Are you passionate about living a healthy lifestyle and eager to spread the wellness bug? Imagine transforming that zest for fitness and clean eating into your day job! Now, let’s plunge into five marvelous career paths that merge your enthusiasm for health with a fulfilling profession.
Jumping from a hobby to a career can be like swapping out sneakers for running spikes – it’s all about getting that extra edge. Stick around as we explore these enticing options that’ll have you sprinting towards your professional dreams with unbridled energy!
1. Dietitian or Nutritionist
This is a career as satisfying as a perfectly balanced meal. As a dietitian/nutritionist, you’d be the go-to expert for crafting nourishing diets tailored to individual needs. Whether it’s creating meal plans for athletes, advising on weight management, or offering lessons on the power of food in managing health conditions, one thing is for sure. You get to savor the joy of making positive changes in people’s lives.
It’s like being a culinary architect, designing blueprints for healthier lifestyles rather than buildings. This path is ideal for those who crave impacting personal wellness through dietary wisdom.
2. Physical Therapist
On what’s nothing short of a fulfilling journey, you become the force behind someone’s recovery and enhanced quality of life as a physical therapist. Blending knowledge of anatomy with compassionate care, you get to guide patients through rehabilitation after injuries or surgeries, helping them regain mobility and reduce pain.
Key Contributions Include:
Developing customized rehab programs
Facilitating improvement in movement and function
Educating patients on preventing future injuries
Providing emotional support during recovery
Your career will be akin to being a lighthouse – guiding individuals back to their full potential amidst the foggy waters of injury.
3. Personal Trainer
Ready to pump up the motivation? Dive into a career as a personal trainer, where every day you’re sculpting healthier and stronger individuals—literally. You’ll develop personalized exercise programs, steer clients toward their fitness goals, and be there to cheer them across every finish line.
Amidst your toolkit of dumbbells and resistance bands, don’t forget to leverage technology with personal training software built for personal trainers specifically. These tools are designed to streamline your workflow and enhance client engagement.
Think of this role as being a fitness maestro, where you’re orchestrating movements and harmonizing routines to create the symphony that is optimal health. If you’ve got an infectious energy for physical activity, this path is your chance to flex it!
4. Health Coach
Transitioning individuals towards healthier habits, health coaches stand as pivotal figures in the wellness industry. They employ a holistic approach to help clients set achievable goals, whether it’s improving nutrition, fitness, or overall well-being through:
Educating clients on nutritious food selections
Designing lifestyle modification plans
Offering support for sustainable habit changes
Creating a supportive environment for client growth
In this role, you’re less like a traditional educator and more akin to a compass for those navigating the complex journey of lifestyle transformation.
5. Gym Instructor
conductor of a fitness orchestra, a gym instructor sets the tempo for dynamic group workouts. You’ll harness your energy to lead classes, from high-intensity interval training to serene yoga sessions, fostering community and individual progress.
Your role also involves educating on proper exercise techniques and safety to ensure everyone’s experience is both effective and enjoyable. If creating an electrifying atmosphere that pulses with collective effort sounds exhilarating, then guiding others as a gym instructor could be your calling.
So, there you have it – a snapshot of five vibrant careers for fitness aficionados. Each offers its own unique blend of challenge, personal interaction, and the deep satisfaction that comes from improving lives. Ready to lace up your career sneakers? The path to turning your health passion into a profession is just waiting for you to take that first step!
The Eastern Corridor, an 18 km route of park connectors initially announced in 2021, has been gradually unveiled to the public. Half of this extensive path winds alongside picturesque waterways, enriched through PUB’s Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters) Programme, providing an idyllic cycling journey amid the eastern waterscapes. This development fosters greater community engagement with Singapore’s parks and natural surroundings. Through meticulous landscaping, the Eastern Corridor not only amplifies greenery but also beckons diverse wildlife, nurturing a closer relationship between the community and nature, thereby promoting health and well-being. Moreover, this initiative fosters interconnectivity among communities, expanding beyond the confines of Singapore’s compact urban landscape and contributing to its evolution into a City in Nature.
Recent developments include the inauguration of the 600m Bedok Park Connector (Eastern Bank) along the Sungei Bedok waterway, marking the completion of the Eastern Corridor. Additionally, newly constructed park connectors along Tampines Avenue 9 and 10, coupled with the Bedok connector, extend over 3.2 km, providing residents and visitors with alternative routes for recreational activities between Pasir Ris Park and East Coast Park via Bedok Reservoir Park.
