Singapore

How our Guavas have ripened

A whopping 51% of our total audience who visits our website is between the ages of 25 and 34. However, if we look at the percentage of new visits to our website, people who are aged 65+ are looking at us the most. Recently, a gym called Aspire 55 was built in Singapore to specifically tailor the needs of older fitness goers. This shows that there is a solid demand from the older members of our community looking to maintain and improve fitness levels.

In terms of the gender of those who are seeking a GuavaPass workout, 75% of the total visitors are female (25% male). Yet, if we just look at the amount of new sessions, the balance between male and female is starting to even out. Our data shows that males make up 35% of our new website visits.

An article to help you understand your market

Mindset Shift: Call to Functional Training

In our past newsletter, we saw that Yoga was the most popular class and had the highest percentage of bookings to slots. However, we’ve seen that the demand for Functional Training is increasing. 21% of the total spots offered for functional training have been booked by our members. With the growing popularity of more high-intensity fitness events such as Reebok’s Spartan Race and the opening of more and more High-Intensity Gyms like Ritual, F45 and now Orange Theory, it’s no surprise to see that more of our GuavaPass members have been looking for an overall tougher workout. Our social media lovers are proving this too – one of our most engaged hashtags in April was #HIIT.

An article to help you understand your market

In fact, the most popular community event that our Singapore team ran was with SPEED Sports and Conditioning Institute, with all 13 spots booked and completed.

Community Events

We’ve always been a huge fan of community events as they are a great way to unite members of the GuavaPass community, and now we have the numbers to prove just how much our members love our Community Events too! On average we fill up 60% of our community event slots, which are held between 6:30-8pm on weekdays. In comparison, only 13% of our weekday spots are filled at this same time. Hosting a community event at your studio is a great way to reach a new audience and keep your members engaged. Need more tips on a community event? See our interview with a studio owner on how to host an awesome event here!

An article to help you understand your market

May 18, 2017 0 comment

Vinyasa Flow (Mixed Level) at Sarah B Yoga

Singapore Sweat

How to master a pose with Sarah B Yoga

written by Laura Fitzpatrick

Finding a yoga class that’s accessible for beginner, intermediate and advanced yogis can sometimes be a stretch. GuavaPass gives members access to a plethora of yoga styles, levels and methods, most of which allow modification for all types of students. At Sarah B Yoga, the midday Vinyasa Flow Mixed Level class was a perfect example of this type of modifiable class. By following a simple yet effective flow, we were able to slow our minds and bodies and focus on the importance of breathing, strength and posture.

An oasis away from the busy streets

Vinyasa Flow (Mixed Level) at Sarah B Yoga

Sitting on top the Balanced Living Cafe on Bukit Timah road, the Sarah B Yoga studio is a calm and welcoming space. The single level studio holds around 15 people at capacity with room to spare, giving you space to move and flow at your level. With most of the natural light coming from the rooftop balcony at the front of the room, this was one of the most relaxed places I’ve had the pleasure of practicing yoga.

Focus, progression and endurance

Vinyasa Flow (Mixed Level) at Sarah B Yoga

The class began with Sarah personally welcoming each member of the class. After checking in on injuries, progress and how everyone is feeling, the session began with some traditional breathing exercises. The foundation of the class was based on the versatility of each pose and its ability to be modified to the furthest extent. Being a mix between a Hatha, Vinyasa and Flow class, it gave members the ability to push themselves or stay within comfort. As we moved through our sun salutations, spinal twists and lunge holds, the class began to hold more and more strength in each pose. Sarah focuses these classes on a particular pose with every flow leading towards the achievement of such position. Whether that be a twist, balancing or strength pose, there is always something new to try.

A therapeutic massage within yoga poses

Vinyasa Flow (Mixed Level) at Sarah B Yoga

After a challenging yet stable flow, the class came to the ground to explore a guided tour of back bends, therapeutic poses and stress relievers. After a long day or week working at a desk, the neck can unknowingly become strained, constricted and hold a lot of stress. For the final 15 minutes of the class, we experimented with blocks angled into the back of the neck, and the result was phenomenal. Pressure points held at the base of the skull, usually only able to be released in massages, were completely freed. After moving to the straps to stretch out the hamstrings and shoulders, the class came to a still savasana, feeling totally relaxed and collected.

