: Fitness

Here Are 7 Things You Can Do At BOUNCE – Singapore’s Largest Indoor Trampoline Arena!

Most of us have heard of

One of the most attractive features at BOUNCE Singapore, The Wall uses all that energy from jumping on trampolines to run up a wall! While it might take a few tries for you to successfully climb the wall, you’re going to have a lot of fun just trying it out!

2. Slam Dunk

If you’re a basketball fan, Slam Dunk is going to be the first feature you should head to when you arrive at BOUNCE. Involving a basketball ring high above some runway trampolines, you can now finally slam dunk just like the pros! Drag some friends and get a little creative!

3. Big Bag

Seen those twist, turns and flips that adrenaline junkies seem to pull of flawlessly?  The Big Bag sits at the end of 2 trampolines, so you get the chance to pull off those advance moves you’ve been dying to try out! Best part? Even if you completely wipe out, the Big Bag is there to make sure you don’t break a bone!

4. Trampoline Dodgeball

(image source:

Put trampolines and Ninja Warrior together and you get X-Park! Combining elements of climbing, jumping and free-running, X-Park was designed to allow something challenging to expert trampoliners! Developed in collaboration with parkour enthusiasts, the X-Park requires agility and coordination, the X-Park is no walk in the park (pardon the pun)!

6. Parties & Events

(image credit:Ivan Joshua Loh)

Can’t find a unique and exciting place to hold your birthday party? Don’t fret because BOUNCE has got you covered! With 3 different Birthday Party Packages for birthday parties inclusive of food, you know you’re gonna have a ball of a time at BOUNCE!

(image credit:

If you think BOUNCE is just about jumping around on trampolines you could not be more wrong! BOUNCE has its own fitness class, BOUNCE FIT! A supercharged 45 minute exercise class that uses trampolines, this cardio workout is going to get you fit while having fun at the same time (Yes please)!

We decided to send our ambassadors to test out BOUNCE Fit and see if it’s worth the hype and if it’s as fun as promised! No surprise, THEY HAD A BLAST! Having a go at The Wall and the Free Jumping Arena, our ambassadors (Clare Chang, Noreen Fong) came out of BOUNCE Fit with huge smiles! And let’s be honest, where else would you be able to have a cardio workout without the ordeal?!

BOUNCE Fit classes are

$24/ Single Session, $108/5 Sessions, $192/10 Sessions $336/20 Sessions

Classes run on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 10am – 11am and 7pm – 8pm.

Entry to BOUNCE Singapore is pretty cheap at $24 for the 1st hour and $19 for each additional hour! Best part? They have student discounts as well! So what are you waiting for?!  Head on down to Cathay Cineleisure Orchard( yes it’s right in the heart of Orchard Road!) and test out BOUNCE Singapore yourselves!

BOUNCE Singapore
Cathay Cineleisure Orchard, 8 Grange Road, #09-01, S239695
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu, 10am – 10pm; Fri, 10am – 11pm; Sat: 9am – 11pm; Sun: 9am – 10pm
Opening Hours: 6816 2879

(feature imageRope Yoga & Kitesurfing? 6 Thrilling Sports For Adrenaline Junkies

How Does Floating Freely Feel? We Tried It Out At Palm Ave Float Club!

When you think fitness, what comes to mind is usually a fast-paced, sweaty workout to burn off those calorie-laden junk we’ve been feeding our bodies.

While that’s not wrong, a cardio workout hardly constitutes the entire concept of fitness. Fitness is a connection between the mind and body – which makes meditation a huge part of fitness.

It is a common misconception that, when the body is at rest, it is completely unproductive.

Well, here to bust that myth is a studio home to floatation pods and calm, meditative spaces for you to free your mind.

Palm Ave Float Club

Zero clutter, and away from the bustle of the city life that we’re all too familiar with – walking into this space was a breath of fresh air.

The vibe was zen, calming the mind and easing the body in preparation of a new environment: the floatation pod.

