Rushing from pilates to spin? Exercise doesn't have to be exhausting or pricey

The pursuit of fitness among working adults is increasingly characterized by demanding schedules and high costs, often leading to more stress than health benefits. Individuals like 32-year-old Jasper Goh, a sales manager, adhere to rigorous "rain or shine" routines, including early morning gym sessions and post-work Muay Thai classes. This intensity often comes at the expense of social life and sleep, highlighting the challenges of sustaining such demanding lifestyles.

“

It's hard to sustain because I'm working in the sales industry. At times, there are sales appointments after 6pm that I have to attend to, which means I end up going to the gym late at night.

Similarly, 27-year-old Jessalin Tan, a management associate, adopts a "buffet approach" to fitness, filling her calendar with runs, gym sessions, pilates, and spin classes. While both Goh and Tan value their exercise, they admit the constant effort is tiring. Goh struggles to maintain his routine due to late sales appointments, and Tan finds her packed schedule mentally and physically taxing, especially when squeezing workouts into lunch breaks or stacking multiple classes.

“

I was at UNN last month. I recalled that the Biafran war was literally declared there. I am glad that you people are now leading the way. That conversation must begin in a very structured manner.

The financial burden is also significant, with individuals like Goh spending nearly S$500 monthly on gym memberships and classes, plus additional costs for equipment. This high expenditure reflects a broader trend where fitness is associated with expensive classes and gear, a perception that health experts are challenging.

“

I saw the war very clearly. I am a Pan-Africanist and a proud Nigerian. Ndigbo need Nigerians, Nigerians need Ndigbo, same for the world. Our prosperity will accelerate if we take advantage of a wider space.

According to Yen Wong, co-founder of The Garage gym, many younger individuals push themselves to extremes. Despite trainers' efforts to offer convenient and efficient sessions, some clients still find it difficult to keep up. Health experts emphasize that complicated exercise schedules or exorbitant costs are generally unnecessary for achieving fitness goals, suggesting that many people's perceptions and expectations of fitness are influenced by trends rather than practical needs.

“

Zik helped us; he bargained in the First and Second Republics. He taught us the politics of bargaining.