EVENT: True Fitness MegaCombat 2012

(Coverage by Farah E.)

19 May 2012 - About 600 people turned up at the Fountain of Wealth for the biggest BodyCombat event in Singapore. Organised by True Fitness, it is a yearly event that sees an overwhelming response. This would be my first year attending and was I so glad I had the opportunity to.

LesMill’s BodyCombat is an intense, high impact cardio workout. Be prepared to burn calories as one experiences a fusion of martial arts ranging from karate, boxing, taekwando, tai chi and muay thai. Putting one’s strength, speed and coordination to test, I’d say it takes a certain fitness level to really benefit from the programme.

I remember my first BodyCombat class (a year ago); I had aches in parts of my body I didn’t know existed. But I never looked back since, and while BodyCombat has its many benefits, my favourite would be toning and shaping of key muscle groups. I guess they don’t call Denise Keller “Queen of BodyCombat” for nothing – love her toned and lean arms!

Gracing the event were Beam Artistes Tara Rushton, Paul Foster, May and Choy
and it would be incomplete without a short speech from the charming CEO Mr Patrick Wee himself. There was great energy in the atmosphere and it was fueled by the zing and spirit of the True Fitness BodyCombat instructors leading the crowd. If the weather was hot, we were definitely hotter!

Nothing to make my weekend better than a fantastic workout and be “rewarded”
with a goodie bag. I love free stuff; who doesn’t, and all this for free if you are a True Fitness member. No reason for you not to consider signing up, get fit the True way by joining their BodyCombat classes and be in the loop for more exciting events.

See you at Mega Combat 2013!

FITNESS: SH’BAM Master Class with Michelle Dean (Les Mills Training Director) @ True Fitness

True Fitness

(By Female Guest Writer - Farah E.)

True Fitness at Suntec City opened its studio doors to an exclusive SH’BAM class! Sh-what? The latest dance-inspired workout to hit True Fitness, the launching class saw a fully-registered class of 60, all ready and geared up to conclude their Monday on a sweating good note.

The pumped up 45-minutes long class was led by Michelle Deans, training director of Les Mills, together with instructors of True Fitness. The moves are simple, require no particular technique and most importantly, easy to follow. Combine these simple moves and you get a really hot workout, burning an average of 500 calories! I couldn’t decide if it was the infectious energy of the instructors or the good remixes of the playlist, but it felt more like a party than a group exercise class.

Les Mills Sh'bam

More than just a physical workout, SH’BAM, like any other dance workout, provides a good platform for relaxation of the mind. As an avid dancer, be it in fitness clubs or night clubs (heh), there is something liberating about letting go to the music, focussing on moving my body. What better way than to burn calories and fats and increase one’s stamina and cardiovascular fitness?

Most times I am so into it, I even forget I am exercising! It is probably the reason why dancing is my favourite cardio workout. While minutes might feel like forever on the treadmill, I barely noticed how 45 minutes of SH’BAM flew by. SH’BAM is perfect for any individual; whether you are looking for variety in your workout, looking for a start somewhere to embark on a journey to a fitter self or simply out to have fun and meet more people!

Michelle Dean (Les Mills Training Director)

Keep a lookout for SH’BAM classes on True Fitness’ Group X schedule and make a date. Be sure to be in for a SH’BAM-ing fun time. Keep sexy, people!

TRUE FITNESS opens its 7th outlet at Tampines Junction

(By female Guest writer - Farah E.)

TUESDAY, 17th JANUARY – TRUE FITNESS launched its 7th outlet at NTUC Income Tampines Junction, Level 8. Within walking distance from Tampines Interchange, this 24, 000 sq feet fitness sanctuary houses a well-lit and spacious group exercise studio with a members’ lounge area nearby, a consigned hot yoga studio, and a Spinning studio.  It is equipped with an ubiquitous array of cardiovascular and strength machines. It also boasts its first Muay Thai ring. The layout of the club is well-organized hence I was able to quickly familiarize myself around.

The fiesta was set with an array of exciting activities; high energy and enthusiasm filled the atmosphere. Gracing the night was the presence of Mr Patrick Wee, CEO of True Fitness and celebrities like Paul Foster and Keegan Kang. The first activity I picked was Zumba. I have been doing it for a year and am an avid fan. I could tell that the class was set to its easiest level.

The instructor Mathew was encouraging and I liked that he stepped down to dance together with members. Unfortunately (for me), the Zumba session lasted for half an hour only but that did not indicate the end of my workout…

Come on! Don’t be shy… Now hook and jab!

I challenged myself to try to Bodystep following that and I admit I struggled to keep up but had fun anyway, laughing with other members who were doing it for the first time too. Gathering around the boxing ring, CEO Mr Patrick Wee gave a short speech (yes! In the boxing ring itself… What a brilliant idea for a stage) before everyone witnessed a wai khru ram may, a ritual performed by Muay Thai practitioners before a match. It set the atmosphere for what was coming next – a 20-minute Bodycombat special led by True Fitness instructors. A short but intensive work out.

I was approached to join the Roundhouse Kick challenge but I was too shy, although I really regretted when I saw the prizes for the top Three winners – True Fitness hampers, worth more than $200! Not to say I would have won, but at least I could have had a shot at it!

The event was concluded with food and refreshments where I mingled with a few members who turned out to be loyal customers of True Fitness because of their extensive range of classes. Its dance classes seemed to be most popular (all the better for someone who loves dancing, like me!). With more than 30 classes (check it out!), every individual of every fitness level and preferred mode of exercise can indulge and enjoy.