At the reception area, I was greeted by Cherie, who checked me in and handed me a cup of tea. It was my first time in a floatation pod, so Cherie talked me through the whole process of floating, and the healing properties of salt water.

The Floatation Pod & its benefits

Floating is a form of meditation.

Like all meditative practices, floating helps to clear the mind, calm the soul, and reset our bodies.

It is a mental detoxification, which is especially therapeutic in today’s digital age. We are not only glued to our digital devices like computers and handphones, we are also multi-tasking thanks to the functionalities of these devices.

Floating helps us to put aside such stressors and focus on the present.

To reap the full benefits of floating, your mind should be free from distraction for the whole 60 or 90 minutes. When you find yourself drifting to other thoughts, bring your focus back to your breath, or the atmospheric music played in the pod.

Be aware of what you’re feeling in your body, so you’ll leave the pod noticing the difference.

Each pod is filled with 500kg of epsom salt dissolved in water, making floating effortless. So don’t be afraid to lie back and relax. In addition to healing in the form of meditation, the buoyancy of the salt water helps to heal muscle aches and ease tensions in the body as well.

I guess it’s true what they say, “The cure for anything is salt water”.

What to expect

After the introduction, it was time to leave my insecurities at the door, strip down, and trust in salt water.

Source

Yes, one is recommended to float nude to feel weightless – after all, you do have an entire room to yourself. If putting on a swimsuit makes you feel more comfortable – by all means!

Due to hygiene purposes, it is necessary to take a shower before stepping into the pod. Don’t worry, soap, shampoo, and towels are provided.

Next, I popped in earplugs (also provided), switched off the lights, and stepped into the pod.

The water was at a comfortable temperature and felt slightly alkaline from the salt content. I took no time at all to familiarise myself with my new surroundings.

There was a spray bottle and a small towel hooked over a rod on the left, just in case I somehow managed to get salt water in my eye (I didn’t).

There were also large rubber buttons in the pod for me to switch the colour changing lights off within the pod as soon as I was comfortable.

My experience

I shut the pod and laid down, arms and legs stretched out like a starfish (in yoga terms, savasana). The pod was spacious – my hands and feet did not touch the edge of the pod, and the roof of the pod did not feel close to my face at all. As soon as I closed my eyes, I completely forgot that I was in a pod.

I’m pretty sensitive to motion when in the water, especially when I’m on a boat or on a paddleboard (I don’t get sick, but I do feel nauseous).

But while I was floating in the pod, I did not feel any motion.

That few minutes before I fell asleep, I actually heard white noise – a beat that sounded like it came from a turntable (apparently this is common). I then drifted into a deep sleep, dreamt, then woke up panicking because I forgot that I was in a floating pod – that was how comfortable I was!

The only thing I’d have done differently was to use the pool noodle provided to support my neck, because I felt slightly nauseous not from motion sickness, but from the weight of my head hanging down.

Overall, the experience was extremely relaxing and rejuvenating – I’d definitely be back!

As a self-professed worrywart, and someone who is constantly juggling too many things at once, I did feel more calm and alert after my float.

If you’d like to carry  your meditation on after that 60 or 90-minute long float, feel free to stay as long as you like at Palm Ave’s chill out spaces, and take in the breathtaking view of Kallang.

Palm Ave Float Club
Location:
66 Kampong Bugis, #05-01, Singapore 338987
20 Waringin Park, Singapore 416333
Website Better Than A Power Nap – Freedom Yoga Energises You In Just 30 Minutes!

Think Yoga Is Boring? Soulscape Is What Happens When Yoga Meets A DANCE PARTY!

SOULSCAPE: The Mindful Movement Festival is coming back to Tanjong Beach, Sentosa next month (October). The Soulscape Festival brings together movement, music and food in an event that will fully nourish your body and mind.

