Source: Health, Cleo, 24 September 2018 © Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Permission required for reproduction.

 It only counts as physical activity if you're in activewear? Think again!  Our day to day activities such as daily chores like doing housework is a form of physical activity and depending on how hefty the chore is, it sure can elevate your heartrate and get the muscles activating with all the lifting and shifting. In other words, you can burn calories while doing it.

And those times when you brisk-walk to work because you woke up late or lost track of time after watching just one YouTube video? Yes, that's also another form of physical activity. Even leisure cycling counts as moderate-intensity physical activity too.

If you're doing any of those regularly, you might be getting adequate exercise. And if you want to challenge yourself with  gradually increasing the intensity of your physical activity, you can also try running, aerobics and fast cycling – they require a larger amount of effort and result in rapid breathing and a substantial increase in heart rate. Doing at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate aerobic physical activities a week not only helps you burn calories and lower stress levels, but also reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

But that doesn't mean you have to do the same household chores a few times a day or deliberately run late to work just to clock in the hours. Scroll through the gallery to check out five fun workouts that will help you keep your heart rate up for at least an hour.



1.  KpopX Fitness

Want to try out K-Pop dance choreography?  KpopX Fitness allows you to do that and stay in shape.  The workout has been gaining popularity across the island because it's not only fun, but also doesn't require participants to have prior dance experience.  You can sign yourself up for a free class with Health Promotion Board Sundays @ The Park and Sunrise In The City programme.


2.  Rock Climbing

For the adventure seekers, try rock climbing.   It requires participants to climb up , down and across rock walls (whether real or man-made) and, as you can imagine, you'll feel a real sense of achievement when you reach the top.  Besides, the sport not only builds strength, flexibility and endurance, but also boosts mental function.

3.  Barre Fitness

Always wanted to put on a pair of ballet slippers (or even pointe shoes)? It's never too late to give it a go!  The graceful and structured dance helps to improve posture, muscle tone and spatial awareness.  And since it's a kind of performance art that may involve an audience, it can also boost your confidence in the long run.


4.  Trampolining

You're never too old to be bouncing around on a trampoline - especially if it can improve your cardiovascular fitness, coordination and agility.  And in case you didn't know, trampolining is a competitive Olympic sport, so it's definitely not just for kids!


5.  Bungee Dance

No, you don't have to jump off a cliff for this one.  Instead, you jump around in a room while wearing a harness attached to bungee cords, so if you're scared of heights but still want to experience "flying", this is just the activity for you.  It'll give you such a thrill that it won't even feel like a workout.


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