The National Parks Board (NParks) also unveiled plans for three cycling bridges across Changi Beach Park and East Coast Park, aiming to enhance connectivity and accessibility to natural areas. These endeavors align with NParks’ broader mission to expand connectivity across Singapore, ultimately ensuring that every household can access a park within a 10-minute walk by 2030. There are plans for the three bridges to be built across Changi Creek, connecting Changi Point to Changi Beach Park, as well as the eastern end of East Coast Park, and to replace the existing bridge across Fort Road at the western end of East Coast Park.
The Eastern Corridor, initially announced in 2021, has gradually unfolded to the public. Now completed, it connects various parks, including Tampines Eco Green for birdwatching, Sun Plaza Park with its therapeutic garden, and East Coast Park for sports activities.
Spanning alongside waterways such as Sungei Tampines, half of the Eastern Corridor offers serene views. Recently completed park connectors along Tampines now seamlessly link Tampines Eco Green and Bedok Reservoir Park.
In January 2022, enhancements were made to the eastern half of the Round Island Route, the island’s longest recreational connection at 75km. These upgrades include the addition of mapboards, directional signage, and landscaping for shade and greenery. NParks plans to introduce marine habitats along the route by installing tiles to support marine life, promoting biodiversity.
The Round Island Route, stretching from Rower’s Bay Park in the northeast to Berlayer Creek near Labrador Nature Reserve in the south, encompasses iconic spots like Changi Beach Park and East Coast Park. Currently, at 75km, it will reach a total length of 150km by 2035 as the remainder is progressively completed.
SINGAPORE, 31 JANUARY 2024 – Two-time triathlon Olympic champion Alistair Brownlee could make his Singapore debut at the April 12-14 PTO Asian Open alongside Tokyo Olympics women’s triathlon gold medallist Flora Duffy after the Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) unveiled their stellar athlete line-up and full calendar for the season in London on Tuesday (Jan 30).
At the launch at London’s City Hall, the PTO also announced a significant relaunch of its PTO Tour, now known as the T100 Triathlon World Tour, and 40 of the world’s best triathletes will be part of an expanded 2024 calendar that will feature eight races. The rebranded series will visit three continents, starting in Miami on March 9 before finishing with a Grand Final at a soon-to-be announced location at the end of November, where the women’s and men’s World Champion will be crowned. The full T100 Triathlon World Tour calendar for 2024 is as follows:
March 9 – Miami T100
April 12-14 – Singapore T100
June – California T100 (date to be confirmed)
July 27-28 – London T100
Sept 28-29 – Ibiza T100
Oct 19-20 – Lake Las Vegas T100
Nov 16-17 – Dubai T100
Nov 29-30 – Grand Final (location to be confirmed)
The evolution of the PTO Tour to the T100 Triathlon World Tour follows the PTO’s partnership agreement with World Triathlon in August 2023, which designated itthe official World Championship tour of long distance triathlon.
The contracted athletes are required to compete in a minimum of five races as well as the Grand Final. 32 athletes qualified as a result of their PTO World Ranking at two points during 2023, with eight additional spots granted to women and men whose past results and future potential will bring excitement to the series.
The women’s line-up includes all the top PTO World Ranked athletes: current #1 Anne Haug (GER), #2 Ashleigh Gentle (AUS), #3 Taylor Knibb (USA), #4 Lucy Charles-Barclay (GBR), #5 Laura Philipp (GER), #6 Kat Matthews (GBR), #7 Paula Findlay (CAN), #8 Daniela Ryf (SUI), #9 Imogen Simmonds (SUI), #10 Emma Pallant-Browne (GBR), #11 Chelsea Sodaro (USA), #12 Marjolaine Pierré (FRA), #13 Skye Moench (USA), #14 Tamara Jewett (CAN), #15 India Lee (GBR), #17 Amelia Watkinson (NZL) #22 Holly Lawrence (GBR), #25 Lucy Byram (GBR), Taylor Spivey (USA) and Flora Duffy (BER) [1].