Participants can look forward to workshops that are aimed at holistic wellness such as AcroYoga, Lower and Upper Chakra Work and Rainbow Chakra Crystal Singing Bowls Sound Healing.

The highlight of Soulscape 2016 is the mass yoga session. Set against the backdrop of the setting sun with Denise Keller filling the shoes of yogi, this yoga experience will definitely be unforgettable!

If you’re a yoga novice or if you have been attending yoga and mediation classes for years, the Soulscape festival has something for everyone!

Hungry after a few sessions of deep mediation? Not to worry, Soulscape is partnering up with DoSIRAK  and they’re offering healthy and nutritious meals to fill you up! Get them when you purchase your ticket online or at the event itself!

Body & Soul Rejuvenation

Image source: SoulscapeFestival

End the night with a sacred song circle, that is bound to rejuvenate and fill your body and mind with soulful vibes and endless positive energy.

So if you’re looking to take a break from a hectic and busy week, Soulscape 2016 is the break that your body and minds needs!

Get your tickets here

SOULSCAPE: The Mindful Movement Festival
October 1 (Saturday) 2016
8am – 8pm
Tanjong Beach, Sentosa

Feature Image: CruCycle: When Hardcore Cycling Meets A Dance Party

Better Than A Power Nap – Freedom Yoga Energises You In Just 30 Minutes!

A common excuse I give for not being able to clock in a workout is that “I’m too busy” – and I’m sure I’m not the only one guilty of this. We neglect our bodies because we get so caught up with work sometimes. It’s important to strive to sweat once a day. That’s why Elvina Cheong, founder of Freedom Yoga, decided to put in place a 30-minute Energiser Express class. It’s perfect for busy individuals like you and me.

The Space

To cater to the corporate crowd, Freedom Yoga is strategically situated in the heart of the CBD. Its large, minimalistic interior, cosy chill out space, and high ceilings are a breath of fresh air – a change from the confines of a cramped office.

It is the perfect place to retreat to when you need a pick-me-up during your lunch break or a nice, long stretch after spending the day crouched over your desk.

The Energiser Express

I popped by Freedom Yoga at lunchtime on a weekday to clock in my 30-minute sweat. I love a strong practice, but I entered the class with no expectations of a challenging sequence.

I thought, “Just how challenging can a 30-minute class be?” But boy, was I wrong.

Elvina made the most of the 30 minutes, and worked every muscle in my body. There were no warm-ups to begin with, just a few vinyasa flows before we dived right into it.

“Plank, right knee to elbow, right knee to wrist, right knee to opposite elbow, right knee to opposite wrist, three-legged dog!”

My core was crying, but Elvina reminded us that we had to repeat the same sequence on our left side as well. She even managed to squeeze in an arm balance – my favourite crow pose, before transitioning into a vinyasa.

Talk about a quick and powerful workout!

The 30-minute class didn’t kill me like a 90-minute class would, but it sure made me work extra hard to burn as many calories in that little amount of time.

Thank goodness for shower rooms, because I surprisingly worked up a sweat in that 30 minutes (and I don’t even sweat easily!). I was refreshed, awake, and ready to take on the rest of the day. Looks like the Energiser Express class truly lives up to its name!

Freedom Yoga
Location: 137 Cecil Street, #12-01, Singapore 069537.
Website Mid-Autumn Fest: 5 Romantic Places To Visit With Your Date That Will Set Your Heart Aflutter

Brought to you by Discover SG x Collette Miles.

Here’s A Look At Funan’s New Revamped Look – And It Is Cool AF!

If you’re really into technology or if you’ve gotten replacements for your electronic gadgets over the years you would have stepped into Funan DigitaLife Mall at least once. The mall which has been closed since June, is known for selling electronic gadgets and computers. The former IT mall will continue to be closed until 2019, where it will reopen its doors as a mixed-used complex. But lucky for us, we got a sneak peak at what the new Funan will look and IT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND.

