r/singapore • u/Same-Macaron-2359 • 1d ago
News Stress and S$500 monthly gym fees. Is your fitness routine draining you?
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/today/adulting/fitness-burnout-exercise-workout-stress-injury-social-media-6139701From packed workout schedules to expensive classes to social media pressure, some working adults are pushing themselves to the limit in the pursuit of health, which in turn causes more stress on their bodies and in their daily lives than necessary.
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u/rowgw 1d ago
some people may consider my following words as toxic: to adults who just want to follow trend or to get validated by others, they are not adult yet or mature enough.
Some more go gym is for your own health, thats the first and utmost priority among other reasons. To just follow trends or get validated are truly dumb reasons. To have social life in gym is just a bonus.
Don’t treat fitness like going to bar or club.
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u/Federal_Hamster5098 1d ago
- cough * hyrox 😷
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u/julsxcesar 1d ago
where else can i go shirtless and wear my booty shorts? /s
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u/rowgw 1d ago
there are bathhouses boom everywhere now, which is imho another dumb things, due to trends
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u/Federal_Hamster5098 1d ago
i find this really odd indeed, hot baths? in this weather? go inside hot, come out also still hot hahahaha
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u/Iamyour_friend Own self check own self ✅ 1d ago
They are promoting the magnesium in it that will help with muscle recovery
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u/TastyFood_is_life 18h ago
Actually very shiok. Need to plunge in cold bath + sauna + hot bath rotate and repeat. It helped me relieve stress and then work happened again.
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u/LEO-PomPui-Katoey 1d ago
Now it's over $200 for a ticket, without addons (Flex ticket, photo package etc).
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u/MangoDangoLango Karabast! Karabast! 1d ago
And folks wearing their Hyrox-sustained injuries like medals 🫣
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u/WonderfulBlackberry9 17h ago
You just don't get how important it is for me to post about my hyrox participation on my LinkedIn. I feel sorry for you.
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u/damiepedretti 1d ago
Sorry, gotta disagree w this take. Im not one to participate in Hyrox simply because I know I’m not at the stage where I wanna push myself. I see others do it and it makes them happier.
So my question is what is the issue even if there are people who wanna get validated by others by going to gym, if the end goal is indeed a healthier body? Why are they described as “not adult yet” or “not mature enough”?
If they wanna treat gym like a bar or club, so what? Some people are social like that. I just don’t understand why there is a need to put others down simply because their motivation to work out is different from yours.
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u/leagcy 1d ago
Obviously only gains made for noble reasons actually count. /s
95% of normal people participating are using the social aspect and online validation as the carrot to scam their brains to train for 2 hours of cardio. If anything, that is mature behavior, using levers to encourage themselves to do something they probably won't have otherwise.
2.5% of people are out to tell you how much better they are than you because they take hyrox so seriously and are so hardcore and look at the 2 million pictures of me shirtless rawr.
25% of people are out to tell you how much better they are than you because hyrox is so beneath them, they only do serious events like gigaultra marathons and superpowerlifting rawr.
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u/danielling1981 1d ago
If 95% of normal can think like that then we will have way more above average people.
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u/danielling1981 1d ago
Those whom are sincerely happy about it won't find it draining.
The article is pointing ato the fake happy group.
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u/Evenr-Counter723 1d ago
I also don't agree with the above comment but I think there's some downsides with such social activity.
Put it this way, if I play badminton with my friends must I play like competition or do I play for fun. Most people end up having fun when in such activities. But this also means that I hope people do recognize that they aren't primarily doing it for fitness. Because if their main goal is fitness, they could use another method.
Just my 2 cents as someone who cringe when I see calisthenics club forming a circle doing push ups together. Not trying to put people down, I just find such activities not optimized for progression and increase risk of injuries.
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u/damiepedretti 1d ago
Your point on badminton is a bit off but I get it. If I’m playing badminton then what other methods can I do if not for first testing out with my friends first? Join a badminton club full of strangers? Then that again, will be what OP is trying to say - randomly doing it more for socialisation.
