The Treadmill Not Cutting It Anymore? Try These New Classes

Because we know you like a challenge once in a while (and jogging gets boring). Her World reviews Singapore’s latest calorie-crushing classes.

 

GST (Gymnastics Strength Training) Handstand

What it is: Gymnastics class for adults.

Great for: Upper-body strength conditioning and flexibility.

Length: One hour

“I volunteered to review this class because I can do a wall handstand easily – or so I thought. Prior to the session, Lay Yong, Bodytree co-founder and trainer, gauged my flexibility and strength by making me do some simple plank exercises. To my surprise, I was told that I had neither the flexibility nor the strength required to join the class – I suspect an old wrist injury might have had something to do with it. I found it hard to follow Lay Yong’s instructions to do a plank, while curling my fingers upward as far

So while the rest of the class performed challenging moves with the gym equipment, I stuck to stretches and conditioning moves (like bar hangs) for the first 15 minutes. I gradually progressed to a pike handstand, aided by a wooden block and several gym mats.

I rejoiced internally when I finally pulled off a wall handstand, only to be told that I was distributing my weight wrongly, which could result in a broken wrist (or two). Apparently, the trick to doing a proper handstand is to push yourself towards the ceiling by engaging your back muscles. I spent the rest of the session alternating between stretches and wall handstands.

The aches came two days later in muscles I never knew existed.

On the bright side, the pain in my wrists was alleviated thanks to all the stretching. I’d recommend this class to my super-fit friends who are hardcore yogis or pilates practitioners.” – Evon Chng, fashion stylist

Available at Bodytree GST, #01-01, 100 Amoy Street. For membership information, e-mail [e-mail].

Aerial Hoop