The New Funan

At 887, 000 sq ft the new and improved Funan will house offices, serviced apartments and 6 floors chock full of retail stores.
For comparison, the nearby Raffles City stands at only 421,720 sq ft! If you think Funan is losing its roots as the one stop shop for IT you are sorely mistaken! Funan is implementing a tech experience to its customers. Targeting mobile customers, you can now pick up your purchases at the Funan concierge or even get it delivered!

According to Mr Lim Ming Yan President and Group CEO of CapitaLand Limited,

“With community, connectivity and convenience at its core, Funan will cater to the new breed of consumers who favour a collaborative environment and authentic experiences that reflect their passions and tastes.”

To support healthy living and an increasingly car-less society, Funan is gearing towards providing services for bicyclists! Bike shops and shower facilities are in the works, cyclists can now rejoice! YES to keeping fit AND smelling fresh on the go!

If you’re not a cyclist, do not fret! Golden Village is offering a multi-sensory experience in its new Funan home. (Does this mean 4D cinema experience?!) Kopitiam, another major tenant will be featuring robotic vacuum cleaners and self-ordering kiosks! And if that isn’t getting you excited, a 50-lane rock climbing wall that will span 4 floors is being erected by Climb Central!

Also Read: Orchard Central Is Home To UNIQLO’s Brand New 3 Storey Flagship Store!

Here Are Some Of The Most Gorgeous Photos Of Tasmania’s Lavender Farm And Southern Lights!

Located off Australia’s south coast, Tasmania is an isolated island state filled with rugged picturesque scenery.

Because it was one of the world’s major apple producers, literally the apple fruit, it became known as the “Apple Isle”. But it’s more than just an apple producer.

Just to put things in perspective, the Apple Isle (68 km²) is 95x the size of Singapore (719 km²)! Despite that, Singapore (5.5 mil) is 10x more populated than Tasmania (517k). What does this mean? Wilderness & beautiful scenery abounds in Tasmania!

Tasmania holds so many gems on its vast wild landscape that you will wanna visit over and over again! Discover why Tasmania is the new MUST visit place for a life full of wilderness!

1. This Mountain-Lake with Southern Lights

For a few days, hike through fascinating glacier-carved valleys, ancient rainforests, alpine meadows, waterfalls and more beautiful scenery. You can end your long walk at Lake St. Clair. Soak in the amazing and tranquil scenery at the deepest lake in Australia!

Even if you don’t feel fit enough for the 65 km long alpine walk, fret not. There is a variety of day walks for visitors who are looking for a great scenic hike at Cradle Mountain.

Don’t forget to look out for native wild vegetation, glacier rocks as well as the photogenic boat shed along the walk. Note that Cradle Mountain is also a hotspot to catch the spellbinding southern lights. So make this your first stop for some awesome Tasmanian wilderness!

2. Check out towering sea cliffs + more spots for Southern Lights

How does walking along one of the most spectacular coastlines, with some of the country’s tallest sea cliffs sound to you? If that’s your idea of fun, follow the Tasman coastal trail within the splendid Tasman National Park.

Discover the power of nature from the impressive rock formations at Tasman Arch. Also, try standing on the edge of the lookout to see if you can spot the bottom of the steep soaring cliffs.

Of course, this popular Tasmania nature spot is also one of the best places to see the impressive southern lights!

3. Roam freely in the largest lavender farm in the world

Many people flock to Hokkaido in summer for the pretty lavender farms. But do you know that the world’s largest commercial lavender farm is actually in northern Tasmania?

Bridestowe Lavender Estate is about a 45-minute drive from the state’s second largest city – Launceston. If you visit the Apple Isle from November to January, seize the opportunity to visit the beautiful lavender farm in full bloom.

Run through the purple lavender fields without a care in the world. Feel in heaven with the aromatic fragrance of the blooming flowers. As you roam freely on the 260-acre huge fields, capture picture-perfect shots anywhere you want.