You highlighted the point of being worried that jumping from trend to trend may end up over exerting the body and causing injury. That is a valid point to consider. But there is an assumption here - it seems somehow there must be a need for progression. Why can’t we just work out because we wanna relieve stress or just wanna keep ourselves active? Why is there an inherent assumption that working out = there must be goals to meet?
Idk if people remember but when we were in school, there will always be this one group of friends that have to study together if not, they won’t have the motivation to study. This applies to fitness too. Some people just need to join a group to work out together so they feel the motivation. Some people like us, do it alone as an alone time thing.
My point is people do things for various reasons. I do not agree with how OP views others who are different from him as immature or not as adult. Afterall, how mature are we all together in other aspects of life?
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u/Evenr-Counter723 1d ago
I'm not against people having fun and doing social activities.
I also don't want to dictate how others should be, but if you ask me, then I will describe an activity to be a social activity or a fitness activity by my own definition.
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u/damiepedretti 1d ago
Thank you. It’s okay to have your own definition. Again, my only point against OP is that there is no need to project his thoughts onto others which you are not doing so now and I respect your earlier opinion as well.
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u/handlewifcare 1d ago
No one is just “social like that”
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u/damiepedretti 1d ago
Not sure if this is sarcasm to my reply or to OP’s reply lol. But just gotta say - I know of people who are social like that. It just doesn’t happen to be OP nor me. I just don’t feel the need to describe people who are opposite of me like that.
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u/GKarl 1d ago
Because then the focus isn’t on the workout, it’s not on the activity, it’s an ego booster just like social media, when it shouldn’t be. It’s not JUST about the end goal, the journey matters too (especially in training / weight loss/ physical fitness). If the end goal is all the matters, the person is more likely to regain the weight once the “goal” (showing off on Hyrox) is over
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u/damiepedretti 1d ago
You must been quite stiff cos that was quite a stretch and projection of your own thoughts onto others. Suddenly wanting to join a sports activity is now viewed as an ego booster.
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u/GKarl 1d ago
Just replying to the person above. I mean, one is absolutely allowed to view this whole inundation of one’s social media with Hyrox related posts with disdain, because there are so many Hyroxes and so many social posts.
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u/damiepedretti 1d ago
Disdain is one thing. Calling them names like immature and “not adult” enough is another. Dont conflate both together.
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u/GKarl 1d ago
I… didn’t use those words? Read my comment again
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u/damiepedretti 1d ago
I know you didn’t use those words. I’m saying that OP was using those words which if u wanted to reply to him where your stance is it is an ego booster to participate in Hyrox, you could have instead of replying to my post.
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u/Electrical-Salad-369 1d ago
Why not? I see it healthier and way more time efficient treating it like a bar… getting all the needs met in one place - fitness, social interaction, potentially finding a partner, signalling to others…
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u/pwaaron 1d ago
As much as I detest Hyrox, I don't particularly like this take. We are social creatires first and foremost. It is indeed unfortunate that capitalism has captured fitness and social clubs but if indeed thats the price some people are willing to pay, so be it.
The line is probably where your mental starts to deteriorate rather improving. But other than that, let people who wants to treat fitness as bars and clubs as such. Arguably still net positive.
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u/RepresentativeTeam31 1d ago
I don’t see anything wrong with ppl seeking their identity joining gym class etc. Did they rob or stole a penny from u ? So what if they wanna follow trend, its their choice of fitness lifestyle after all.
By sounding others “not being mature enough” over this reason doesn’t sits well on you either buddy.
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u/SherbertSignal295 7h ago
Not everybody has intrinsic motivation. Some need a catalyst or an external factor (social circle, for example) to push them and that’s okay, whatever works for them. Personalities and values are variegated. This is not a difficult concept. Your view isn’t toxic, it’s just awfully myopic.
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u/FishTank888 1d ago
What kind of Kong kum person spends $500 in gym fees???