The men’s line-up also features the very best athletes: current #2 Magnus Ditlev (DEN), #3 Jason West (USA), #5 Pieter Heemeryck (BEL), #6 Mathis Margirier (FRA), #7 Rudy Von Berg (USA), #8 Leon Chevalier (FRA), #9 Sam Long (USA), #11 Daniel Baekkegard (DEN), #12 Bradley Weiss (RSA), #13 Sam Laidlow (FRA), #14 Frederic Funk (GER), #15 Clement Mignon (FRA), #16 Aaron Royle (AUS), #17 David McNamee (GBR), #23 Ben Kanute (USA), #26 Rico Bogen (GER), #31 Alistair Brownlee (GBR), #174 Max Neumann (AUS), #205 Marten Van Riel (BEL) and #267 Javier Gomez (ESP)[2].
Brownlee, who emerged triumphant at London 2012 and Rio 2016, could race in Singapore for the first time when the series reaches Marina Bay in April. He was forced to sit out most of the 2023 PTO Tour season after injuring his ankle.
Brownlee, 35, said: “I’m really excited at the prospect of racing the Singapore T100. It will be my first time in Singapore and I have heard many good things about the city. From what I saw from last year, it will be a tough race with the heat and humidity but a great environment to race in that has so many beautiful sights along the route, while allowing you to hear spectators cheering right next to you. My aim for the first half of the season is to be fit and healthy, and to train consistently. I then aim to build on this during the second part of the season.”
Speaking at the launch event in London, Brownlee also voiced his support for the PTO’s rebrand. He added: “I want to see more people watching top-level long-distance triathlon and being inspired by seeing the top athletes racing. It’s crucial that the PTO succeeds and I’m convinced that the T100 Triathlon World Tour’s success will be triathlon’s success. It’s tough to create something new but ultimately, it will benefit every triathlete. So having the PTO work closely with World Triathlon to put on these great races in great locations that allow athletes to flourish and race to the best of their ability, while broadcasting it around the world in the right manner, has got to be the way to go to bring in new fans and people who want to engage in the sport in a new way.” Women’s defending champion Ashleigh Gentle could also reignite her battle with Anne Haug in Singapore and the Australian will be hoping to retain her title. She said: “Singapore was my favourite race in 2023 and I’m looking forward to racing there again. The crowds were absolutely incredible, it was super wellsupported and really entertaining to run through Marina Bay with that many people. As a course, I did enjoy Singapore a lot as well. The bike ride was really fun. It was pretty remarkable that we were able to ride on these roads that would otherwise be impossible to ride on. It’s super unique and quite a privilege. The multi-lap courses of each leg also create excitement and it means we can use the locations to their fullest as spectators get to see us multiple times. I would love to be able to retain at least one PTO title.
It’ll be harder than ever but that’s always a goal. I’ve been quite successful on the PTO Tour so I’d love to be able to keep standing on those podiums and be competitive at the top end of the sport. I also want to keep enjoying myself and loving training and racing. I just try to enjoy the process, and I’m always grateful that I get to go to work every day and my work is triathlon. I know that it’s a very privileged thing, so I want to make the most of it.”
Speaking on today’s announcement, PTO Executive Chairman Chris Kermode, said: “We’ve been clear that we wanted to create a tour that represents the pinnacle of the sport and have talked about the importance of a season-long schedule of high-quality racing that sees the world’s best endurance athletes going head-to-head on a consistent basis in different, iconic locations. So we are hugely excited to be able to announce the 2024 calendar, that it will now be known as the T100 Triathlon World Tour and a worldclass group of athletes. This is a significant step forward for the PTO and its ambition to elevate professional triathlon on a global sporting stage and is the culmination of what we’ve been working hard to achieve over the last 12 months. But, as I’ve said to the athletes and the PTO team over the last few weeks, in triathlon terms, the PTO is only just emerging from the water and there is still an awfully long way to go to the finish line. But to have the calibre of these athletes announced today sign up and commit to the new T100 Triathlon World Tour is a huge endorsement of what we’re building.”
World Triathlon President Marisol Casado said: “When we announced our partnership with PTO last summer, the goal that we had in mind was exactly this: to be able to deliver a brand new series of events that have their own ecosystem and that will elevate our sport to new heights. By uniting our strengths, passion and dedication, we aim to bring positive change and innovation to the triathlon community. Together, we aspire to forge a more inclusive, fair, competitive and sustainable landscape for athletes, fans and stakeholders. The T100 Triathlon World Tour exemplifies the tremendous potential that arises when organisations align their visions, fostering a thriving environment for the sport we all hold dear. As we embark on this journey hand in hand, we are steadfast in our belief that together, we can guide triathlon towards a brighter, more exhilarating future.”