4. Feel on cloud nine at Mount Wellington

Accessible via a short drive from Hobart CBD, Mount Wellington is one of the top wilderness spots in Tasmania. It offers fantastic bird’s eye views of southern Tasmania as well as great walking and mountain biking trails.

Literally feel on top of the world as you look down from the 1,270 m summit!

Of course, at such high altitudes, do prepare warm and windproof clothing as you ascend the summit. Surely you want to be in your best form when walking on cloud nine, don’t you?

5. See adorable native animals up close

Last but not least, how can we forget about Tasmanian wildlife? After all, you can’t be bushwalking in the marvellous national parks with your eyes closed, can you?

Look out for the Tasmanian Devil, the largest carnivous marsupial found only in the wild in Tasmania. The cute bear-like marsupial is a local pride and joy of the island state.

Besides the Tasmanian Devil, there’s a rich variety of fauna that can be found on the island. Keep your eyes open for the likes of adorable wombats, pademelon, eastern quoll as you enjoy the great walks in the numerous national parks.

Essentially, you don’t get to see them up close anywhere else except in Tasmanian wilderness!

With so many natural gems on the Apple Isle waiting for you to unveil, it’s probably hard not to fall in love with the rugged scenery! Filled with activities that will satisfy all, Tasmania certainly deserves more attention than it does now.

Rather than make repeat visits to the usual Australian cities such as Perth, Sydney or Melbourne, why not check out a different side of Australia? Create a unique Tasmanian holiday that will make you wanna live in wilderness!

Also, read Picturesque & Hidden Spots In Thailand You Must Discover Before They Get Crowded!

CruCycle: When Hardcore Cycling Meets A Dance Party

CruCycle is a whole new ballgame for a workout. It is indoor cycling to upbeat music! I have been going to CruCycle ever since it first opened its doors more than a year ago. To me, it’s a dance party, cue untz untz untz.

The music

Source

CruCycle has the best mixes in the house. Expect a healthy combination of the latest remixes. There’s even music that you can sing along to while pulsing it out on your bike. There are even themed rides you can sign up for – nostalgic 90s, gangsta rap etc. – you name it, they’ve done it.

The best part? The music-themed rides you can sign up for – nostalgic 90s, gangsta rap etc. – you name it, they’ve done it. Kinda feels like a party more than a workout!

The concept

CruCycle is modelled after the ever popular SoulCycle in America. Each ride is a 50-minute spin session with weights and abs in between.

CruCycle works around a “wolf pack” mentality. Everyone in class rides together to the beat of the music, leading with the right leg first.

To stay with the pack, you’re encouraged to follow the pace of the instructor and keep rhythm throughout the class. Everyone rides to the same beat, pretty cool uh.

The workout

Source

Most of the time you’ll be off your saddle. You’ll need a good amount of coordination to ride to the beat, especially when hand movements are implemented. The basic dance (we’re kidding!) moves include:

1. Pulse. With your hands at the top of the handle bar, you drop your elbows with each beat.
2. Push. Extend your elbows outwards to do a push up over the handle bar.
3. Tap back. Reach your bum as far back as you can, arms straight and extended.
4. Sexy corners. Swaying your body over all four corners of the bike

Of course, there’s also the killer sprints where you’ll have to be off your saddle and pushing to the finish line for eight counts, 16 counts or more. This part of the class kills me the most – that’s when it stops feeling like a dance party, and more like a workout.

But you do get a rest at the halfway mark where you get to sit back down for abs and arm workouts. 0.5kg, 1kg or 2kg – you choice. I usually go for the 1kg which can be a challenge when you’re pulsing with your arms extended for a good minute or so.

The ab workout is super effective. I never fail to feel the burn the next day!

The music distracts you from your trembling muscles. So, enjoy the break before it’s time for you to get your bum off the bike again. You’ll have to lead with the left leg for the remainder of the workout.

