Category Archives: Working Out

Singapore’s running scene has been on the rise. Almost every week there are running events here and there, giving each runner, whether a local or a tourist, a tour of the city as well as the trails. Or maybe you’re not a diehard runner and you just want to run to keep your body (and lungs) in shape? Here are the best running apps, as per experience, which could help you hone your running skills.

Runtastic GPS Running App
The Runtastic GPS Running App is one of the basic running apps out there. This was the first app that I used when I was still starting my healthy lifestyle. Yes, it was user-friendly, not much confusing icons whatsoever, pretty basic. It’s also a multi-sport app since it does not only record your run but also your cycling activities. It’s also compatible with Apple Watch and Android Wear. So if you want to start on that running lifestyle you’ve been putting off for months now and you want an app to record your activities, this is the right one for you.

Freelectics Running
On a personal note, I swear my life on this app. This not only records my long distance run, but this also helped me step up my cardio game, made me lose tons of weight, and enhanced my endurance and stamina as a dragon boat paddler. This app also trains you to become a better runner, whether you have to do short distance or long distance races.

The app has different training plans for each need. The free version has 4 workout plans, though you need to subscribe to unlock all workouts and have a personalized training plan. And the cool thing here? Each workout is named after Egyptian Gods and Goddesses, and every after your workout, you’ll hear your “coach” say “Great job, Athlete!” Now, who doesn’t want that?

Strava Running and Cycling GPS
After how many years of being an on-and-off athlete, I have found a home in Strava. What I like about this app is that you can categorize your run into three: you can tag it as a long run, a race, or a workout. Also, you can push your limits by signing up for their monthly running or cycling challenges. The app, being a social media app too, can also detect Strava-registered clubs in your area where you can join if you wish.

Now, the fun part: you can gain trophies if you break your records, you can add your shoes and bike in your “Gears”, it’s a multi-sport app, and you can connect it to any GPS multi-sport watches, cycling devices, and activity trackers! I even discovered that you can connect your Garmin watch to the app, and that’s a plus! The only downside here is, the app would crash if you’re using an Android phone, so I just use my iPhone during my runs.

Are you looking for ways to make your occasional gym session a regular part of your daily activities? Many people want to sweat more often, but struggle with finding a motivation to make fitness part of their daily routine. Fortunately, fitness experts found ways on how to crank up our psyche to exercise daily. Here are some of their favourite strategies.

1. Always Have Your Gym Kit With You

You never know when you might have a spare time to hit the gym, which is why it makes sense to have your gym kit with you anywhere you go. Load it in your car or leave it in your office locker to eliminate the decision-making process, where you may decide not to go, in case you got a free hour later in the day.

2. Get Yourself a Tangible Reward

Surely, some people get motivated with vague fitness goals, such as ‘weight loss’ and ‘better health’. However, if those aren’t working for you, make your goals more tangible such as treating yourself a hearty meal or to a glass of your favourite smoothie when you achieve your aimed weight. That way, you’re more eager to work yourself harder to get to your purpose.

3. Buy Yourself New Gears

Nobody wants to look scruffy, even at the gym, so buy yourself some new workout clothes every now and then. Purchase a few extra gym gears, so you can’t use the excuse that your gloves or your favourite gym shirt is in the laundry.

4. Shake-Up Your Workout Playlist

We all know how music influences our daily routine—including our workout sessions. If you listen to the same workout playlist over and over again, then it’s time to update it and include more heart-pumping and feet-thumping songs. Choose songs with fast tempo and inspirational lyrics to keep you motivated while pumping irons.

5. Dress Up

Sometimes, we don’t realize how much weight we have lost. Even when you see photos of yourself before you start working out, it’s not as easy to believe that there has been significant transformation. Keeping a clothing item from before you started you weight loss journey is one good way to validate your progress. After all, there’s nothing more motivating than seeing yourself drowning in a shirt that used to cling closely to you.

Regardless of how you get there, you know you have reached your goals once the day comes when you can’t imagine skipping gym sessions—this is what we call addiction or pleasure. But the most important thing here is that you are doing it regularly and that you’re doing it all for the betterment of yourself.