Author: hafi

The Only Guide You Need To Exploring Lavender: Food, Cafes, Fitness & More!

What is the one thing that is most synonymous with Lavender?

Most would say the ICA, but there’s so much more to Lavender than expired passports, automotive shops and hardware resellers.

We decided to spend some time in the neighbourhood to see if there is truly plenty to see, eat and do to keep us entertained throughout the day.

Things to do

CrossFit Fire City

If you aren’t already familiar with the jargons WOD, AMRAP and EMOM, the idea of CrossFit might sound daunting to you.

It is a common misconception that CrossFit is only for the fit, or the very strong. But that’s not true because the WODs (Workout Of the Day) are tailored to each individual’s abilities.

At CrossFit Fire City, box owner, Sam (affectionately known as Uncle Sam), and his friendly community of CrossFitters will ease you right into the workout.

Because the WODs are different each time, your muscles will never get used to any particular routine. This makes CrossFit one of the most effective ways to tone up those muscles.

Just an hour-long WOD will get you pumped up and energised for a day of exploring.

CrossFit Fire City
Address: 111C King George’s Ave, Singapore 208559
Tel: 9113 8587
Opening Hours:
Mon – Thu: 06:30 – 21:00
Fri: 06:30 – 20:00

Trium Fitness

Just a stone’s throw away from Sam’s box lies Trium Fitness – a newly opened fitness studio specialising in yoga and pilates.

Floor-to-ceiling windows allow natural light to flood the studio as you breathe in your downdog, or invert in aerial silks.

The studio not only teaches conventional yoga styles, but also allows you to stretch your head (and body) in classes like wheel or aerial yoga.

Wheel yoga is relatively new in Singapore.

The class makes use of the Dharma wheel to open the shoulders and arch the back for a deeper stretch. This will aid in your poses on the mat.

Aerial yoga needs no introduction – cirque du soleil style, aerial yoga helps yogis gain confidence in being upside-down. Also, it helps to build arm and upper body strength.

You’ll have so much fun that you wouldn’t even remember that you’re working out.

Trium Fitness
Address: 12 Kallang Ave, Aperia Mall, #03-01, Singapore 339511
Tel: 8782 8633
Opening Hours:
Mon – Fri: 8AM – 9PM
Sat: 9AM – 5PM
Sun: 9AM – 2PM

What to eat

The Refinery

The Refinery is just a couple units down from Sam’s box, perfect for post-CrossFit refuelling.

High ceilings, local art, marble table tops, and wooden communal tables – The Refinery is one of the most Instagram-worthy cafes on the island.

But that’s not all this cafe has to offer.

The Refinery boasts an extensive menu that changes depending on whether you’re heading over for a weekday dinner or weekend brunch.

The food is Japanese-inspired with a local twist, so expect yakitori-style skewers from the grill, donburis, and local cafe classics such as food laced with truffle and salted egg flavours.

We loved ‘The Epic’ Beef Gyudon with Foie Gras because, really, who can resist rib eye beef, foie gras, onsen egg and truffle flavouring in a single dish?!

The Refinery
Address: 115 King George’s Ave, Singapore 208561
Tel: 6293 1204
Opening Hours:
Tue – Thu: 12:00 – 15:00, 18:00 – 00:00
Fri: 12:00 – 15:00, 18:00 – 01:00
Sat: 11:00 – 16:00, 18:00 – 01:00
Sun: 11:00 – 16:00

AEIOU

At the other end of CrossFit Firecity lies an understated cafe, its signage reading “Oriental Antique House”.

Though it is actually a cafe called AEIOU, its signage hasn’t proven to be entirely wrong.

AEIOU is adorned with upcycled furniture – rattan chairs, wooden tables and all things vintage. It is pretty much like a modern karang guni’s very well put-together home.

Their upcycling extends to tableware, where vodka bottles are cut into cups that hold their drinks and desserts.

Bask in nostalgia as you sip on your avocado coffee – one of the highlights of their menu.

Creamy avocado blend in one hand, and a shot of espresso in the other, marry the two for a party in your mouth.

You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how the butteriness of the avocado mellows out the bitterness of the coffee.

AEIOU
Address: 111 King George’s Avenue
Tel: 6291 2698
Opening Hours:
Tue – Thu: 11:00 – 22:00
Fri: 11:00 – 23:00
Sat: 10:00 – 23:00
Sun: 10:00 – 21:00

To shop/ explore

Mahota Commune

If you find joy in shopping for fresh produce, then Mahota Commune is as close to food heaven as you’ll get.

Mahota Commune occupies the entire third level of Kitchener Complex – all because they are a market, kitchen, pantry, clinic and wellness studio all rolled into one.