With such great music, CruCycle often feels like dance party more than a killer workout. However, don’t be fooled. The aching muscles at the end of the day will convince you that CruCycle is like a dance party and a workout!

CruCycle
Location? 68 Duxton Rd, Singapore 089527
Website [PURE YOGA GIVEAWAY] Win A Pair Of Passes To Super Cool Yoga Studio!

[GIVEAWAY] Win ONE WEEK’s Worth Of Yoga Classes At Pure Yoga’s Swanky New Outlet

Need a break from work or want to stay fit? Head down to Pure Yoga’s newest outlet at Asia Square! Recently opened on 25 July 2016, this new outlet is located 5 minutes away from Downtown MRT station. Ideal for CBD yogis, the new Asia Square location is the perfect retreat for working professionals.

Whether you are a fitness junkie or a yoga newbie, Pure Yoga offers a variety of classes that caters to all! We bet you’ll love this warm and beautiful place as much as we did!

Our Experience

Pure Yoga kindly hosted our team for a Media Session. We embarked on a 1 hour Dynamic Yoga Session. All of us left feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Our Pure Yoga experience was definitely a fun-filled and lighthearted one! The new joint at Asia Square was huge and welcoming with its large lounge areas and paintings on the walls.

At Pure Yoga, every student is able to progress at their own pace. Friendly instructors are specially-trained to lead classes.  They helped and taught us to correct our pose and postures during the class.

We like how the curriculum is structured in a way where each student will see a progression in his/ her own practice.

More Than 120 Classes Weekly!

Pure Yoga’s internationally certified instructors lead a diverse range of yoga classes. Classes range from traditional to contemporary styles.

Classes are categorised into 5 different Pillars: Healing, Grounding, Dynamic, Hot and Specialised. A yoga newbie can sign up for the grounding or basic classes such as Hatha.

The advanced yogi looking for a challenge can try their specialty programs such as Aerial and Wall Rope yoga!

With 120 classes weekly, there’ll definitely be a class that will suit your schedule. Pure members can also easily book classes to fit their personal schedules.

Classes start as early at 6.30am on weekdays with classes during lunch hours and after-office hours. Working professionals around CBD will surely find a class that accommodates their schedule.

Amazing Facilities

Wind down at Pure Yoga’s cosy chill-out lounge and surf the net with complimentary wi-fi, along with tablet and phone charging facilities. With a wide range of magazines available, you need not worry about waiting for classes to start.

Pure Yoga’s walls exhibit freehand artworks by Spanish luxe-graffiti artist, Victoriano.  It evokes calmness and contemplation. With a modern zen aura emanating from the studios, corridors and lounge, this makes a perfect place for relaxing.

Pure Yoga’s vanity area is designed with earthy tones. You’ll immediately feel cosy and at home! Its large changing area is decked with rainforest showers and complimentary towels and toiletries.

There’s even a spin dryer available. You need not lug your sweaty yoga wear around anymore!

Enjoy Fresh Smoothies And Superfoods At Nood Food

Get healthy at Nood Food juice bar at Pure Yoga’s Asia Square outlet. Organic cold-pressed juices and superfood smoothies, raw snacks, salads, sandwiches and wraps are all available at Nood Food.

You need not worry about the hunger pangs after your workout. Even acai bowls are available! As ingredients are clearly labelled on the items, you can be sure that you’re eating healthy, nutritious, fresh food!

Itching to visit Pure Yoga’s beautiful Asia Square outlet?

WIN A PAIR OF 7-DAY PASSES TO PURE YOGA!

Simply LIKE and SHARE this post on Facebook and stand a chance to be one of our lucky winners!

https://www.facebook.com/discover.sg.official/posts/2066028986956126

Winners will win a pair of 7-day complimentary passes (worth $374.50 each!) to Pure Yoga! A total of 10 pairs of passes will be given away!