On the rebranding of the PTO Tour to T100 Triathlon World Tour, PTO CEO Sam Renouf explained: “This was the right moment for us to introduce a more consumer facing brand. As we’ve developed the races and the broadcast product over the past three years, we’ve continued to listen to feedback from all parties, including our broadcast partners, the media, fans and, of course, our athletes who co-own the organisation. It was clear that we needed to be more explicit about this being a triathlon world tour as well as hero our exciting new 100km distance, which continues to mark us out and deliver compelling racing. With races being known as the Singapore T100 or Ibiza T100, we believe it will help establish T100 as both a powerful brand as well as a unique format – which will only help us on our mission to take the sport more mainstream. This will create more opportunities to attract new host cities, commercial sponsors and engage amateurs and Age Groupers whom we will be hosting at each of our stops this year. The look and feel of the new brand tell a very vibrant, relevant and visual story, thanks to the design having been inspired by the heart rate of an athlete during a triathlon.”
Alongside the introduction of the new T100 brand and the athletes, the PTO confirmed the following:
20 female and male athletes are contracted across the season (40 in total)
Contracted athletes will race a minimum of 5 races plus the Grand Final. Although racing obligations for athletes who’ve qualified and will compete in the Olympics have been reduced
A discretionary number of Wildcards at each event based on remaining spots
Athletes to score 35 points for first place to 1 point for 20th place at each race
The Grand Final has increased points to up the ante (55 points down to 4 points)
A US$250,000 prize fund at each T100, totalling $2,000,000 across the eight races (1st place – $25,000k; 2nd – $16,000; 3rd – $12,000 at each race)
The series winners following the Grand Final will be crowned T100 Triathlon World Championand will win $210,000 from an additional total prize pool of $2,000,000
Between the athlete contracts, T100 race prize fund and T100 Triathlon World Tour pool, the series provides more than $7,000,000 in athlete compensation, and is distributed in a way that not only rewards the winners, but also recognises the significant achievement of racing at this level
Renouf added: “The PTO’s events have improved each time, but we need more of them to take the sport mainstream. It has lacked a season-long narrative with a World Champion at the end. Media, fans and our athletes themselves have told us that. If we want to be more like the ATP or Formula One, where it’s Max Verstappen versus Lewis Hamilton every time they line up, there’s a need for a contracted relationship with the athletes so we know if we tune in, then we are seeing the ‘best of the best’ every time. This is a key tenet of professional sports – and a package we must deliver.”
Also present at City Hall was reigning Ironman World Champion and PTO World #4Lucy Charles-Barclay. The Briton said: “For me, the T100 Triathlon World Tour is where our sport is heading. Having done four of the PTO 100km races now, I love the atmosphere, rivalry and challenge they bring. I have tried the Olympic distance and loved the fast-paced excitement of flat out racing, and on the other side of the spectrum I have raced and performed really well at the Ironman distance which is all about pacing and endurance. But actually putting something in the middle and bringing in athletes from the long course and from the Olympic distance, it’s just a melting pot of talent and the level of racing is higher than we’ve ever seen in the sport. I believe in what the PTO is doing and how exciting and big it could become and that’s what I want to be a part of, so my personal goal this year is the T100 tour. I’ve never focused on the
100km distance entirely before and I just want to see how far I can go over the format.”
Amateurs To Also Take T100 Start Line
It will not just be professional athletes who will get the opportunity to race on the T100 Triathlon World Tour, with the PTO also announcing mass participation races for amateurs at each event, including the newly established 100km distance at six of the eight stages, including: Singapore, London, Ibiza, Lake Las Vegas, Dubai and at the Grand Final3. These Age Grouper races will give amateurs the chance to compete on the same spectacular courses as the pros as well as watch the best in the world up close and personal. Sign-ups for the Singapore T100 triathlon and duathlon are open here.
As a result of its partnership with World Triathlon, certain stages of the Tour will also feature Age Group championship designations, with the chance to represent your country under the team of the athlete’s respective National Federation. Selection for these amateur championship events will follow the standard World Triathlon process and be outlined on the PTO and World Triathlon websites.
“Next level racing and a major event atmosphere were two of the things the 6,000 amateur athletes who took part in Singapore last year called out,” said Renouf. “So alongside the professional races, we’ll be running Age Grouper opportunities at most of the events. Registration is open on the PTO website and we look forward to welcoming all those who want to get involved.”