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u/Denada77 1d ago
It's not just for gym la, it mentioned that it's also for Muay Thai classes which I guess could be quite pricey
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u/KnightingGale 1d ago
Ya MMA classes are usually about 1.5-2x the cost of classes like spin or pilates in my experience.
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u/Winner_takesitall 1d ago
The kind desperate to show those around them that they are 1) in trend and 2) not a social deviant (cos things like working out alone and eating alone are all non-conforming acts in this supposedly collectivist society..)
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u/Elifgerg5fwdedw Own self check own self ✅ 1d ago
How many are paying for fitness classes just for social validation?
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u/Twrd4321 1d ago
That depends. Some people might be unfamiliar or clueless about fitness, and would like someone to guide them. Sure there’s loads of information out there, but it can be quite overwhelming for someone new.
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u/Cutguy1993 1d ago
Most. #hyrox
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u/GelatoBravado 1d ago
Adding CrossFit, spin and aerial yoga.
I mean, it’s not worth exercising unless you’re posting your workouts on your socials right /s
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u/cantoilmate 1d ago
Funny that I came across this while I just finished my run at the park connector and did my strength training at the fitness corner. My only motivation is health and so that I can indulge once in a while in my favourite unhealthy food.
I think SportsSG/HDB/MND have done a fantastic job in making these facilities available so easily in HDB housing estates. Aside from catering to the elderly easily, it also provides a free option for those of us who may not be so well-off as to pay for a monthly membership. Furthermore, it’s easy availability increase the odds of people just getting active.
I do understand why some would join gyms - specialised classes and equipment being two but for most of us just wanting to make sure we are still hearty and hale in our senior years, the free exercise facilities provided by the state is I think more than enough.
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u/xfrezingicex 1d ago
Also depends on your fitness corner. If i go my fitness corner, its a bet against getting dengue. My fitness corner has a lot of mosquitoes.
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u/GrilledPortatoe 1d ago
And mine is just cigarette smoke everywhere. Fitness corner, park connector, stadium, all the same. Makes me dread running every single time. Honestly am considering a gym membership just so I can have an environment to run without smoke. All the other gym equipment would just be a bonus
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u/xfrezingicex 1d ago
considering a gym membership
Do it. I personally like AF because its 24/7. Not everyone’s schedule can fit into the typical gym operating hours.
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u/passionbery 1d ago
My fitness corner uses hydrolics system.
U imagine u doing squats then the thing so slowly come down and all, u do chest press, rhe thing also slowly come down.
So sian and lame. Yeah its free la , but after they redesign the whole thing , it has been shit and nvr see anyome using them.
They kept growing tall bushes for some reason too , like 1.5 metre tall kinda. The moment it rains , its buffet for mosquito.
I think some CC has free gyms or so... meanwhile mine rents out to private and charge. Welp. Active sg is nicr , but sometimes too far. Though its cheap la.
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u/Raitoumightou 1d ago
I think most people commenting here don't know the specific fitness goals every individual has. Just making your muscles active, fat loss, muscle growth, better cardio, recovery after injury etc are all different tiers of fitness goals.
And depending on your needs, you may need to pay for a professional for guidance rather than just relying on "free guides" from Youtube.
Although, $500/month for a gym, this is a little overkill, more so if you're training without a trainer.
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u/MercuryRyan 1d ago
Spending 3k on a rack and treadmill to use in my house has been the best purchase i’ve made this year
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u/horsetrich 1d ago
Treadmills should cost about 500 I think? A decent rack squat with some weights should be about 1.5k. You must have premium set up
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u/MercuryRyan 1d ago
Im heavy so i picked a more expensive treadmill at 1.5k. Absolutely right on the rack set up though
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u/Rude-Beautiful-556 1d ago
I think another perspective ppl not considering is like personally i hate exercising. If left to my own devices I wouldn't get off my sofa.
But i pay around $230 a month for 8 classes that will take me out of the house to force myself to exercise for my own health and weight control... i don't particularly enjoy the classes cos i hate exercising but pay already so have to go if not waste money...