Vinyasa Flow (Mixed Level) at Sarah B Yoga

Whether you’re an advanced yogi or just starting out, Sarah B Yoga has a class for everyone, in a range of styles. From Yin Yang classes to an Advanced Vinyasa, or a Level 1 Hatha class, Sarah B Yoga allows you to improve, educate or be comfortable in your practice.

Book through GuavaPass today!

Amenities: water, mats, bathroom, cafe, parking

#GuavaTip: Sarah B Yoga is located to the right of the Balanced Living cafe up a set of stairs. Make sure you’re there no later than 5 mins before the class! The studio is an open space so if you come up late you’ll disrupt the class.

March 20, 2017 0 comment

Singapore Sweat

We’re hooked on the Strength Yard’s Met-Con Class

written by Laura Fitzpatrick

Met-con or metabolic conditioning classes are among some of the most challenging workouts on GuavaPass. The endurance, motivation and strength required for these classes are extremely self-motivating, to say the least. High-intensity exercises such as weightlifting or bodyweight exercises are often coupled with short rest periods in order to burn fat and ‘condition’ metabolic processes in the body. Because of this, met-con is one of the most effective and efficient class styles for strength building and weight loss. One of our newest studios, The Strength Yard, holds 2 met-con classes per week available to book by members online. On Sunday, I made my way to Joo Chiat, East Coast to attend one of these powerful classes, looking forward to a test of my strength.

The Strength Yard studio

The traditional studio gives you all the basic requirements for strength building and toning. The free weights, squat racks, bench presses and floor work space that makes up the studio was a sign of the strong class to come. Today’s instructor Jickson, collected the group of keen early risers and began to walk us through the next 45 minutes of exercises.

Met-con at The Strength Yard

Sunday’s done right at The Strength Yard

Sunday’s met-con classes follow a similar program each week. First, the class is sufficiently warmed up with a few rounds of body weight and weighted moves, including pushups, squats and deadlifts. Following this, our instructor began to explain and demonstrate to series of exercises to complete for the rest of the session.

Met-con at The Strength Yard

30 minutes, a lot of lifting and a fair amount of running

The primary feature that makes this class one of the most interesting met-con sessions I’ve been to is their ‘30-minute cap’. As our instructor explained, we had 30 minutes to complete 3 rounds of 4 exercises, increasing in repetitions each round. As Jickson was recommending modifications for members on each pose, I thought to myself ‘hitting under 30 minutes will be easy’. Within the first few minutes, this idea went right out of my head.

Met-con at The Strength Yard

As we started working through the first set – a mix of burpees, dumbbell snatches and 400m of jogging – you begin to understand the strength required of these sessions. It’s extremely rewarding knowing the power and endurance needed to complete these classes. Each set of indoor weighted exercises was coupled with the 400m run outside. After smashing the second round and 20 minutes in, we pushed through as a class to finish the final set of exercises.

A scaled and accessible workout

One of the most versatile things about met-con classes is its ability to be scaled. The ability to alter your weights, running speed or time to complete a set opens the class to experienced and beginners alike. Jickson explained that “no one has come in that hasn’t been able to complete the workout”, opening their doors to anyone willing to give it a shot!

If you’re ready to test your strength, endurance and stamina, book into The Strength Yard today for one of their Met-con classes!

Amenities: bottled water (for sale), showers, changing area, bathrooms

#GuavaTip: These classes are perfect for anyone because of the selection of your own weights and resistance. If you’re looking to test yourself, ask your instructor what they would recommend for a challenging workout.

March 16, 2017 0 comment

Singapore Sweat

Zumba in the Circuit: Studio La Vie

written by Laura Fitzpatrick

Dance based workout classes have become extremely popular over the last few years. Along with Belly dancing, K-pop and Hip-hop; Zumba is one of the many dance classes available to GuavaPass members. With a slightly different format but still keeping all the fun of a Zumba class, Studio La Vie runs Zumba in the Circuit. The challenging 60-minute combination of dance, circuit and HIIT training targets specific muscles and keeps your blood pumping. Located on the East Coast, Studio La Vie is a great single room studio with a team that will be sure to put a smile on your face with their crazy enthusiasm for every class.