I certainly enjoyed myself and cannot wait to start on my journey with True Fitness. Time to sports suit up and usher in the New Year with a healthy and great body!

CIRCUIT TRAINING…for the Ladies!

by Guest & Fitness writer – Farhan Juan M.

No, this is NOT Farhan Juan M.

Because recently, someone commented and asked us:

“Is there any way you can write about circuit training or any circuit training groups happening in Singapore especially for ladies?”

Thus, I decided to do some research and give you ladies out there a better understanding on Circuit Training. Ladies, enjoy the read…

I am sure many of you have heard of the term circuit training (CT) and may not have a clue what it really is all about. As the name implies, it incorporates a circuit (not the electric kind though!) or a cycle of different exercises into its program; in other words, a combination of both cardiovascular and resistance training.

An important characteristic of CT is its short rest periods (15-30s) between the six or more exercises in one circuit/cycle/set. Rest between each set circuit is usually about 60 to 120 seconds. A typical exercise program works out the whole body. The high tempo nature of the program keeps the heart rate up throughout its whole duration, and burns a lot more calories.

What are the benefits of CT?

1.  Allows personalization and easy modification/interchangeable with any kind of exercise.
2. Requires only a short period of time to work out the whole body.
3. Good for muscular endurance and cardiovascular training.
4. Can be done anywhere (not limited to the gym area)

However if you are looking to build on bulk and maximal strength, this may not be the most appropriate program for you. For those doing CT, it is important to note that the right form and posture should be maintained at all times.

An example of a simple no-frills, 30-min CT program. Taking a 15 seconds rest between EACH form of exercise.:

• Push-ups X 20 (approx. 30s)
• Crunches X 20 (approx. 30s)
• Lunges X 20 (approx. 30s)
• 7. Superman X 20 (approx. 30s)
• Buddha Clap X 20 (approx. 30s)
• Jumping Jacks X20 counts of four (approx. 30s)
• 1.5 minutes of rest. (Completion of 1 circuit; approx. 6 mins total time taken)

You should perform five circuits, which will equate to 30 minutes of total full body workout. Feel free to experiment with your own combinations! Well I hope this article has been insightful to you, and now you know you have no excuse not to keep yourself fit!

Also, if you’re beginning to kick start your workout/fitness regime, do check out the VERY USEFUL TIPS to getting back on track (click link): 7 TIPS To Getting Back On Track This New Year!

Im sure for the guys, its pretty easy to head down to any gyms and complete your own circuit cause, thats just what guys do in the gym. But for ladies, here are some circuit training groups happening in Singapore especially for ladies!

1. True Fitness – Freestyle Cardio-Resistance-Based Programmes
2. Fiesta-Fitnes - Zumba^®in the Circuit
3. SWEAT – Circuit Training
4. Aidah Mobile Fitness (Circuit training is one of her specialities)

With that, hope you all have a great day! Check out the video above. Pretty intense!

adidas Fitness Academy (aFA) at True Fitness

The adidas Fitness Academy (aFA) is actually held around the world. It consists of the adidas Yoga, adidas Zone Cycling and also adidas Personal Training. I got an opportunity to try them ALL out at True Fitness over in Suntec City last week! First time there actually! Hurhur!

The adidas Yoga class conducted is based on the techniques and methodology of Anusara Yoga, taught by Master Adi who has over 2 decades of yoga teaching experience under his belt. Or should i say that adidas pants.  To be honest, I have had some yoga classes back during my JC time, and so i kinda knew what to expect. But even so, as I tried the yoga, I struggled through some of the moves which almost tested my inflexible body frame. But once the class was over, man! It were gooooood. Very refreshed and all geared up for the next course – the adidas Personal Training.

Master Adi before class. Namaste!

Next was the “dance exercise” conducted by Wendy a master trainer who has been in the industry for over 12 years. At first look, she comes across as your punk-gothic fitness instructor but only decked in singlet and the training tights. You wont believe her age and surprise, surprise – she’s a grandmother too! Anyways, back to the “dance PT”, it’s a few combination exercise to wear you out – mostly on the legs and core. I feel like I’m in army where I have to do the exercises the instructor told us to do. After 20min of lunges and squats and core exercises, I thought the tough part is over.

No personal Wendy training photo but here is Brent Callaway (in green) – official adidas Global Fitness Coach.

Lastly, comes to the session which is the zone cycling by Martin. It’s very much like spinning or in layman’s terms – static cycling. I learnt a lot of new things about zonce cycling. From adjusting of the machine to  the 3 different sets/technique of cycling. Zone cycling is the session where I sweated the most and can i say that i could feel my thigh getting tighter. Once again, 20min was all it took and the rest of the class were struggling. But im happy that my partner and i stood the test of (cycling) time and came out smiling widely and all. Where all refers to hell lot of sweat dripping from our faces and thighs.

Want some Tight thighs?

Adidas had done a good job to cater to the masses in term of fitness. Always looking for ways to cultivate a wholesome affair in terms of sports, the adidas Fitness Academy certainly had been fun and engaging. At the same time got kick-started back into my fitness regime after 10+ days of non-training period due to holidays. All in all, people who are not athlete-like can train like an athlete with adidas Fitness Academy over at any True Fitness gyms. Adidas is ALL IN. Are you?

“Fun” time with the trainers! Post-training shot! Hahaha!

(From left: Shah, Martin, Wendy, Master Adi & some guy )

 

For more info, do check out: http://www.facebook.com/adidasfitnessacademy & http://www.truefitness.com.sg/member-corner.html#tab02