Windows surround the area, allowing natural light to pour in – complementing the home-grown greenery and wooden furniture in this relaxing space.

At Mahota Market, load your basket with fresh, organic produce like fresh meats and vegetables, to imported condiments and whole food snacks.

Credit: Mahota Commune

Then, enjoy garden-to-table goodness at Mahota Kitchen.

The restaurant serves up an interesting choice of italian fare or hot pot choices. You can delight in vegetables grown organically in their farm in Shanghai, and sustainably sourced meats that are reared without antibiotics or hormone injections.

Before you leave, pick up some cold pressed juices and pastry for the family at Mahota Pantry. The pastries are baked fresh in-house using unbleached, wholemeal flour, no less!

As mentioned, the space is also home to a TCM clinic and a wellness studio. The studio conducts yoga, meditation, tai chi and HIIT classes – some of which are complimentary.

I can totally envision myself spending the entire day here, winding down and indulging in the goodness of whole foods.

Mahota Commune
Address: Blk 809 French Road, Kitchener Complex, #03-31, Singapore 200809
Tel: 62996809
Opening Hours: Daily, 9AM – 10PM

Though seemingly understated, Lavender is oozing with charm, making it the perfect spot for cafe-hopping over the weekend.

Got a favourite haunt in the Lavender area? Let us know in the comments below!

Also, read Feeling Experimental? Try Alchemist Beer Lab’s Super Funky Infused Beers!

One Kind House: The Modern Kampung That Serves Homely Food

Singapore’s kampung days might be long gone, but there’s a hole in the wall establishment in heritage-rich East Coast that is hell bent on preserving our unique culture. Enter One Kind House, a modern, 60’s inspired kampung with an eclectic touch.

They’re open for food and drinks from Tuesday to Sunday, 8am – 5pm – but One Kind House is more of a community than an eatery.

One Kind House: Decor

The house is thoughtfully littered with art in the form of paintings on the walls, down to the bathroom sink. The art is by their family member, Ng Yak Whee, who is quite a famous Singapore painter.

Greenery at One Kind House

Plants line the entrance of the house and the dining area; and an urban farm fills the backyard.

Of course, no hipster spot is complete without freshly brewed refreshments. Blue Collar Collaborative has moved into One Kind House to serve up hot and cold brew coffee and tea – think cold blue pea flower tea with lemon grass.

One Kind House: The Story

One Kind House was born out of nostalgia.

The owner’s son, Calvin Soh, explained that during kampung days, families were able to reach out to their neighbours to borrow ingredients, or invite them over for food if they had overcooked.

Kampung life was open and communal, unlike the closed-door mentality we have adopted today. Calvin and his family wanted to replicate just that.

Mommy Soh is the head chef and owner of the house.

Her plat du jour differs day by day, but one thing is consistent – she uses only the freshest, cleanest ingredients from her urban farm.

Another constant on the menu: Mommy Soh’s signature duck egg kaya toast, mostly served during breakfast. Her other farm-to-table creations include fish laksa, mee siam with prawn sambal, ulam vermicelli – just to name a handful.

She cooks some of these dishes over a traditional charcoal stove, so the flavours are top-notch!

Because the idea of One Kind House is less of a business and more of a community, all of Mommy Soh’s creations are while stocks last (if the food runs out but you ask Mommy Soh nicely for more, she would whip up something nice for you).

One Kind Family is a space for friendly neighbours and guests who are open to learning from both young and old.

The Soh family, and of course, guests from all walks of life who pop by One Kind House for meals and refreshments, have a wealth of knowledge to share. So come for the kaya, and stay for the conversations.

One Kind House
Location: 136b Lorong J Telok Kurau Road
Facebook page here

Picture credits: One Kind House

Also, read Lovers Of Old School Snacks, Here Are The Very Best Places For Your Nonya Kueh Fix!

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!

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.

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!

[NEW] A Poke Theory Serves Up Poke Bowls That Do Not Disappoint!

New kids on the block, A Poke Theory, strongly believes that healthy food does not equate to tasteless food. Sibling duo, Joey and Vannessa, have always dreamt of starting a business together. Therefore, as foodies themselves, opening a fast food-first concept was undoubtedly the perfect plan.

A Poke Theory

Situated right in the heart of the CBD, A Poke Theory was born out of Joey’s love for roasts, and Vannessa’s passion for wholesome grub. Take a peek into their personal Instagram accounts. You’ll notice the stark difference in food preferences. Joey (@buttergoggles) lives for meat. While Vannessa (@feedvannessa) swears by fruits, vegetables, and smoothie bowls.