All levels welcome!

Coming in as a beginner to Zumba, I was a bit apprehensive to the style of dancing it usually involves. But our instructor Sophia quickly changed that. She was nothing short of the funniest and most expressive teacher I’ve had. I wasn’t the only newbie to the class but she made everyone feel equally welcome.

Circuit training + Zumba

The class had all experience levels with a great range of ages and dancing abilities. Zumba in the Circuit began with the instructor running everyone through some basic Zumba movements for a 10-minute warm up. Afterward, the room is split up into a circuit including lunges, sit-ups and light-weight arm exercises of which the class completed for a 1 minute in each area then followed by 1 minute of Zumba, for a number of rounds.

By using both cardio and resistance training, this type of workout is one of the most effective for fat loss and overall body toning. By far the best part of the class had to be our instructor Sophia – a good instructor makes a great workout, but a great instructor makes you forget you’re working out at all. Studio La Vie also runs classes like Zumba Fitness, KickFit, Hot Hula Fitness, Piloxing and more, giving you a great range of cardio-based classes to select from.

Book through GuavaPass today!

Amenities: mats, water refill, changing area/showers, parking

#GuavaTip: If you want to push yourself during the circuits, ask your instructor for heavier weights where applicable and they’ll happily provide.

February 28, 2017 0 comment

Singapore Sweat

Building your Barre Body at Wings to Wings

written by Laura Fitzpatrick

For a more expressive workout experience, the team at Wings to Wings offer a range of workout styles. Each class incorporates the strength of barre, the precision of ballet and the movement of dancing. Through the GuavaPass app, members can book any of these sessions including Pilates, Ballet, Jazz and Hip-hop with classes running from midday onwards. Their 45-minute Barre Method class was a fantastic lunch break, with components of cardio, dance and pilates worked in throughout the class. Denise and Gracia have been running the studio for over 2 years now. They have built up a great community of regular dancers and beginners with their vibrant and diverse sessions and welcoming studio.

Long, lean and graceful

Barre Method 45 at Wings to Wings

Barre classes are fantastic for anyone wanting to work on their mobility, muscle tone or posture. The practice was originally developed through the combination of rehabilitation therapy and ballet. It’s currently one of the most popular forms of exercise for dancers across many styles and genres. The most notable results for students is the development of long lean muscles and an overall increase in flexibility.

Your personal intro to barre

Barre Method 45 at Wings to Wings

The Barre Method class at Wings to Wings is a great intro to barre practice. The class includes components of a barre class with a few more interesting moves added. Today’s class, instructed by Denise, was very easy to follow with her clear demonstration of grand plies, squat pulses and tiptoe holds. Starting with a quick dance and warm up, Denise then walked the class through a range of great mobility exercises. Following on with combinations of sequences, the heart rate was up and our muscles became loose. By incorporating the bar as a stability point into lunges and squats, the moves begin to activate specific muscles across your glutes and thighs.

The difference weight lifting compared to barre can make

Barre Method 45 at Wings to Wings

As opposed to weight training, these isometric exercises cause the muscle to tense without changing length. In weight lifting, the muscle contracts then lengthen as a weight is forced up. In Barre, the muscle fatigues in a different and very specific way with minimal movement, decreasing the overall risk of injury. Classes such as the Bare Method can be very challenging depending on your commitment and the length of hold within the pose. The instructor gave a number of variations for a more intense workout. There was also options for a softer workout depending on what each person wanted out of the class.

An ab workout to top it all off

After the high-intensity barre work, Denise took the class through an intense ab session targeting the lower and side core muscles. Continuing from the mat work, we finished the session with some specific glute work and a deep stretch, rounding off an incredibly efficient 45–minute workout.

