Over a year and a half into the pandemic, the “new normal” has almost become synonymous with “staying indoors”. With remote work being so commonplace, life tends to revolve around screens; some morning television with breakfast, eyes glued to the laptop throughout the workday, ending off with some Netflix and Twitter before bed. Sound familiar?
The unfortunate truth of this reality is that the seemingly endless cycle can begin to wear on a person. Many of us would already have felt the effects of this: The days tend to drag on, and you feel tired no matter how much you rest. A large part of this has to do with a decline in physical activity and exercise as many of us have become accustomed to the so-called ‘screen routine’. So, why not change things up?
There’s time like the present to switch things up and add some fitness to your routine. Whether it’s to burn calories or boost serotonin, you might find yourself getting into it sooner than you might expect.
LIVE YOUR BEST FOODIE LIFE
It’s obvious that exercise can help you control weight and stay in shape, but one way to look at it is that it helps you live your best foodie life! With home delivery being the norm and having on-demand access to any cuisine under the sun, our inner foodies have flourished over the past year (along with our bellies).
Physical activity in any form helps burn off excess calories — which can help you lose body fat in the process. Even if your goal isn’t a six-pack torso, regular exercise is a great way to keep your waist trim and cardiovascular system pumping strong so you don’t have to worry too much about cutting back on your favourite meals.
Another way to think about it: exercising can be a sort of way to express your patriotism! After all, it affords us the means (read: calories) to lend that little bit of extra support to local food businesses daily.
DON’T WORRY, BE HAPPY
Amid the pandemic, mental health has become an increasingly important topic. We’re all in the same boat — there’s no denying many Singaporeans have been grappling with their psychological and emotional wellbeing due to the broader societal and economic effects of COVID-19.
Fortunately, some exercise may go a long way towards improving mood and combating symptoms such as depression and anxiety. Working out has been shown to be a natural mood-booster, flooding the body with endorphins, serotonin and dopamine, making you feel able to take on any challenge and providing a sense of structure and purpose. That’s your body’s way of telling you that it loves movement.
As an added bonus, exercise can also lend structure to daily routines. Incorporating tenets of an active lifestyle can go a long way towards breaking up monotony and returning to us a sense of control over our lives during long, dreary stay-home periods.
STAYING SOCIAL
An active lifestyle is also a great way to connect with your fellow Singaporeans in a social setting.
Whether signing up for fitness classes with friends or establishing a home workout schedule with the fam, group exercise creates a sense of community that enhances the fun and keeps you motivated.
For starters, consider grabbing a couple of friends checking out the slew of fitness activities offered by HomeTeamNS. These include courses such as yoga and pilates, virtual fitness training sessions, and even the virtual REAL® Run which you can train for and participate in as a group. Treat these training sessions or fitness classes like just another thing to do while hanging out – just with a lot more moving.
The Fitness Workz gyms at HomeTeamNS clubhouses are another option for getting in shape. Membership is open to all HomeTeamNS and SAFRA members and guests. Three, six, and 12-month membership durations are available. Per-entry visits are another option but these are subject to change in line with prevailing COVID-19 restrictions. The gym offers additional classes like boxing and Zumba, as well as options to work with a personal trainer, all of which are subject to additional fees.
So, what are you waiting for? Start small by heading out for a brisk walk or by planning some five-minute home workouts into your daily routine over the next fortnight or so. Repetition and consistency are key; if you can keep it up for a month, you can do it for two, then four, and so on. Before you know it, you might find yourself posting your home workouts on Instagram. Fitspo FTW!