This pass allows visits to all Pure Yoga locations in Singapore – Ngee Ann City, Chevron House, Asia Square (Pure Yoga and Pure Fitness)

With this pass,  you can attend 1 yoga class per day and unlimited visits to the gym. (Aerial and wall rope yoga classes not included)

The giveaway will end on 2 September 2016.

Pure Yoga Asia Square 
Address: #06-02 Asia Square Tower 2, 12 Marina View, Singapore 018961
Tel: 65 6100 8866
Opening Hours: Mon & Wed 6.30am – 10.30pm, Tue & Thu 6:15am – 10:30pm, Fri 6:30am – 9:30pm, Sat 8:15am to 7:30pm, Sun & PH 8:30am – 7:30pm

This article is brought to you by Discover SG x Pure Yoga.

Also, read Bounce Your Way To A Stronger Core And Toned Muscles – Trust Us, It’s SUPER Fun

Collette Miles: Fitness Enthusiast, Accidental Model & Her Love For Singapore’s Hawker Food!

A model, blogger, and fitness junkie – Collette Miles is certainly is a young lady with many talents. Did we mention that Collette was also a finalist for The New Paper New Face Pageant in 2009? Read on to find out more about DiscoverSG’s newest influencer!

1. Hi Collette! Tell us more about yourself!

Hi DSG! I’m currently a Communications major at the London School of Economics and am enjoying my last semester in university. I spend half my time writing my dissertation on social media influencers (really interesting stuff!). The other half is spent doing what I love outside of school – blogging, generating social media content and sweating it out at fitness classes.

2. We heard that fitness is a big passion of yours! How did that begin?

As a child, I loved outdoor activities like camps, martial arts and swimming. While this sporty enthusiasm died down during my teenage years, the spark was rekindled four years ago with yoga. I embarked on yoga because I wanted to be flexible. I also wanted people to stop commenting that I was “too skinny” – I knew I was stronger than I looked (and I’d like to think I still am haha). I am always up for a good challenge, so my first ever yoga class was actually a multi-level hot yoga class at 38 degree celsius!

3. Wow! So how is your fitness journey since then?

Well, bear in mind that back then, I was as flexible as a biscuit – I couldn’t touch my toes standing up or sitting down! But I was hooked after my first yoga class. Along the way, I learnt that there is no end to one’s yoga journey – there will always be a more challenging variation to every yoga posture.

Even after you’ve mastered the art of standing on your hands or head, you can still take the pose to the next level by lifting one hand – or even both hands –  off the ground. Yoga aside, I also ventured into other forms of workout such as cross-fit and spinning to further strengthen my muscles.

4. Apart from being a fitness enthusiast, we know that you model too! Could you give some insight into your modelling career?

It started when my mom enrolled me in pageant competitions when I was a kid. Her sole intention was to build up my self-confidence by having me perform in front of an audience at a tender age. The results of these competitions didn’t matter to her! As I grew older, I got cast in several print ads, but never really considered myself a model because I’m not tall enough for the runway.

5. What is your story behind blogging and writing?

I first started blogging in primary school. Blogger was the most popular platform back then. Frankly, I did not expect to have an online following! I blogged because I wanted an avenue to upload the photos I took with my friends. Also, I wanted an outlet where I could share my problems (looking back, my teenage problems were minuscule, compared to today’s #adulting).

I was an aspiring journalist too. Growing up, I’ve always loved the English language! I’m a self-professed spelling and grammar neurotic. I guess blogging was also a way of expressing my love for English.

6. With all the commitments you have, what do you usually do in your free time?

Unfortunately, juggling part-time work, writing for leisure and my dissertation in university leaves me with little time to do anything else. But whenever I have pockets of free time, I enjoy food-hunting and scooting around the city. I also love chilling at Tanjong Beach Club, or simply just napping at home to recharge my mind and body.

7. On to something closer to home: What do you love most about being a Singaporean?

Definitely the amazing hawker scene and how our culture is very much reflected in our food. Where else in the world can you find such diversity? I love eating – I’m always on the hunt for the best food in town and I don’t mind queueing for good grub!

