Gyms and fitness centres in the Parks and beaches

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Forget about expensive gyms with their hard selling tactics and a place you are unlikely to visit more than once or perhaps twice in a year. You can always go for their free trials and then disappear. But before you disappear make sure you have not given in to their hard selling.

There are fitness centres or outdoor gyms in the parks and beaches across the island, and they are free. You can exercise and listen to the sound of nature at the same time. You can find them at MacRitchie Reservoir, at Punggol Waterway Park, at Changi Beach and East Coast Park, and at practically in all housing estates. For many people the exercise corners are just a few steps away from their flats or apartments. No membership fee required.

Fitness centres in public parks
Public gym in the park
Some of fitness centres equipment are meant for seniors which are great for the aging population here. There are instructions on how to use them. The only drawback being outdoors you will not find treadmills (but you can jog around the park) and if it rains the fitness equipment are not much use either.

Also, during thunderstorms, with the possibility of lightning strikes it is best not to be outdoors. Singapore has one of the highest lightning strikes in the world. And the best time to use this outdoor equipment is in the morning or late afternoon when it is not too sunny. Though the humidity may put people off regardless the time of the day.

Fitness centres in parks
Public exercise centre in the park
The equipment may not match those in private gyms but then unless you are a body builder or a fitness fanatic you are unlikely to need more than two or three exercise machines. And many parks have proper running pavement built around it, so you can also jog or do brisk walking.

Strangely many outdoor fitness centres are also located next to childrens' playgrounds. Maybe the authorities want to encourage the adults and seniors to exercise and at the same time letting the kids run around in the park, keeping one eye on the kids. Healthy activities and good for family bonding. Now you can also find exercise corners in public therapeutic gardens. The plant in therapeutic gardens have notes on them about their botanic characteristics. Very educational. Exercise is good for the body and relaxing for mind. Do you know that there are a total of 13 therapeutic gardens in Singapore? By 2030, it is expected that the island will have 30 of such gardens!

Punggol Park
Exercise corner in therapeutic garden in Punggol
For those looking for a more professionally managed and better equipped gym in an air-conditioned environment, there is an alternative to open air fitness centres which would not cost an arm and leg. These air-conditioned indoor fitness clubs or gyms are located at community centres and charge per entry fee of between $1.50 to $2.50. The cheaper rate is for students and senior citizens.

However, to enjoy the facilities at a very minimal fee you have to be a member and the yearly membership fee is about $190 to $310 depending on your age. Off-peak membership cost much less but you can only use the gym during weekdays and daytime off peak hours. The memberships are worth it if you plan to work-out at least 10 times or more a month and the cost comes up to about $5 per visit, half that for students. Much less than a movie ticket and eating popcorns.

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