Travelling presents plenty of perks, one of which is the opportunity to enjoy a change of pace from your usual routine. It can be an exhilarating experience to see new places and faces in Singapore and to keep a different schedule than the one you’re used to.
At the same time, travelling either for business or leisure can disrupt your day-to-day activities. It can be a challenge for many travellers, for instance, to maintain their active lifestyle while on the road. If this is one of your concerns on your next trip to Singapore, worry not. There are many effective means to maintain an active lifestyle while you’re on the go. Here are some strategies that will enable you to sneak some exercise while you’re having a productive or leisurely journey around the Lion City.
Choose to Walk Whenever Possible
Singapore is a very pedestrian-friendly city with well-maintained sidewalks and beautiful landscapes. This makes it easy and comfortable to explore many parts of the city on foot. You can also make this your main source of physical activity during your trip. If you’ve booked a Singapore airport hotel, you can walk there to kickstart your active exploration of the city. You can do the same when checking out various neighbourhoods and attractions.
If the items in your itinerary are near each other, why not go on a walking tour of the area so you can exercise more while sightseeing? It’s a good idea to wear an exercise tracker or install a pedometer app on your phone to keep count of the steps you’ve walked during the day.
Explore the City on a Bike
Many areas in Singapore also have dedicated cycling lanes and paths. If you’re an avid biker, you can try seeing the island nation on two wheels. You can easily rent bikes, either by the hour or for the entire day. Singapore is also big on ecotourism and actively promotes this initiative to its visitors, so there are bike routes that pass by some of the most popular attractions in the country. Thus, it’s an achievable feat to go sightseeing in Singapore while getting exercise through biking.
Join Morning Tai Chi Classes
If you prefer working out with other people, head to the parks in the early mornings so you can join Tai Chi sessions that are open to everyone. It’s a great way to start the day with some gentle exercise, and it can also be a great fit for your schedule if you tend to be busier in the afternoons or evenings.
Maximise the Use of Public Workout Facilities
Singapore has numerous parks that have outdoor fitness facilities and equipment. Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park and West Coast Park, for example, have fitness stations where you can do bodyweight exercises like pull-ups, dips, and more. Even if you don’t stray far from your accommodations, it’s still pretty easy to spot fitness zones that are just a few minutes’ walk from residential estates. These zones typically feature exercise gear that aim to improve strength, flexibility, endurance, and balance. Check them out whenever you have time to do body weight exercises.
Take Part in Yoga in the Park
If you practice yoga and meditation, there are yoga classes that are held in parks and are open to the public. It’s a good idea to check out the parks near you, see if classes are being held there, and take note of the schedule of the lessons. The peaceful surroundings in Singapore parks help facilitate focus and mindfulness while taking part in this physical activity.
Make an Effort to Climb Stairs
If you’re staying in a hotel with multiple storeys and you’re staying on the lower floors, consider taking the stairs instead of the elevator. This is another strategy that you can use to make sure that you have accumulated enough steps for the day. Choose to use the stairs as well, whenever you’re shopping, sightseeing, or just looking around. This way, you can maximise the opportunity to keep moving and stay in shape while in Singapore.
Use the Public Pools for Swimming
Singapore has plenty of public pools, including rooftop ones that provide a great view. If you enjoy swimming as your main form of exercise, you can indulge in this activity during your stay in the country. It’s a pleasant experience to complete some laps while you’re enjoying the tropical climate. In case the weather’s a bit unpredictable during your stay, there are also covered community pools in the city that can accommodate you.
Utilise the Hotel Gym
If you’re on a demanding business trip and you don’t have time or energy to explore your surroundings for free exercise classes, it’s always an option to use the hotel gym. To be sure, though, check if the hotel you’ll be staying in features a fitness centre. This way, you won’t have any trouble accessing gym facilities during your stay.
Being active while on a trip offers numerous physical, mental, and emotional benefits. At the same time, incorporating physical activity into your travel plans doesn’t have to be complicated. Even small efforts, like taking a brisk walk, doing a quick workout in your hotel room, or opting for active sightseeing, can make a significant difference in how you feel and experience your trip.
Images: Unsplash
Natasha Mitter
Melissa Fann
