Five on Friday: 5 unusual workouts – from indoor ‘bungee’ to puppy yoga

SINGAPORE: It’s been a bumpy road to recovery for the fitness industry in Singapore. 

While unhealthy routines and revenge travel have kept many away from studios and gyms, businesses have also had to grapple with more competition as new contenders enter the market. 

Many are also clocking fewer steps as they work from home

Regardless of what your daily schedule looks like these days, prevailing wisdom and common sense says some exercise is better than nothing – for both your physical and mental health. 

If you are in need of exercise inspiration, consider these new or unusual ways to break a sweat:

INDOOR “BUNGEE”

No daredevils needed but there are some gravity-defying stunts being done indoors.

Think Matrix, but that someone forgot to digitally remove the cord.

Participants are strapped into a harness connected to an elastic bungee cord. After that, bounce and soar your way to a fitter body. 

Movement & Sports Medicine Centre in Singapore claims that bungee fitness classes burn more calories compared to normal exercises while also being kinder on the joints. 

The bungee helps to simulate the buoyancy one feels in the swimming pool, the centre said, adding that its bungee can take up to 200kg. 

Elin Dance Studio along Dunearn Road also offers such classes. The “fitness” option, which is described as stress-relieving, incorporates movements like jumps and dives.

For those who just want to have fun, there’s a “family” option where parents and children can exercise together, as well as a rhythmic “bungee dance” class that is for more experienced participants.