[1] Beyond the top 16 automatic men’s places, four discretionary contracts were awarded to: Rico Bogen, Alistair Brownlee, Javier Gomez and Marten Van Riel. These are based on: ‘athletes who have not otherwise automatically qualified, but who are of a calibre to be competitive with those who have qualified and would add to the prestige and competitiveness of the tour’. They will be referred to as ‘Hotshot’ contracts.
[2] Beyond the top 16 automatic women’s places, four discretionary contracts were awarded to: Amelia Watkinson, Lucy Byram, Flora Duffy and Taylor Spivey. These are based on: ‘athletes who have not otherwise automatically qualified, but who are of a calibre to be competitive with those who have qualified and would add to the prestige and competitiveness of the tour’. They will be referred to as ‘Hotshot’ contracts.
SINGAPORE, 4 FEBRUARY 2024 – In partnership with GMG, a global retailer and distributor based in the Middle East, Nike welcomes NewJeans to Nike Orchard Road for their first-ever performance in Singapore. The all-female group comprised of Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin and Hyein help Nike expand the definition of sport to invite more consumers, mainly women and girls, into the community.
Nike believes women and girls are the future of sport, and the brand is committed to bringing meaningful product innovation, store design and in-real-life experiences for her via Nike Orchard Road.
Designed to be more than a store, Nike Orchard Road has three levels and occupies 28,000 square feet of space, which makes it the company’s largest mono-brand Nike store in Asia outside of China. Select Nike Members, chosen via the Nike App, attended the NewJeans performance, were treated to a Q&A session with the band and had a member-only shopping party with exclusive access to products and services, including the new Air Max 90 LV8.
On the third floor, Nike By You allows Nike Members to express their creativity in an immersive customization experience. In celebration of the band’s performance, Nike Members can personalize select apparel purchased in-store with a bespoke set of Nike By You x NewJeans graphics for a limited time while supplies last.
The Nike By You x NewJeans graphics take inspiration from sport, Singapore and Nike. The graphics range from a subtle interpretation of Singapore, signifying their visit to the Garden City, to designs of Bunnies (how NewJeans refers to their fans) participating in sport or rocking their favorite new Nike Air Max.
The Nike By You x NewJeans customization experience launched on 30 January exclusively for Nike Members at Nike Orchard Road.
“Nike Orchard Road brings the best of sport to Singapore, and we’re proud to celebrate that further with NewJeans through dance, style and creativity,” said Sanjay Gangopadhyay, VP/GM, Nike Southeast Asia and India. “We create Nike-only experiences like these to welcome new athletes into sport and to inspire all athletes to keep moving.”
Nike Orchard Road is located at 268 Orchard Road, Singapore, and opened on 19 January 2024. Its operating hours are every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Next time you brew a cup of tea or grab a drink from the fridge, ponder whether your favorite beverages are boosting or compromising your health.
Studies reveal that the brain processes liquid calories differently than calories from solid food, potentially leading to unknowingly consuming hundreds of excess calories.Beyond just counting calories, the impact on health varies. Some beverages offer significant health advantages, such as a reduced risk of heart disease and increased longevity. On the flip side, others are associated with issues like obesity, disrupted sleep, and accelerated aging.
1) Water
Water plays a crucial role in regulating temperature, lubricating joints, supporting metabolism, and facilitating waste removal. Despite being the ultimate health beverage, a 2018 survey revealed that 77% of Americans didn’t consume enough water to meet their daily health requirements.
While water is present in various sources like vegetables, fruits, soups, broths, tea, and coffee, consistently sipping it in its pure form throughout the day is vital for overall well-being.
Furthermore, incorporating water into your routine could be the key to weight loss. In a study, individuals who drank two glasses of water before a meal consumed 22% fewer calories. Dehydration is associated with symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, reduced alertness, and an increase in cortisol, the stress hormone.
Looking for an extra reason to choose water as your go-to drink? Consider sparkling water with a splash of lemon, lime, clementine, or grapefruit for added flavor and effervescence. As long as there’s no added sugar, these fizzy alternatives offer the same benefits as plain water.
2) Tea
Savoring a cup of tea is linked to a range of health benefits, spanning from enhanced cognitive function to a reduced risk of heart disease. Recent research even indicates that tea drinkers tend to have a longer lifespan compared to their non-tea-drinking counterparts.
Tea, particularly green tea, has held a revered status for its medicinal properties for centuries. Green tea is rich in antioxidants and specific plant compounds called catechins, which play a role in combating inflammation, protecting cells from oxidation, and preventing damage from free radicals. Additionally, it contributes to maintaining robust bone health.
