Story by Lim Yong Teck/Red Sports. Photos by Matthew Lau/Red Sports

Studio fitness programmes such as masala bhangra are new forms of cardio workouts that will be introduced under the ActiveSG movement. (Photo 1 © Matthew Lau/Red Sports)

Studio fitness programmes such as masala bhangra are new forms of cardio workouts that will be introduced under the ActiveSG movement. (Photo 1 © Matthew Lau/Red Sports)

Jurong West Sports and Recreation Centre, Thursday, April 24, 2014 — Conventional public sports centres are getting a new look and will soon include additional activities and facilities under the Sport Singapore master plan for ActiveSG.

ActiveSG is a national movement that aims to provide affordable sports programmes for Singaporeans of all ages and levels. It is one of the recommendations of Vision 2030.

New amenities such as free WIFI access and mobile phone charging stations will be one of the key installations that will be implemented at selected Sports Centres.

Swimming complexes such as Jurong West, Clementi and Ang Mo Kio will soon have outdoor gyms by the pool. Parents who are looking for something to do can keep themselves occupied with the poolside gym while waiting for their children to finish their swim sessions. There will also be alfresco lounges for social gatherings by the pool.

“Our parents are committed as they come to the pool and enrichment classes with their kids. They are not doing anything else, except to wait for the enrichment classes to end,” said Mr Lai Chin Kwang, Chief of the ActiveSG movement. “This is an opportunity that we want to engage, and of course, encourage social bonding.”

New fixtures such as aqua spinning, a form of water resistance workout, and flippa ball, a modified form of water polo for children, will also be introduced, providing an additional option from the conventional activities offered at the sports centres.

At certain sports centres, there will also be new studio fitness programmes such as piloxing and masala bhangra. Both forms of cardio workout are relatively new and a first in Singapore. Participants can also dance to their favourite Korean pop music in the K-Pop X Fitness workshop. These programmes provide opportunities for families and friends to work out together and allow them to meet people with common interests.

ActiveSG will be holding an official launch from 9–6 p.m. on Saturday, April 26. Members of the public can look forward to a first-hand tryouts of the new activities and facilities free-of-charge.

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