Barre classes such as Barre Method 45 are a great way to slip in a workout. Wings to Wings is perfectly located just a few blocks away from the Raffles Place, Clarke Quay or Telok Ayer MRT, giving you no excuse to come down and try out one of their classes!

Book through GuavaPass now!

Amenities: Towels, shower, water refill

#GuavaTip: For any pilates style classes, members start to see results after a few weeks of continued classes. Try to attend 3-4 classes per week to get the maximum effect of this low impact, highly efficient workout.

March 1, 2017 0 comment

Singapore

Childs play with a serious workout: Bounce Singapore

written by Laura Fitzpatrick

As a child, I don’t know how I used to jump on the trampoline for hours at a time avoiding any sign of lethargy. When I visited Bounce Singapore on the weekend for a Bounce Session, I could barely last the full hour! With the same calories burned in a 30-minute bounce session as 30 minutes of jogging, why wouldn’t you pick trampolining as your exercise for the day?

Bounce Singapore is located in the center of Orchard at Cathay Cineleisure on Level 9. The huge space holds Open Bounce Sessions from 11 am to 9 pm most days, making it an easy and fun workout for your friends, family or with your partner.

Bounce Singapore

The Bounce Session gives you access to the areas of the floor that includes:

A Free Jumping area made up of obstacles and 28 joining trampolines which span across a huge area and angled up onto walls surrounding
The Big Bang area that gives you boundless opportunities in flips and jumps with a giant inflatable bag to catch you in any landing, spanning across 3 trampoline runways
The Wall which allows you to practice your rebound capabilities and attempt to scale the wall from the ground up
One of the most popular areas, The Slam Dunk – made up of full-height rings above trampoline runways that allow you to make Lebron level dunks

Bounce Singapore

For our evening session, we were sharing the enormous warehouse style area with adults and teenagers alike. Everyone was enjoying themselves as much as the children who were bouncing circles around us. The hour you have to jump around goes very quickly while you’re having so much fun, trying flips your mother would kill you for.

Giving you more benefits than just an hour of fun

Trampolining has a huge number of health benefits including an increase in immune system efficiency, lymphatic system circulation, reduction in lactic acid build-up and much more. Trampolining is also one of the best ways to reduce overall the visibility of cellulite. So forget the creams and the pills and start jumping your way to a healthier you.

The open Bounce Sessions at Bounce Singapore can be booked easily through the app or online at GuavaPass.com.

Book your spot today to try out the newest workout style.

Amenities: Lockers, Café, Bathrooms, Parking

#GuavaTip: Bounce Singapore is great for the entire family (from ages 3 and up) so pick a time to bounce, share the lesson with your GuavaFriends for them to book, and have fun!

February 28, 2017 0 comment

Primal Movement at Aileron Wellness Sentosa

Singapore Sweat

Activating your primal muscles with Aileron Wellness

written by Laura Fitzpatrick

Gaining strength doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, it is often the most simple workouts that provide the greatest benefits to your body. Aileron Wellness’ Primal Movement 1.0 class is one of the best sessions to explore your body’s most natural flow of strengthening movements. The Primal Movement classes are based on the basic movement progressions learned in the early stages of human development. Through a strong concentration on form, the strength and stability needed for primal strength are brought into focus. Though, these Primal Movement classes do much more than just assisting in strength and muscle activation. They help to increase overall flexibility, further reducing the occurrence of sports injuries by re-educating our body on mind-muscle connections.

The best view for a primal class

Primal Movement at Aileron Wellness Sentosa

Overlooking Sentosa Cove, Aileron Wellness’ Primal Movement 1.0 class couldn’t have been in a better location. Coming to sit on our yoga mats under a wide gazebo, the class was walked through the origins of Primal Movement. The importance in injury prevention, increased flexibility and posture improvements are just a few of the secrets you’ll have to book in to hear about.

Core strength, posture and transitions: The Basics of Primal Movement

Primal Movement at Aileron Wellness Sentosa

Our instructor Brendan began by incorporating core strength and stability in a number of foundation poses explaining these elements in every Primal Movement position. Combining this with crawling and standing transitions, the class began to create a sequence of primal movements. Each pose, though simple, was extremely effective. The ability for each move or pose to activating specific muscles and reprogram mind-to-muscle connection is really incredible.