It’s advisable to allow your tea to cool slightly before indulging. Research from 2019 suggests that consuming tea at temperatures exceeding 140°F (60°C) is associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer.
3) Coffee
Your morning coffee not only gives you a caffeine boost but also comes with a host of health benefits. Studies link coffee consumption to a lower risk of dementia, reduced rates of depression, and a decreased likelihood of colorectal cancer. Opting for coffee over sugar-sweetened beverages has also shown to lower the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
4) Alcohol
Indulging in a tipple might contribute to a longer life, as per new research associating moderate alcohol consumption with an increased likelihood of reaching the age of 90.
The connection between alcohol and longevity remains somewhat mysterious. Some theories propose that specific alcoholic beverages, like red wine, contain plant compounds with potential cardio-protective properties. Additionally, the act of enjoying a drink might have stress-alleviating effects.
However, it’s crucial to note that the health benefits are tied to moderate drinking—defined as one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. The research also emphasized that binge drinking is linked to a shorter lifespan.
5) Syrup-Infused Coffee Beverages
Those comforting vanilla lattes or caramel macchiatos that help you power through the afternoon slump might be disrupting your sleep.
According to a 2020 study published in the journal Sleep Health, women who consumed at least one high-calorie coffee drink daily reported lower sleep quality compared to those who abstained from sugary coffee beverages.
While caffeine is widely recognized as a stimulant that can interfere with sleep, the combination of sugar and caffeine may also impact circadian rhythms.
In conclusion, if you’re experiencing sleep difficulties, cutting out sugary, high-calorie coffee drinks could potentially alleviate insomnia.
6) Juice
While fruit juice may boast vitamin C and potassium, it’s laden with sugar, often rivaling soda in calorie content. Despite the natural sugar in fruit juice, research published in JAMA Open Network suggests that the body metabolizes it similarly to added sugars found in soda. The negative health impacts, including weight gain and an elevated risk of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and all-cause mortality (the risk of dying from any cause), outweigh the modest nutritional benefits.
Opting for whole fruits instead of fruit juices is recommended. The fiber in whole fruits allows for a slower absorption of sugar, preventing blood sugar spikes associated with fruit juice. Additionally, the fiber helps you feel full for a more extended period.
7) Diet Soda
Despite being a zero-calorie beverage, diet drinks have been associated with significant health risks. Research links them to weight gain, an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, dementia, and even premature death. Recent data specifically connects sucralose, the artificial sweetener in diet soda, with carbs, increasing the risk of metabolic syndrome—characterized by higher blood sugars, elevated blood pressure, and weight gain.
The drawback of diet soda lies in its artificial chemicals and colorings, lacking any nutritional value. Some diet sodas include sugar substitutes, such as xylitol, maltitol, and sorbitol, which can ferment in the digestive tract, causing gas, bloating, and abdominal pain.
Moreover, excessive consumption of diet soda may reduce water intake, potentially leading to dehydration.
Tim Franklin, the ultramarathon legend known as Australia’s Forrest Gump, has today completed day 422 of his journey to run around the world. Clocking up 50 km, Tim completed his day 422 run in front of the iconic Marina Bay Sands.
During his four days in Singapore, he will run iconic Singapore trails, including the Rail Corridor, MacRitchie Nature Trail, and East Coast Park. He will also visit local schools and run with children through the Singapore Hash House Harriers running club.
Tim has embarked on the incredible challenge of running over a marathon daily to circumnavigate the Earth on foot. Tim aims to become the second fastest person to ever run around the world. He is also raising charity and awareness on his journey.
With his contagious enthusiasm and unwavering determination, Tim is conquering miles and inspiring countless people to embrace adventure and push their limits, just like his Gump-like inspiration.
“Singapore is a country that’s always captivated me,” says Tim. ” after today’s run, I can tell you it is also quite hot. I was grateful for the breeze. However, no matter rain or shine, my aim is to get people running and moving. Day 422 was a great one and thank you to all the friendly smiles along the way today.”
The World Runners Club (WRC) consists of those individuals who have successfully completed a circumnavigation of the Earth on foot, according to the rules set down by the WRC.