However, everything converges nicely to create food that is healthy without compromising on taste or ingredients.

What are poke bowls?

Poke bowls originated in Hawaii. They were once served as snacks for the fishermen who seasoned and ate the cut-offs from their catch while out at sea. Poke bowls can be closely compared to the Japanese chirashi don, where fresh sashimi is served on top of a bed of sushi rice.

The concept

At A Poke Theory, the choice is yours.

1. Start by picking a base that best suits your dietary requirements – signature sushi rice, jasmine brown rice, lemon herb quinoa, or romaine lettuce.
2. Then, choose your star of the show – salmon or tuna, with either spicy or non-spicy options.
3. Complimentary toppings include Japanese cucumber, cherry tomato, pineapple, shredded carrot, edamame, tobiko, furikake and nori flakes.
4. It’s the premium toppings that shake things up in your poke bowl. Premium toppings include Barbequed corn, lime avocado, kale chips, crispy salmon skin and roasted honey and spice cashews. If you’re lucky, you might even catch Joey’s signature roasts before they sell out. These seasonal meats are roasted on the spot in limited quantities. Be sure to snag some before everyone else does. At $1 to $2 a pop for premium toppings, you can go crazy! A tiny splurge goes a long way for a party in your mouth.

My customised poke bowl

For the love of avocado, I very predictably picked the avocado miso salmon. My additional toppings? You guessed it – more avocado and cashews!

Two words describe my poke bowl: absolutely divine. Credits don’t go to my impeccable choice in toppings. Rather, it’s the thoughtful concoction of flavours that were infused into each ingredient. Of course, the freshness of the seafood made a big difference too!

The buttery salmon blended perfectly with the creaminess of the avocado dressing. The accompanying fruits and vegetables were refreshing, and cleansed the palette well. Even though my poke bowl was on the house (Joey is an old friend from Ngee Ann Poly!), it’s safe to say that the premium ingredients are well-worth every penny.

The premium ingredients all had a little twist to their flavours – a dash of spice or a zest of tang. For someone whose record is six bowls of rice in one sitting, I have to add that I really enjoyed A Poke Theory’s signature sushi rice. Infused with garlic, chillis and seasoned with sushi vinegar, the rice is sticky. The taste of vinegar, though not as strong as your typical sushi rice – which was exactly to my liking, but otherwise highly subjective.

Sweet endings

Remember to leave room for dessert – guilt-free superfood smoothie bowls. I was spoilt for choice. Part of me wanted a refreshing smoothie bowl as I was stuffed from my poke bowl. The other part knew that I had to get either the Cacaoholic or the Maca Nutter. That’s because I usually only eat dairy-based flavours for dessert

Cacaoholic did not disappoint. The texture was akin to ice cream without the bite, or a popsicle without the structure. I especially enjoyed the raw cacao nibs that added a nice crunch to the smoothie bowl. Just had to buy a bag of roasted honey and spice cashews for the road because they were way too addictive!

All in all, A Poke Theory is a great concept. It’ll suit anyone, from the busy professionals who are looking for a delicious, easy-to-eat meal to health-conscious individuals in search of tasty alternatives, and picky eaters like myself who love a highly customisable meal.

https://www.facebook.com/apoketheory/videos/1727934657461047/

A Poke Theory
Location: 27 Boon Tat Street, Singapore 069623
Website What Do You Get When You Put Burger And Japan Together? Burger King’s New Japanese Burger!

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

If you’re in search of a sure-fire way to shed those pounds, smoothen out nasty cellulite, and have crazy fun all at the same time, BBOUNCE it out! BBOUNCE was opened only a few months back by former national swimmers Joel Tan and Leslie Kwok. It is the first of its kind in Singapore!

Bbounce in Singapore – Hybrid Rebounding

BBOUNCE is known to laypeople as “the trampoline thing”, though not to be confused with free-and-easy trampoline parks. BBOUNCE requires so much more than being an energizer bunny. The workouts in this studio are in fact called Hybrid Rebounding – an intense cardio session that is two times more effective than running.

In addition, it also helps in toning muscles and building up core strength. You are forced to keep your core tight to gain momentum and maintain your balance.

Disclaimer: a strong core is not necessarily determined by whether or not you have a six-pack, so don’t feel demoralised if your abs have not made an appearance after your tenth class!

However, you can trust that your core has indeed become stronger – and a strong core is extremely important in helping to protect the spine!

Our experience

The fun begins when you grab a pair of 1kg weights (or 2kg if you’re up for the challenge) and pick a trampoline. If you bring along a bunch of friends just like I did, the class will be more fun and less painful. My first class was a beginner’s class called BBOUNCE Lite, where all of 50 mins was spent on the trampoline.

