HIIT workoutshave been popping up all over Singapore’sCBDlately and for good reason. Studies show that high-intensity interval training like spinning and boxercise burns more fat and calories in a shorter time period than regular exercise sessions. That’s especially appealing for working professionals; ‘cause when you’ve got a full workload on, you need your workouts to be punchy and to the point (not to mention the need to have a year-round beach bod that’s ready tovacayat the drop of a hat). For all the fellow CBD workers out there, we went on a mission to find the best HIIT gyms and fitness centres in the area, and we’ve narrowed down our top five spots where you can get in a quick and efficient workout close to the office.
Absolute Cycle
This fun indoor cycling studio at OUE downtown is all about smashing out dynamic rides that work on pretty much every part of your body. Each session starts with some breath work to get you in the rhythm, then the lights dim, the music starts, and your instructor takes you on an intense interactive journey where each rider contributes to the energy levels in the room. If you’ve got the time, try its 45-minute Lunch Beats session; we guarantee they’ll give you a boost to get you through the afternoon. They also have morning, evening, and weekend workouts for all fitness levels.
Absolute Cycle, 6A Shenton Way, OUE Downtown Gallery #02-01, Singapore 068815. p. +65 6220 2688
Barre Lab
This unique studio is a collaboration by Yoga Lab and Breathe Pilates and it offers a variety of fun classes that combine movements from ballet, yoga and pilates. That may sound super gentle, but try the Barre Power class and you’ll be feeling the burn in no time. This HIIT-style class is choreographed to lively beats and combines cardio, strength and conditioning exercises with a focus on muscle endurance to sculpt the body. They recommend you have some barre class experience beforehand, so try one of the intro classes and then work your way up to this one.
Barre Lab, 60B Duxton Road, Singapore 089524. p. +65 9646 7209. Open Mon, Wed: 7:45am – 1:30pm, 6:30pm – 9:15pm, Tues, Thurs 7:45am – 1:30pm, 5:15pm – 9:15pm, Fri: 5:30pm – 8:15pm, Sat – Sun 9am – 12pm, 2pm – 5pm
Barry’s Bootcamp (pictured above)
Barry’s got its start in West Hollywood in 1998 and has since developed a cult-like following that includes more than a few celebrities. Now you can try their ultra-effective HIIT workouts here in Singapore at their flagship studio on Robinson Road. Each 50-minute session is designed to burn up to 1,000 calories with 25 minutes of cardio, 25 minutes of strength and conditioning and a stretching and cool-down period. Afterwards you can recharge with a superfood smoothie at the Fuel Bar and peruse the shop for branded workout gear by Lululemon.
Barry’s Bootcamp, 18 Robinson Rd, #03-03, Singapore 048547. p. +65 8666 0303. Open Mon – Fri 6:30pm – 9pm, Sat 9pm – 4:30pm, Sun 10am – 4:30pm
boOm
Boxercise seems to be the hottest workout trend at the mo’, and after trying one ‘Sweat Sesh’ at boOm, a spacious studio run by Victoria and Bryan Tay, we can definitely see what all the fuss is about. During each 45-minute workout, you get your own punching bag and weight station where you can go to town with a combination of jabs, hooks, and uppercuts. All the while, awesome music plays in the background, funky lights illuminate the space, and your instructor will guide you and cheer you on. You’ll need boxing wrap and gloves for protection, but not to worry; they sell wrap and offer glove rentals at the studio.
boOm, 62 Cecil Street #B1-00, Singapore 049710. p. +65 6224 0323
F45
Whenever we’re in need of something different to shake up our exercise routine,F45is always at the top of the list. We love the fact there are branches all over Singapore including one on Amoy Street (just around the corner from our co-working space at The Working Capitol on Robinson). Originating in Australia, F45 combines cardio with strength training in fun 45-minute workouts that change every time, so you never know if you’re going to be jumping, squatting, kicking, or lifting. This is great for getting at muscles you may not have worked on for a while.
F45, 78 Amoy Street, Singapore 069897. p. +65 9779 0464
Haus Athletics
Haus Athletics is all about music, movement and community, so each class is set to high-energy beats and gets your body moving with team challenges that include a variety of exercises to burn fat and tone up that bod. The classes take place in low-light rooms so you can focus on each task fully. Then you’ve got an awesome team of expert trainers who will keep you motivated and moving on the right track. You can try out just one class or purchase a package of multiple classes that are shareable, so you can give one to a friend who wants to join along.
Haus Athletics, 6A Shenton Way, OUE Downtown Gallery #02-03, Singapore 068815. p. +65 6222 0232. Open Mon – Fri 6:45am – 2pm, 5:30pm – 9pm, Sat – Sun 10am – 3:45pm
Juggernaut Fight Club
Feel like getting into the ring and slugging it out? Juggernaut Fight Club has trained some of the best fighters to come out of Singapore in a variety of disciplines including boxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian jiu jitsu and mixed martial arts. If you’re looking for a HIIT-style workout, sign up for one of their fight conditioning classes where they’ll work your body to get you in the best possible shape either for one-on-one combat or just to look and feel your best. Be warned though: the trainers don’t pander, so expect to be thoroughly challenged.
Juggernaut Fight Club, 10 Seng Poh Road, Singapore 168895. p. +65 6535 2501. Open Mon – Fri 11am – 10pm, Sat 10am – 4pm
The Jungle
Conveniently located in Boat Quay, The Jungle is a dynamic gym and martial arts training studio that is open to all from amateurs to advanced fitness buffs and fighters. There are three different HIIT classes to choose from including Jungle HIIT for a mix of cardio, functional training, body and weight resistance exercises, Kickboxing HIIT for martial arts conditioning, and HIIT based personal training for those who want one-on-one sessions.
The Jungle, 35B Boat Quay, Singapore 049824. p. +65 9328 6002. Open Mon – Thurs 12:15pm – 8pm, Fri 12:15pm – 6pm, Sat 10am – 2pm, Sun 12pm – 3pm (times may change depending on classes)
Ritual
Designed with busy people in mind, the HIIT classes at Ritual are just 30 minutes long, and that’s from the time you walk in the door until the time you leave. Here’s how it works: you change into gear that’s provided for you (no need to lug around a gym bag), then do 20 minutes of safe, high-intensity exercises, stretch, shower and you’re good to go. And with tons of small group classes running throughout the day, there’s really no excuse not to get a workout in.
Ritual, 140 Robinson Road, #03-01, Singapore 068907. p. +65 6584 9469. Open Mon – Fri 6:30am – 9pm, Sat 9am – 3pm