Primal Movement at Aileron Wellness Sentosa

Primal Movement 1.0 classes aim to question why we move the way we do. What are the foundation muscle movements in everyday activities? Eventually, Primal Movement devotees develop the ability to turn on and off specific muscles, eventually making specific activations second nature. Here is where you reap the benefits of muscle tone, strength and control.

The foundation movements of most workouts

Primal Movement at Aileron Wellness Sentosa

Body weight training such as Primal Movement is among the most effective and efficient styles of training. Its ability to build strength and overall fitness is one of the many reasons for its huge popularity. Aileron Wellness’ Primal Movement 1.0 class was a completely different style of workout I’m used to. I found it was somewhere between body weight training, pilates, yoga with also a little bit of tai chi. The class was intriguing and informative with the purpose, muscle activated and benefits to the body explained with each move. The Primal Movement 1.0 classes are a perfect way to start your Saturday morning, running every weekend at 10 am.

Book through GuavaPass today!

Amenities: Mat, towel; Bring your own: water

#GuavaTip: There are 7 Primal Movements – bend to extend, squat, lunge, rotate, push, pull, gait (walk, jog, run or sprint) – which all Primal Movement classes around founded on.

March 3, 2017 0 comment

HIITGA HIIT at Deeksha YogaHIITGA HIIT at Deeksha Yoga

Singapore Sweat

HIIT Yoga: The workout fusion taking Singapore

written by Laura Fitzpatrick

Have you ever walked out of a yoga class wanting more of a workout? Have you ever finished a circuit class feeling stressed or unfocused? At Deeksha Yoga, there is a new style of training that solves both these problems. Their original HIITGA™HIIT class incorporates yoga and HIIT circuit training to form a dynamic, and full body and meditating workout. By beginning with a Hatha style flow (breathing exercises, sun salutation, light twists etc.) you become calm, centered and relaxed. Following this, your heart rate begins to climb in the intense circuit training with 20-second HIIT intervals. Finishing with a relaxing, deep stretch with Yin yoga elements, the class covers all of your exercise needs.

What is HIITGA™?

HIITGA HIIT at Deeksha Yoga

In the POMO center on Selegie Road, the studio is a small but capable space to hold yoga and HIIT style classes. HIITGA™HIIT was developed by owner of Deeksha Yoga, Alfred, along with yoga expert Mahendra. They combined their skills in circuit training and yoga to create this interesting and effective class. I found it was a perfect mix of both styles, as I often find myself wanting a little bit more after traditional yoga sessions.

What is in this hour of HIITGA HIIT?

HIITGA HIIT at Deeksha Yoga

The class started with Pranayama, a formal practice of controlled breathing exercises. After, we began to flow through a range of powerful sun salutation and hip openers. Unlike most yoga classes, once the first 10 minutes had passed it was go go go! into an intense circuit involving sit-ups, burpees, squat jumps and some other cardio based moves. The class of around 6-8 people was moved from one station to the next as we all completed round after round of intense exercises. As the circuits came to an end, the last 10 minutes followed a similar progression to the final stages of most yoga classes. Inversions and a dedicated Shavasana period (final resting pose) brought the dynamic workout to a close.

The benefits of HIITGA HIIT

Yoga expert – Mahendrea – at Deeksha Yoga

This class is a great change to your regular HIIT class or your usual yoga session. One of the most important factors in a successful exercise regime is the shock factor. When your body has to step out of its usual style, you’re forced to push yourself– that’s where you’ll see a vast improvement. Staying consistent with yoga, HIIT or any other exercise is fantastic, but these types of classes are a perfect addition and change to your normal workout schedule.

Book through GuavaPass today!

Amenities: water (for purchase), bathrooms, parking, mats

#GuavaTip: One of Deeksha Yoga’s instructor Mahendrea has over 3,000 hours of yoga teaching experience and is an extremely impressive and experimental teacher.

