Why you should check out the indoor cycling classes at hip fitness studio Anthem on Hong Kong Street
When it comes to a workout in Singapore, us Honeycombers girls look for three main things: 1) we want to burn a LOT of calories fast 2) we want the workout to be FUN and 3) we like to go to fresh, stylish and spacious gyms.
Point one is exactly why we’ve fallen hard for spinning in Singapore. Indoor cycling classes see us typically burning up to 400 calories a workout. Point two and three is why we’ve become regulars at Anthem Indoor Cycling near Clarke Quay; their spinning sessions whoosh by in a blur of sweat, music and laughs, plus their studio is uber hip with lovely facilities. (We know it sounds a little silly to place ‘nice gyms’ as an important fitness consideration, but it really does make a difference when you need to zhush yourself up and zip back to the office or straight out onto the town.)
On the corner of popular Hong Kong Street (filled with trendy bars like 28 Hong Kong Street and edgy foodie joints like FOC), Anthem fits in perfectly with the trendy buzz of its surrounds; the studio has been professionally styled by a team of folks who are considerably cooler than we are, and there are friendly, complimentary touches dotted around the airy space (need a hair band? Here’s a cute little pot of ‘em! Want to remove that make-up? Take a pad! Need to chill on the sofa? Have a cuppa!).
Thanks to the welcoming guys behind Anthem – three young guy friends – the gym has a great, happy atmosphere, with all levels of abilities welcome and looked after. There are beginners and experts in each class, with the instructors and regular cyclists keeping an eye on each other as they embark on the group ride. And while spinning is certainly on trend right now, it’s the expert instructors, positive vibes and level of care for the riders that has established Anthem as an effective, long-term fitness centre on the island.
There are two types of spinning classes at Anthem: Anthem Road has intense hills, flats, climbs and sprints. Anthem 45 is a total-body workout with intervals, hand weights, push-ups and core exercises. They both have the purpose of making you fitter and stronger, and we like to mix the classes up a few times a week.
With the lights turned down, pop/dance music on loud and the disco lights in full swing (oh yes, we told you it was fun!), the riders are encouraged to leave their dramas outside, get their heads down and pull together for forty five minutes. With the help of interactive screens, which register your bike’s performance (in terms of power and speed), you can even take part in races! Yup, you can sprint and climb against one another and take part in team exercises to get the best out your performance. (Don’t worry if this makes you feel anxious – no one can tell what your bike number is apart from you and the lights are down, so no one is able to judge your cycling ability!)
Following the class, you’ll be sweaty, smiling and satisfied. Plus, Anthem’s snazzy spinning system will record your final performance and email you your results (in terms of energy burned). This is also automatically added to your personal fitness record online; simply sign in to check out yours after your first class.
Like the sound of Anthem? Get started with a special offer for HC readers. Whoop!
Do it! Anthem is a great experience and super effective when it comes to burning calories, toning up and destressing. For 20 per cent off between now and the end of December 2015, HC readers can key in discount code “HC-ANT2015”.
You can set up your Anthem account online or in person at the studio. Head here to get started or find out more. If you have any problems, feel free to write to the Anthem guys at [email protected] or call them on 6533 5668.
Anthem Indoor Cycling: 66B South Bridge Road (Level 3), Singapore 058696. Follow the team on Facebook here and hit them up on Instagram @ridewithanthem.