8. Speaking of being a Singaporean, we heard you have an interesting heritage!

Yes, I’m half-Peranakan and half-Eurasian –that means I get to enjoy food from both cultures. I’d say that both are arguably the best cuisines in Singapore!

9. What are 3 things you absolutely cannot live without? Excluding electronics that is!

Food definitely tops the list – I live to eat! The next thing would be exercise. I feel unsettled when I’m not aching all over after a kickass workout. Lastly, I’d have say I can’t do without my trusty Moleskine notebook because I’m old school like that. Pen and paper over technology any day.

10. Lastly, what is your motto in life?

My life motto is ‘to see the good in every situation’. I think life is too short to be anything but happy. So even at times when I’m completely bogged down by what life throws at me, I try not to let stress and all other negative emotions get the better of me. Instead, I focus on the positive things that could come out of such trying situations. Sometimes these obstacles can become valuable life lessons at the end of the day.

Look out for her upcoming articles on our site, we can’t wait!

Instagram: @collettemiles
Blog: collettemiles.blogspot.com

(Header image credit: Collette)

Also, read Bounce Your Way To A Stronger Core And Toned Muscles – Trust Us, It’s SUPER Fun

Free Diving In Singapore – How Long Can You Hold Your Breath Underwater?

A “free” diving course? This sounds too good to be true  – and it is. The “free” in free diving (or freediving) actually refers to diving without standard scuba gear. Instead of having an oxygen tank strapped to your back, free divers simply hold their breaths and explore the depths of the ocean with minimal equipment! Yes, it is actually possible!

One of our writers checked it out! Here is his experience:

This “minimal diving” concept appealed to the practical and penny-pinching side of me: diving with less scuba gear would mean that I get to save on equipment rental! While there might be some incentive in this, it was definitely not the main motivating factor that pushed me to try this elusive (and borderline sceptical) sport. 

Free Diving v.s. Yoga

It was my love for yoga – not the vast blue ocean or a burning passion for diving – that drew me to this sport. As I began to read up more on free diving, I became increasingly fascinated by the parallels between the two disciplines.

For example, proper breathing techniques are fundamental in both yoga and free diving. Body awareness is something yogis are always striving to improve on. This is also equally important to free divers who need to relax their muscles and hold their breaths underwater for a long period of time.

I would say that certain parts of my freediving experience were extremely similar to meditation in yoga.

[caption id="attachment_12448" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Convinced that this sport has sufficiently piqued my interest, I signed up for a free diving course with Sitting through a lecture on safety procedures and free diving theories gave me shuddering flashbacks of my university days (just kidding). But it was interesting to learn more about the history of free diving. It was first practised by people who engaged in spearfishing!

[caption id="attachment_12495" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] While I did enjoy this almost meditative part of free diving, my buddy, a water polo player, did not share the same sentiments.

For one, I had difficulty controlling my buoyancy. I was either constantly hitting the floor of the pool, or bobbing up to the surface. As I swam deeper down the pool, the pressure build-up in my ears also began to hinder my movement.

Gradually, with some help from my instructor Bernard, I managed to overcome these obstacles and swam 50m by my final try.

Freediving in Open Waters

Though I did not get to dive in open waters on this half day course, I appreciated that we were able to undergo basic free diving training in a safe and controlled pool environment. I doubt I would push myself as hard or remained calm enough to work on my breathing techniques if we were to undergo training in choppy, open waters.

Now that I have completed the beginner course, I am more than ready to head out to the ocean and descend 15m underwater without any bulky scuba gear.

What a liberating experience it will be! Free diving may seem daunting at first, but it is definitely an activity that will push you out of your comfort zone. It also rewards you with a surreal underwater experience.

[caption id="attachment_12492" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Bounce Your Way To A Stronger Core And Toned Muscles – Trust Us, It’s SUPER Fun