Get ready to Sparkd your brain and body with the opening of the newest gym concept in town! Using the latest technology from the US and Europe to stimulate targeted areas of the brain while engaging in body movements, Sparkd has a range of customised programmes backed by scientific research to bring brain fitness to everyone.
Meaning of Sparkd
Sparkd means the effect of being sparked in your brain, the ignition of your neurons firing and wiring while you exercise and dual-task. Exercise promotes brain plasticity, also known as neuroplasticity, by stimulating growth of new connections between cells in various parts of the brain and nervous system. Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to rewire itself and create new pathways especially in response to new learning and stimuli. There are long lasting functional changes in the brain and its neural network as it adapts and reorganises as a result of experience.
Sparkd Kids Bootcamp
Sparkd is spelt without the “e” as it is an inclusive gym where people with or without disabilities, even neurological conditions, can improve on their cognitive and motor performances. Taking the “e” out is in recognition of adults and children who are dyslexic or not able to write well due to learning or language disorders.
The brains behind Sparkd
Anna Milani, CEO & Founder of Sparkd, has over 20 years of experience in the fitness industry. Her journey with Sparkd began when she lost her grandfather to Alzheimer’s. It was then she had a strong desire to find ways to help people maintain or improve their brain health. Her search brought her to delve into a plethora of scientific studies, familiarise herself with cutting edge technology, and get in touch with experts in the neuroscience industry. She finally brought all her research and findings together under one roof at Sparkd. The advanced and wide-ranging applications of the equipment and technology inspired her vision to empower anyone with a brain and body. She has witnessed the benefits of people at any age or ability, with improvement in their cognitive functions and transformation in their physical capabilities with her tailored programmes.
Sparkd was born from my desire to help people fight cognitive decline, MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairments), dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease and other brain disorders, but it evolved into helping everyone because of the massive scope of the technology covering all populations. I spent years probing into loads of information. I wanted to create something that is aspirational for people beyond their imagination, where they can take control of their health and lifespan.”
– Anna Milani, CEO & Founder of Sparkd
Why get Sparkd
Located in River Valley, this new concept gym aims to strengthen and train both body and the brain – targeting and switching on various faculties of the brain to work stronger and more efficiently. The science and research point to the correlation between exercise and brain health and Sparkd helps to fill the gap of brain workouts by making cognitive training accessible to everyone.
The technologies used at Sparkd include Smartfit and Reaxing, which are designed to stimulate various domains of the brain in charge of executive functions and visuospatial demands. The same technologies are used by the Canadian and US special forces, Ferrari F1 drivers, Italian Rugby Federation, leading football teams such as Manchester United and Juventus, and top NFL teams and basketball teams in the USA. Sparkd also boasts a dedicated neuro-rehabilitation space with services designed to assist anyone diagnosed with cognitive conditions.
Sparkd coaches are all brain health certified and come from various backgrounds besides fitness, from specialities in engineering to medicine and science. All coaches have worked in the industry for a number of years and have undergone months of training in preparation for the opening. Their neuro rehabilitation and physiotherapist specialises in brain health and treats conditions such as ADD, ADHD, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, spinal injuries, stroke, brain injuries and MCI.
Who can join Sparkd
Sparkd is for anyone who wants to slow cognitive decline – from children to elderly, homemakers to C-suite level executives, recreational athletes to elite special forces teams. The programmes can be modified according to professions and requirements to test the respective mental capacities.
There are also brain bootcamps for adults (no age limit) and children (aged 7 and above) that combine physical activity with cognitive exercises. They’re interactive multi-component classes which can include a combination of HIIT, strength, flexibility, coordination, agility and cognitive games using advanced technology. Besides the bootcamps, there are 45-minute classes for anyone seeking to challenge their brain, feel fully engaged in their mind and body, and some Sparkd in their day.
For personalised and targeted sessions, Sparkd also has a private hour long 1-on-1 session with one of their brain health certified coaches where clients can gain an understanding of how their brain health stands with an online assessment included in the first session. This scientifically validated test of cognitive function is used by leading healthcare practitioners and researchers around the world. The comprehensive evaluation will form the baseline and give insight into the performance of the client’s brain. With such knowledge, sessions can then be tailored accordingly for each client to pinpoint areas of their brain to work on – be it improving memory, strengthening attention or any other executive function they wish to see Sparkd.
For more information, please visit Sparkd’s website www.sparkdfitness.com.
Images & Video: Sparkd