Other classes such as Hybrid Rebounding, BBOUNCE’s signature class, has you on the trampoline for 30 mins. You’ll spend the rest of the time off the trampoline, working your way to your dream bod.

We were lucky enough to have the founder, Joel, push us to our limits during our first beginner’s class. Joel mentioned that a single class can burn up to an insane amount of 500 calories. Indeed, he worked us hard to reach that goal. We bounced to the rhythm of club hits and Mambo beats (who could forget Zouk’s iconic Mambo nights).

https://www.facebook.com/bbouncestudio/videos/379927725679272/

The class became tougher when hand movements and weights were incorporated, and when we were instructed to shuffle our feet. The friction between my shoes and the trampoline net made my quads work extra hard. My core was burning from making sure that my feet stayed within the confines of the trampoline.

The workout wasn’t just a test of stamina, but also a test of coordination – and boy did it feel good to be in sync with the music. My total calorie count at the end of it all: 352. I blame my lack of stamina for disallowing me to lift my feet off as high as I wanted to. However, I do see how 500 calories is possible if you gave your hundred percent.

Tip: Wear flat-soled shoes or cross-training shoes instead of running shoes. Running shoes are designed to make you go forward, but at BBOUNCE, the only way is up.

BBOUNCE Studio
Location: 176 Orchard Road #06-09, The Centrepoint, Singapore 238843
Tel: 6262 2273
Website F45 Training In Singapore: The Most Intense 45 Minutes Of My Life

F45 Training In Singapore: The Most Intense 45 Minutes Of My Life

Somewhere between HIIT and Crossfit lies F45, a 45-minute-long functional training programme that has recently hit our shores early this year. The F45 fitness franchise was first developed in Australia, and has since taken the rest of the world by storm with its fast-paced full-body workout.

F45 – 45-minute-long functional training programme

If you ask me, I’d describe it as HIIT with a little more equipment than you bargained for – expect to get up close at personal with TRX straps, free weights, bosu balls, kettlebells, spin bikes, pull-up bars, rowing machines, prowlers, sledge hammers and sandbags. You could also say that it’s a less intimidating version of Crossfit. The focal point is not to attain a personal record in an overhead squat but to complete as many reps as possible in each station.

Themed exercises

Each day is dedicated to a different workout so if you’re a regular, you can be sure that you’ll be working a different muscle every day of the week. The workouts are themed and playfully named – Brooklyn (MMA- and boxing-based), Romans (resistance-based), Quarterbacks (agility- and pylometrics-based). Saturday’s Hollywood class ends off the week with a bang; combining resistance and cardio exercises across a whopping 27-stations in a mere 45-minutes.

Workouts

These themed exercises are different each week, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised as soon as you step foot into class. At each station, each set of workout ranges from 35- to 55-seconds, with a 10- to 20-seconds rest between sets or stations.

The timings and workout videos will be flashed on a screen at the front of the room for instructional purposes. The trainer, Cat, walks around the room to correct our forms while spurring us on.

My experience

My first class was Quarterbacks. There were three pods and three stations in each pod – that’s nine different stations altogether. Sounds like a manageable handful? Think again. Each station within each pod has to be completed twice (35-seconds workout, 10-seconds rest), and once all nine stations have been completed as a team, we had to repeat everything for one last round.

The workouts for that day included chest press, pull ups, push ups, weighed lunges, kettlebell lifts and prowler pushes – just to name a few.

I started to grow pale as soon as I hit my second round. I felt like I was on the verge of throwing up my non-existent breakfast (maybe I should have had a bite before leaving the house). But I soldiered on. I tried to shift my focus to the specially curated, upbeat F45 playlist in an attempt to drown out the agony I was in.

Before I knew it, the 45mins was over. Even though I found myself hobbling up the stairs as soon as my muscle soreness kicked in, it was totally worth it because I knew that I had emerged stronger.

F45 trainings have proven to be a test of endurance, cardio capacity and strength all at once, so expect to feel aches in parts of your body that you’ve never known could ache. If you’re up for the challenge, F45 offers a two-week trial for you to have a taste of painful pleasure before you commit yourself to become a regular.

Tips!

Tip #1: To avoid disappointment, make a booking online or on the F45 app prior to coming to class. Classes can get pretty full – even the 6.15am ones!

Tip#2: Hop over to Do.Main Bakery (266 Tanjong Katong Road) after class for kickass pastries. It’s only a stone’s throw away!

F45 Training

This article is brought to you by Discover SG x Collette Miles

Also, read 5 Friendly Boutique Gyms To Kickstart Your Keep Fit & Exercise Resolution!