Saturday, February 04, 2012
   
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Transforming Lives Through Grooming, Health & Fitness
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Bishan ClubFitt Gym: Highly Recommended

Posted by: lionel

Tagged in: gym

One of my clients suggested training at Bishan Clubfitt Gym this morning. As it was a new training location for both of us, I readily agreed. Summing up my first impressions of the gym and my experience an hour later, I give it two thumbs up! 

Conveniently located within the Bishan Sports Hub which is a brisk 5 minute walk from Bishan MRT station is the Bishan ClubFITT Gym. Walk past the sports stadium & head down a step of stairs and the gym beckons. If you drive, it is really a breeze getting to the gym as it is literally stationed next to the underground carpark. Come rain or shine, you need not worry. Just get your gym gear & shoes ready and enjoy your workout!

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Bishan ClubFITT Gym

Unlike its other counterparts, Bishan ClubFITT Gym welcomes you with its cheery hues of pale red & cyan. I love the combination as the former symbolises the energy and excitement of a good workout, wihtout being too jarring on the eyes...while the latter provides a relaxing, balm-like effect which suggests this is a hidden sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Another plus point is the high ceiling of the gym. This helps to give it the illusion of a a bigger space, helps brighten up the whole place and most importantly, allows for good ventilation.

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Exercise area of Bishan ClubFITT Gym

Even if this is your first visit to Bishan ClubFITT gym, worry not as I found the layout of the different fitness equipment very easy to navigate. More importantly, one will not get intimidated or overwhelmed as one can train according to his/her fitness level in comfort in the clarly demarcated areas.

Turn left and you will be greeted by 3 rows of machine weights. Having trained my clients at other ClubFITT gyms previously, I realised that the machine weights at Bishan ClubFITT Gym are more than sufficient. In fact, I'm pleased by the wide range of machines available as it is comparable to any of the private gyms in town. 


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Machine Weights

Check this machine out. Hmm...this one intrigues me as this is the first time I'm seeing it . The 10degree chest machine (as it is called) works the chest muscles. Instead of getting into the usual sitting position, one can in this instance lie down comfortably while working out. The range of motion is reimniscent to a dumbbell chest flye. 

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Machine Chest Flye 

For the more experienced gym-goers, you can immediately turn right & take on the free weights. Besides two Smith machines, there is also a rack of dumbbells for you to pump iron.

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Free Weights area

Any gym will be incomplete without the cardio machines. It is interesting that most Singaporeans prefer running over cycling or the elliptical trainer. Perhaps running helps to burn the most calories in the shortest possible time.

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The cardio area with treadmills, bicycles, elliptical trainers & row machines

The only thing I find lacking at Bishan ClubFITT Gym is a sofa at the waiting area. Compared to its other counterparts, I found myself having to contend with a wooden box-like structure that doubled up as a seat while waiting for my client. But then again, with so many good points, who's complaining about the lack of a sofa?

My final verdict - Bishan ClubFITT Gym is highly recommended for anyone who lives in central Singapore. If you do see me there, remember to say hi :)


Attending The Body Balance Class

Posted by: lionel

Tagged in: gym

A friend asked if I could accompany her to the Body Balance class at the gym. As I happened to be free this afternoon as a client cancelled the session, I was up for the challenge. I use the word 'challenge' here as it must be at least 3 months since I last attended any class - be it body balance, steps, yoga or pilates. 

But the good news is that we will all be setting off on the same pace as it's the new release of the Body Balance series. So, no one is at any advantage or disadvantage. That should put the mind of my friend at ease. 

I like Body Balance as it is a combination of pilates, yoga and taichi. Instead of having to take each of these classes separately, now I can do a three-in-one in Body Balance. Besides adding variety, it also helps to make one supple. Now this is important as flexibility is one of the most important considerations in planning any exercise programme. That's why I always emphasise the need to stretch and strengthen the core in my training programmes.

After starting off with the taichi warm-up, I began to get into the swing of things. Slowly but gradually, it was all coming back to me again. Remember the star pose? Downward dog? Stationery hold? Yes, I do!

I understand the new release is a slightly more taxing one, especially since it centered significantly more on the abs. But it was all for a good cause.

To me, Body Balance is all about finding the delicate equilibrium in your life. Just like how yin and yang coexist peacefully, so too must we balance both work and play. 

After the class, I felt really good! I'll attend the class again next week if my schedule allows :)

Delta Clubfitt Gym: Minor Renovations Are Completed

Posted by: lionel

Tagged in: gym

I detected a difference the moment I stepped into Delta Clubfitt Gym this evening. The free weight machines were pushed further away from the wall. And somehow, the walls feel rather empty.

That's because the Delta Clubfitt Gym is undergoing some minor renovations.

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The entrance to Delta Clubfitt Gym

For the sake of a better workout environment, it makes perfect sense to endure some inconvenience that comes with the cordoning off of the toilet area, water cooler and reduced workout space. But that's only for a few hours as the workers finished the job efficiently. 

When I finished working out with my client at 10pm, the renovation was done.

Welcome freshly painted walls, new tiles and a bright yellow refurbished look that calls out to us all when we walk towards the bench press free weights area. And this time round, the familiar pictures are back on the barren walls again.

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The refurbished yellow bench press free weights area

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Welcome new tiles at the water cooler area

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The smell of freshly painted white walls 

After two months of renovation, Toa Payoh Clubfitt Gym finally opens its doors again to the public. It was a pleasant surprise as it was not scheduled to reopen till 1 Aug 09.

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So when a client wanted to train there, I was more than happy. We were going to check out the new gym! It used to be our training base before the renovation.

Our verdict? Nothing much has changed. Change, if any, is purely cosmetic in nature. We saw a fresh coat of paint, new carpets and brighter lights. Everything else remains the same. No need additions of machines nor weights.

Perhaps familiarity is good for all of us as there's always a comforting feel about being in familiar territory. It's just like being in the company of good friends and enjoying a chill out day. I particularly like the coziness of this neighbourhood Toa Payoh Clubfitt Gym. Definitely one of the oldest public gyms in Singapore, it still serves many users faithfully day in and day out. It's indeed smaller than the rest of the newer, mega gyms but it's this cozy feeling that it oozes that continues to charm many, me included.

For readers who have yet to venture Toa Payoh Clubfitt Gym, the layout of the gym is an L shape in short. Walk past the counter to the left and a row of cardio machines await you. And what is presented in front of you are rows of machine weights. My client jokingly said that the gym resembles her of giant's land as the machines were all very tall and made her feel good once she sat on them.


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Venture further into the gym past the rows of machine weights and you will see the free weights in the form of dumbbells and free weight chest press machines. Then turn right (follow the L) and you will see the smith machine, lat pulldown and rows of barbell weights.

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So the whole place looks brighter on the surface but deep within, it's still the same Toa Payoh Clubfitt Gym :)