I’ve finally found a place in Singapore that embraces the same health philosophy that I do and I’m so excited to share it with you guys today!Β
Active Hive is a brand new fitness centre in Singapore and why Hive? Because it follows a 7 Rs approach which areβ Responsible, Right Exercise, Right Consideration, Right Nutrition, Right Effort and my two favourites- balance and rest. And if there are two things all Singaporeans need more of, it’s a balanced, sustainable approach to fitness and A LOT MORE (physical/ mental) REST!
I was really apprehensive of the company at first as I always am of new places in the health and fitness industry. After all, there is just so many new fangled activities being marketed as ‘health’ but turn out to just be money-scammers. It really takes discernment (and a healthy amount of suspicion) to suss out the truth from all the marketing hype, you know?!
So anyway, my discomfort was heightened even more when I entered Oxley Bizhub where ActiveHub is located. I was expecting a gym with bright lights and rows and rows of cardio/ weight machines but all I saw of the place was industrial chic at best. Dimly lit interiors, polished concrete floors and a modern kitchen setting greeted me the moment I stepped into the place.
Huh? Where does one exercise here?
But my discomfort were soon put to rest when I was greeted by the very welcoming staff π
They proceeded to do the usual questionnaire/ measurements such as taking body fat measurements etc just to check your starting point. I like it that they invested in a machine that tells you your body fat percentage rather than just your weight alone. Then again, the numbers from a machine can only give you a very superficial assessment of your body. There are many other factors when it comes to accounting for holistic health and well- being so whatever numbers you have on hand, use them as progress markers if you wish, but never as the definitive source of validation for yourself!
After which I was led to a small room with just one machine in it.
The moment I saw it I was horrified. Prior to arriving at ActiveHive, I was told that I would be going through a painless cardio exercise designed to burn at least 500 calories in half an hour depending on the individual (big claims!). I didn’t think though, that Minus Calories was an elliptical machine! I don’t know about you but I hate, hate, hate the elliptical machine. It is the one machine I always avoid at the gym because it causes me the most pain. Very often, 5 minute into using it and my thighs would burn. I don’t care how people always say it is much better for your knees than pounding the treadmill. Better for my knees they may be, but oh my poor thighs!
While these thoughts were running through my head, the staff at ActiveHive was already gleefully programming the machine to the highest level. I really need to say this- I may run a ‘health’ blog but I’m not a health blogger which means my level of fitness is not what everybody thinks it is you know?? My protests were met with the cheerful assurance that ‘you can do it! Don’t worry!’ and with that, the staff happily closed the door behind her leaving me on a machine that suddenly glowed orange a la a sci-fi film.
Oh crap-a-doodle.
Please check out that level of madness indicated on the screen.
I started out tentatively at first. just plodding along, waiting for the burn to come. And you know what, the pain never came. With that I got more confident that I could do it. Perspiration was pouring, 10min into it, yet I’d never felt stronger.
The more I worked out on the machine, the more I was convinced of everything that it claimed to be able to do.
If you notice the metal nozzles on the machines, they actually emit negatively ionised air. Then entire machine also emits warm infrared light. These two combined make for a potent combination. Negatively ionised air has been proven to increase endurance levels, balance coordination and reaction and it’s so good that the Russians use it to train for the Olympics and improve their athletic performance. The real deal though, comes from the infrared light. Infrared light has been used for the longest time to reduce pain in muscles/ joints etc but it’s not magic. ANYTHING that improves your body’s blood circulation, improves your well-being. There are a whole host of other benefits including tighter skin, reduction of cellulite, improving mood and energy levels but I’m not going to delve into any of that because THERE REALLY WAS NO PAIN. WHAT SORCERY IS THIS (I know I said it wasn’t magic haha).
While I was on the machine I couldn’t stop thinking how great the workout would be for the clinically obese or senior citizens like my grandmother who fear exercising because they have achy joints or body aches that prevent them from working out. Why is the government not investing in a whole host of these machines in old folks’ homes?! Also, because it is just one machine in a single room, there is no issue of prying eyes for people a little shy of working out in front of other people. Sometimes, there are just so many barriers to exercising for some people you know? Maybe you or someone you know is struggling with a huge weight problem and is too embarrassed to work out in front of other people then ActiveHive is going to be just right for you.
It also helps that I can prop my iPad on the machine and watch The Return of Superman. Do you love this show too? I LOVE IT.
The session ends in 32 minutes and the machine says I burnt 606 calories. That’s nice. Wonder how many Old Chang Kee curry puffs that is. (Only two?! π )
At the end of the whole session I am POURING sweat but the pain never comes. I get off the machine and my legs are a little wobbly but still strangely no pain. It’s starting to get a little creepy. Did I really work out? Haha. Exercise for me is really about cardiovascular health and building strength and flexibility so the calories burnt don’t really matter to me. But for those looking to shed weight, this has got to be the most painless, time- efficient way to do it. Only 32 minutes! (and you can eat another 2 curry puffs!)
Post workout, I am treated to a freshly made green juice. So fresh that the apple is cut right in front of me. Haha. I sit with the juice and read the array of health magazines available.
ActiveHive also sells a whole range of merchandise like lifestyle accessories, health ingredients and even the Hurom juicers!
That’s me post workout – smiling because there’s no pain. I’m a convert! I believe in technology! Haha.
If you are wondering what I ate pre workout, this was my pre workout snack. One thing that I really like about ActiveHive is that they constantly remind you that YOU MUST EAT before working out. The workout may be painless but the stress on your body is real and you need to nourish your body enough to handle it. I always eat fruits for a quick energy boost especially if it’s a short, intense workout and uh, that is sambal goreng tofu because I just like it. π
In short, I highly, highly recommend ActiveHive especially for those looking for a private, painless workout. Active Hive also provides yoga sessions etc so you may want to check out their facebook page for more updates. They are new so some things are still in the works but from what I’ve seen of them so far and their commitment to holistic health, I’d say they will be quite a force to reckon with in future.
Till next time,
stay active, healthy and happy π
65 Ubi Road 1 #02-88, Oxley Bizhub, S408729
Tel: 6384 2758/ 9236 4678
by appointment only.
And also to prevent you from getting hopelessly lost like I did, here are some directions to the place at Oxley Bizhub.
1. From the main entrance, turn left
2. Go up the escalators
3. Turn left (where the exit sign is)
4. And you’ll see ActiveHive‘s main door and sign!