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u/khaosdd Tampenis 1d ago
I'm someone that does everything solo when I have the choice. Games, workouts, runnings, meals etc.
But I can see how some people are better motivated to perform n also enjoy the process when they are in a group or social setting. Like for eg. Marathons: despite their costs n the fact that one can just run the same distance alone, it does push certain people to try and exceed their current level n achieve better timings etc.
For gym some people may be more willing to tough it out when they see what hardwork can achieve by looking at their predecessors.
With that said, I think the main problem is social media trend: people jump in blind because they think "OK la exercise only ma" but they fail to consider how much time n effort is needed to actually see progress and attain that dream form, and as the article has mentioned : precisely it's the "just exercise only what" mentality, many ppl are clueless how to tailor workouts to fit their body n not the other way around.
Fitness is a science and just exercise only is not the answer to everything. Before u decide to go shopee buy your expensive Garmin n embark on your fitness journey, pls do your research n understand u are in for a long haul.
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u/iphonedemling 1d ago
I literally just run and use whatever fitness corner offer downstairs my block 😭😭
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u/real_wickedchance 1d ago
It’s stupid to spend so much on gym fees. You don’t need to spend money to maintain fitness. You just need a program to do body weight exercises, running/brisk walking and consistency.
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u/pewpewpunk 1d ago
not everyone wants to do cali
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u/Delicious_Act_9948 1d ago
I do Cali and would agree. I don't like the cult hype over HYROX but if that's what gets you moving, I would say it's pretty good.
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u/heiisenchang 1d ago
But it does not look cool enough to post on social media
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u/thisisreality- 1d ago
really? Imo handstand push ups, one arm pull ups are quite cool
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u/pewpewpunk 1d ago
beginners arent getting anywhere near that for at least a year, probably more or even never lol
those skills arent something every tom dick and harry can hope to achieve in their lifetimes
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u/MahPhoenix 1d ago
Just go to sport SG gym and pay per entry. The newer ones are as good as private gym alr.
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u/sgcolumn 1d ago
I have seen how some of these works for some, while others didn’t. Unless you are into heavy lifting with bars, definitely a coach is needed for your safety. The other routine, you can do on your own without gym support.
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u/Dogman_70 1d ago
Gyms are too crowded at times I am able to access them so I cancelled my membership.
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u/DiscussionExternal24 1d ago
Honestly speaking, i pay 170 sgd monthly to my gym so that i can use it for free showers during the day and get free coffee, tea when i need to sit and work on my ipad/laptop. Sometimes there are protein companies that give freebies so i just be good friends with the guy and tell him to pass me the freebies end of the day so he doesnt need to carry it back.
I get free gym attire and towel set too. I dont bother to workout in my gym.
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u/Lostwhispers05 Mature Citizen 5h ago
woah what gym siah? Yeah having a place to shower/chill/catch a light breakfast for 170/mo doesn't sound like a bad deal lol
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u/tallandfree 1d ago
I refuse to tie myself to any gym membership and just pay $2.50 for active sg per entry
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u/Natural_Smile7768 1d ago edited 1d ago
Why not ppl talk about the unrealistic expectation some fitness influencers do. Take one of them Gen Z girl for example, the way she anyhow train for Tri (1 week prep for 1 tri) and others (run a marathon on the fly without proper conditioning), in an unlucky time or when she gets old easy to get injury. Bad influence and only propogate hype.. She also marketing the gears shoes and stuff for the major brands. Seen her do some of the runs b4, not even considered fit. Above average at best.
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u/EntertainmentTop6845 1d ago
“Similarly, Ms Tan finds her "super-duper packed schedule" mentally stressful and physically taxing at times, especially when she squeezes in gym workouts during lunchtime or stacks multiple exercise classes in a day. “ - then slow down lo. What’s the hurry to squeeze and pack?
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u/tagore79 1d ago
Just workout at home with a simple fitness app. Mine cost me just $60 a year in subscription. If you just need to stay trim and have a good core and not absolutely ripped, this should suffice
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u/monsooncloudburst 1d ago
why spend so much on an app? Can just use free youtube stuff. $60 is a lot.