February 22, 2017 0 comment

Singapore Sweat

Power up your workout with HIIT Power Plates

written by Laura Fitzpatrick

Power plate classes are one of the fastest growing workout styles for developing muscle tone and definition. As a GuavaPass member, you have access to a wide range of studios offering these amazing workouts, available to book every day. It’s fast results, challenging sessions and little to no stress on your joints make it a fantastic choice for anyone wanting to slim down and tone up. The Power Plates class at Selective Fitness has all the benefits of a normal Power Plates class, with a dedicated focus on increasing the heart rate with high-intensity intervals.

How these classes are a little bit different…

What makes this class different is its incorporation of an HIIT-style workout. Controlled lunges, triceps dips and wide-leg squats on the power plate were challenging as is. In addition to that, HIIT exercises off the plate like burpees, jump squats and mountain climbers make the class the perfect mix of resistance, strength and cardio.

Power Plates at Selective Fitness

Setting an impressive goal for the class to reach

Our instructor Chris gave us a goal for the 50-minute session: 40 exercises, 45 seconds each with 15 seconds rest in between. Looking at it like that is pretty daunting, but with the variety of moves and the types of exercises we were completing as a class, the number of sets left was forgotten and everyone stayed focused on the workout.

Power Plates at Selective Fitness

Small classes…big focus on the workout

In the cozy studio on Tras Street, Tanjong Pagar, the team at Selective Fitness keep their classes to a maximum of 6 people, giving you the space to move and dedicated attention from the instructor. We began by setting our plates on medium to high intensity and bringing the timer up to last the whole session. The class collected their choice of light or heavy hand weights and jumped on the moving platform, eager to get moving.

Power Plates at Selective Fitness

Incorporating HIIT on and off the plate

The class worked both off and on the power plate to make sure the heart rate stays elevated by mixing in high-intensity moves. Pairing this with the weighted and unweighted exercises on the plate, you’ve got the ultimate workout. Moves on the ground varied between push-ups, mountain climbers and sit ups, each lasting for 45 seconds. Breaking up these exercises on the Power Plate were exercises such as slow one-leg dips, wide push-ups and overhead presses to name a few.

Power Plates at Selective Fitness

Using HIIT and power plates together works to increase muscle strength and overall fitness, making it an effective and fun way to tone and shape your body. Selective Fitness runs their Power Plate HIIT classes at various times throughout the day, and with the studio is a short walk from the Tanjong Pagar MRT, it’s becomes even easier to slip this class into your day.

Join GuavaPass now to reserve a spot!

Amenities: Showers, lockers, water refill, parking, mats, lockers

#GuavaTip: The intensity of the power plates of your choosing. Bump up the level of vibrations to make it even more challenging!

February 18, 2017 0 comment

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The Daily Guava

Singapore

The data behind the Singapore Guava: An article to help you understand the market

How our Guavas have ripened

Mindset Shift: Call to Functional Training

Community Events

How to master a pose with Sarah B Yoga

An oasis away from the busy streets

Focus, progression and endurance

A therapeutic massage within yoga poses

We’re hooked on the Strength Yard’s Met-Con Class

The Strength Yard studio

Sunday’s done right at The Strength Yard

30 minutes, a lot of lifting and a fair amount of running

A scaled and accessible workout

Zumba in the Circuit: Studio La Vie

All levels welcome!

Circuit training + Zumba

Building your Barre Body at Wings to Wings

Long, lean and graceful

Your personal intro to barre

The difference weight lifting compared to barre can make

An ab workout to top it all off

Childs play with a serious workout: Bounce Singapore

The Bounce Session gives you access to the areas of the floor that includes:

Giving you more benefits than just an hour of fun

Activating your primal muscles with Aileron Wellness

The best view for a primal class

Core strength, posture and transitions: The Basics of Primal Movement

The foundation movements of most workouts

HIIT Yoga: The workout fusion taking Singapore

What is HIITGA™?

What is in this hour of HIITGA HIIT?

The benefits of HIITGA HIIT

Power up your workout with HIIT Power Plates

How these classes are a little bit different…

Setting an impressive goal for the class to reach

Small classes…big focus on the workout

Incorporating HIIT on and off the plate