Tim’s journey has so far seen him
7,426.38kms remaining, out of a total of 26,232kms
422 Days as at January 29, 2024
146,015 metres total elevation gain
1,305,897 calories burnt
7:27:26 hours average on the road each day
58,913 steps per day average
693 ham and cheese wraps
13 pairs of shoes
379 different beds
2 serious car crashes
3 catastrophic floods
1 tornado
Every step Tim takes along the way is helping to raise awareness and money for a number of charities, Inspiring Brighter Futures, Wings For Life, Lung Foundation of Australia.
Running is one of the most effective ways to lose weight and improve your overall health and fitness. The Couch to 5K program is designed to take you from complete inactivity to running 5 kilometres (or 3.1 miles) over a series of weeks through a mix of running and walking. If you’re currently inactive and looking to get into running to lose weight, Couch to 5K is the perfect way to ease into it.
Get the Right Gear
Before you start, you’ll need the right gear, especially a good pair of running shoes. Go to a specialty running store to have your feet properly analyzed so you get shoes with the right fit and features for your gait and foot type. The wrong shoes can lead to shin splints, heel pain, and injuries down the road. Other essentials are moisture-wicking socks, lightweight running shorts and shirts, and for women, a supportive sports bra.
How Couch to 5K Works
The Couch to 5K program alternates intervals of gentle running with walking over 9 weeks. This allows your body to steadily adapt to the impact of running. On average, you’ll run just under 30 minutes by the last week. Here’s a basic overview of the weekly progression:
Week 1: Ease in with short running bursts of just 60 seconds, interspersed with walking.
Week 2: Run intervals reach 90 seconds, still mixed with walking periods.
Week 3: Run up to 3 minutes at a time; take walking breaks as needed.
Week 4: Running intervals increase to 5 minutes; continue walking between runs.
Week 5: Run 8 minutes at a time and walk when needed to recover.
Weeks 6-9: Gradual progression up to straight 30 minutes of running.
Supplements Can Help
Supplements aren’t strictly necessary but can aid running performance, recovery, injury prevention, and weight loss results. These include:
Protein powder: Helps repair exercise-induced muscle damage. Choose post-run for best effects.
BCAAs: Stimulates muscle protein production and decreases soreness—best before or during runs.
Curcumin: Has anti-inflammatory effects to ease joint pain and speed recovery. This can also be found in fat burning pills.
Probiotics: Supports gut health for improved digestion and immunity. Daily supplements boost effects.
The Power of Running
Running is such an effective exercise because it works your whole body, gets your heart rate up, and burns significant calories in a short time. Here are some of the major benefits:
Burns up to 900 calories per hour at a moderate running pace. Great for weight loss.
Strengthens bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons as your body adapts to running’s impact.
Improves cardiovascular fitness more effectively than lower impact exercises due to activating fast twitch muscle fibres.
Stay Motivated
Running isn’t always easy, especially when you’re just getting started. But try to focus on how good you’ll feel accomplishing this training plan. Getting out the door is the hardest part – once you start running, those feel-good endorphins will kick in. Music, running apps, an accountability buddy, and tracking your milestones are other motivators. The more you run, the more you’ll crave it.
Treat Injuries Properly
It’s very common to get minor running overuse injuries like shin splints, knee pain, hip flexor issues, plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis at some point. Don’t try to push through pain. Take a few days off, cross-train to maintain fitness, treat with RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation), and determine if faulty shoes/form are the cause. If pain persists, see a sports doctor or physical therapist. Catching and treating injuries promptly is crucial.
Next Steps After Couch to 5K
Finishing Couch to 5K is a huge accomplishment. Continue training at this easier pace for a few weeks to adapt before taking the next steps like improving your pace, running farther, trails, races, apps and so on. Maintaining running as a regular habit is the best way to sustain your weight loss for the long term. Consider signing up for a 5K race – crossing that finish line will show how far your running has progressed since Week 1!
After a successful launch in 2023, the second edition of the PTO Asian Open from April 12-14 is set to be bigger and better with the return of the world’s best triathletes racing head-to-head for PTO Tour glory. The event will again feature a thrilling 100km triathlon course in the heart of Marina Bay that guarantees a unique experience for spectators and participants alike.
The closed course, to be revealed soon, will likely take athletes past iconic landmarks in Singapore, including Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Flyer. The multi-lap course allows spectators to catch a glimpse of their favourite athletes in action multiple times, while participants get to feel like elites when they race on a similar course as the professionals. Besides getting to witness the top athletes in action up-close, spectators and participants will also get to mingle with fellow triathlon fans while cheering each other on during the amateur races, further enhancing the camaraderie within the community.