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u/overfriedtofu 1d ago
truly a race to the bottom
person taking a dump on the next person who pays a dollar above them for fitness1
u/tagore79 1d ago
It provides me a routine and tracks my history and progression. You can do that yourself if you have the discipline and time.
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u/monsooncloudburst 1d ago
If you find the $60 justified , then, surely others found their $500 justified as well. Every person is unique and the solution and price point that works for you doesn’t work for others. “Just workout at home” may simply not be an option for many others.
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u/tagore79 1d ago
Of course, I'm just saying what works for me. Gyms will definitely provide more if you're looking beyond basic fitness routines. I'm just offering my point of view based on my needs which is basically to be able to have a convenient routine to workout without investing too much time
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u/monsooncloudburst 1d ago
No leh. You told people "just work out at home" and then as long as their goals are to stay trim, etc - it would suffice. Clearly, there are more factors at play and your original comment is not valid for a lot of people.
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u/tagore79 1d ago
Ya I did say that but I'm just addressing OP's point about cost and stress. If you find value in paying for gyms, you do you . No need to read too much into my post.
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u/statespacer 1d ago
Which app are you using/would you recommend for that
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u/infiniteknights 🌈 I just like rainbows 1d ago
I use Pumatrac, which is free. It’s more bodyweight and cardio stuff but i find that’s more than enough for me
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u/Busy-Bug-6232 1d ago
my whole routine is curated by chatgpt. i spent 20mins inputting my goals and dietary requirements. 4 months in, my free program is working well.
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u/resui321 1d ago
When influencers present a lifestyle of repeated fitness classes and gym, followed by taking the latest protein shake/health supplement/healthy bento, we all partially become victims of aggressive social media marketing, pushing us into what we think should be the norm for unrealistic fitness routines.
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u/BBFA2020 1d ago
500 for a monthly gym??? Buy a pair of old school 20 kg dumb bell set and you are set for a very long time.
Only hard exercise to do would be bench or incline bench press. Or very heavy squats but most folks will take a long time just to hit 40 kg with lunges or split squats.
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u/nigel_chua 1d ago
$500 monthly gym fees? Like what kind of higher end stuff this includes...stuff like ice baths and infra red thingie?
I think just cancel it and go for a run or do body weight exercises. Ever since covid and slew of gyms suddenly shutting down and eating my prepaid credits, I'm so done with paid gyms
There's a no frills one though I can't remember $50+ monthly but if really need gym (if can't do body weight exercises la) then have SG gyms those $2.50 per entry kind also can
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u/thegothound 1d ago
Just do pushups… situps.. and run… SAF formula every year get gold bonus cash too
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u/avatarfire 1d ago
Appeals to the same crowd that would pay $18 for Ngo Hiang because stylish. So aptly described by an essayist as “premium mediocre”
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u/danielling1981 1d ago
Of course draining when you fomo yourself into believing you must 500 / month
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u/stockmon 1d ago
Side question, if budget is not an issue, which private gyms are the best and don’t have a lot of people using the equipments?
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u/ernz_ernz Senior Citizen 1d ago
Sign up for both AF and 24/7 Fitness. AF for locations, 24/7 for selection of equipment.
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u/EBRUtywZL94tk4T6XHpn 1d ago
fitness should be for your ownself and it should not be a race unless it’s a race
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u/Dorkdogdonki 1d ago
I have always been skeptical of gym memberships, and I always will. Even a “cheap” $100 monthly gym feels too expensive, and building habits and consistency is far more effective (and difficult) than buying a gym membership.
But if it’s classes, ….. that one is bo pian.
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u/idwttaii 15h ago
I pay $100 in Classpass fees and about $240 in a studio membership every month. Hefty price but going for class is one of the few joys of my work day.
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u/IronManners 🏳️🌈 Ally 11h ago
if you spend $500 on gym (+ muay thai) and run out of money that shit is just natural selection
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u/Natural_Smile7768 10h ago
Sinkie need to pwn sinkie. Do one up on another. Same with gym as with cycling and pickleball. Will ask. Eh, u got the latest pickleball padel not. Why u ride giant escape, my pinarello cost 15k with power meter leh. Eh, why u wear SAF running shoes, I wearing adidas Adios Pro 4. Eh u go activesg ah, i go division athletics.
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u/ACertainBloke 1d ago
Yall still go to gyms instead of parks ah?
Community gyms always so crowded and hot. Private gyms always so many saikangs and the occasional influencer. But parks so chill and cool at night.
The only reason to go is for lifting i guess
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u/IbnIbr1200 1d ago
I used to workout only at home or at the park for several years but it got to a point where bodyweight exercises (pullups, dips and squats) were no longer challenging and I hit a plateau. I started adding weight to my exercises but it was so troublesome to bring the weights to the park and also if it rains then I am unable to workout. So I got a gym membership recently for the convenience.
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u/MaskedDood 1d ago
U could always do more challenging variations like archer pull ups, muscle ups and pistol squats. Heck, you could even try and progress to doing hand stand push ups if you want a challenge
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u/xfrezingicex 1d ago
Parks dont have the weights if you wanna do weight training.
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u/MaskedDood 1d ago
Body weight is still weight. All you need are pull ups, chin ups, push ups, dips(if have parellel bars) and squats. Change variations for increased difficulty if needed.
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u/xfrezingicex 1d ago
Yea but for starters, they cant do body weight.
For stronger people, body weight might not be sufficient.
I do think gym is necessary for some people but it shld not exceed $100.
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u/kwijibokwijibo 1d ago
Those exercises hit most muscle groups but they're not 100% complete
Main thing you're missing is hamstrings / lower back which is important if you're an office worker / sedentary lifestyle
Shoulders could also benefit from more accessory work to prevent rotator cuff injuries (something I wish I paid more attention to before I tore mine)
Basically, adding a kettlebell and dumbbells would help a lot. Calf raises too, but they don't strictly need equipment
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u/thinkingperson 1d ago
Just go run in public tracks or use the free fitness corners in HDB estates?
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u/FeatureOriginal7234 1d ago edited 1d ago
Are you a young working adult with no house, no car, and no kids? Maybe you want to save up and invest in cash generating assets. You can still join Running Clubs and run in public parks.
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u/wildheart38 1d ago
I join fitness classes where I am paid to do so.
It’s called mandatory Remedial Training by SAF.
Hehehe ok i shall see myself out
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u/Joesr-31 1d ago
I just go cause its fun lol, why spend so much money if they don't enjoy it. Even government also just 30mins per day is enough, unless professional athlete, don't have to train 3-4hours a day
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u/millenniumfalcon19 East side best side 1d ago
Should do away with spin or yoga classes at places like jewel - this is so fucking gimmicky and is one really going there to workout in overpriced alo outfit, bio the chio instructor, or to be in someone elses (usually the instructor/influencer) reel?
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u/ClaudeDebauchery 1d ago
Smlj, going to a good well equipped gym where got so expensive?
You want to go those social clubs disguised as gyms to make yourself feel good, beo xmm in sports bra, that’s on you ah
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u/SuzukiSatou Tampenis 1d ago
Gym for wut 💀 i bought leg weights and bring my 10kg dumbbell while climbing my hdb stairs
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u/Jammy_buttons2 🌈 F A B U L O U S 1d ago
WTF $500 per month. You better be earning at least 10k per month where your fitness cost is about 10% of your income.
Also, you also need proper breaks for your body to recover. Even world class athletes take breaks to rest their body
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u/xfrezingicex 1d ago
Isnt it 5k?
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u/nyetkatt 1d ago
Misleading headline. It’s $500 for both gym and Muay Thai classes which I can see being at that price.
Anyway I personally run in the parks and work out at home with adjustable dumbbells I got from Carousell. May add jump rope later when I can find a good spot to jump