The 100km triathlon is the perfect event for sports enthusiasts to test themselves and reach further heights while breaking out of their regular routines and reaping even more rewards from their fitness journey. Swimming, cycling and running are some of the most popular activities in Singapore individually, according to an annual survey conducted by Sport Singapore, and are very accessible here making it easy for athletes to train. Together, the sports complement each other to help the athlete get stronger. Alternating between the activities will activate different muscle groups, build stamina, recover well while ultimately enhancing performance across all areas.
Beginners can also opt for the duathlon option, which comprises cycling and running, so there is something for everyone. For extra camaraderie or if the long distance still appears daunting, participants can also opt for the triathlon or duathlon relays and built closer bonds with their teammates while training and participating together.
Racing aside, an event village full of booths selling triathlon gear or providing tips on how to train and rest as well as a plethora of F&B options ensure a bustling atmosphere for people of all ages to enjoy themselves while taking in world-class sporting action.
PTO Asian Open 2024 Duathlon EntitlementsPTO Asian Open 2024 Triathlon Entitlements
Ready for heart-pounding moments? Reserve your spot at the PTO Asian Open 2024 today~ Sign up for the triathlon and the duathlon now!
In a groundbreaking collaboration, Triathlon Singapore and TriFactor Asia proudly announce the inaugural TAS Youth Aquathlon League by TriFactor, set to take place at Nexus International School. This partnership marks a significant step in fostering a new generation of triathletes, bringing together the expertise of Triathlon Singapore and the passion for inclusive sports events from TriFactor Asia.
The TAS Youth Aquathlon League by TriFactor, held on 21st January 2024 exceeded expectations with 120 enthusiastic participants taking part in this historic event. Witnessing an inspiring display of athleticism, the event saw more than 30 8-year-old participants racing to complete the 100m swim and 600m run race category, showcasing the inclusivity and accessibility of aquathlon.
“We are thrilled with the overwhelming response to the Youth Aquathlon. Seeing 120 young athletes dive into the world of aquathlon is a testament to the growing interest in multisport events among the youth. It’s heartening to witness parents and teachers coming together to support the sporting growth of the next generation. ,” said Elvin Ting, Founder of TriFactor Asia.
Photo Credit: Orange Room
The Youth Aquathlon series is designed to be inclusive, welcoming participants from local Singapore schools and international institutions. The collaboration between Triathlon Singapore and TriFactor Asia underscores the organizations’ shared vision of creating opportunities for the youth to excel in triathlon sports.
“Triathlon Singapore is proud to join hands with TriFactor Asia in this initiative. The Youth Aquathlon not only introduces young minds to the excitement of aquathlon but also serves as a crucial stepping stone for the next generation of triathletes in Singapore. We believe in the transformative power of sports, and this event aligns with our mission to make triathlon accessible to all,” commented Mr Paul Rachmadi, President of Triathlon Singapore.
The Youth Aquathlon is the first of a series of races planned within Asia, emphasizing the organizations’ commitment to expanding youth participation in multisport events across the region.
As we embark on this journey of empowerment through sport, TriFactor Asia and Triathlon Singapore invite parents, educators, and the community to join us in supporting the youth as they discover the joy of aquathlon and embrace a healthy and active lifestyle.
Just 20 minutes of exercise can alter our genes for the better – a kind of genetic reprogramming that increases endurance and muscle strength. Moreover, there are plenty of effective exercise options that burn calories and help you lose weight in a short period of time. It is important to choose exercises with purpose so even a quick workout can yield results.
Our beginner-friendly version is designed for you to jump right in. Be sure to practice the four exercises before you begin to ensure you can perform them correctly.
1) Bodyweight Squats: Put your arms straight out in front of your body, with your feet slightly wider than shoulder width apart. Slowly lower your backside until your thighs are parallel with the ground while keeping your spine neutral. If you feel comfortable, you can lower your bottom a little more than your knees by dropping your hips. Regain your balance by pressing your feet into the floor, and then repeat the process.
2) Jumping Jacks: Place your hands down at your sides and stand with your legs straight and your feet together. Keep both legs and arms straight while you hop both feet outward and your arms above your head. Reverse the process by bringing your hands and feet back to their original positions.
3) Pushups: Place your hands on the ground along the sides of your shoulders, with your arms straight, supporting your upper body. Make a straight line from the top of your head to your heels by extending your feet back and balancing on your toes. Lower your body until your chest nearly touches the ground, then press through the floor to return to the starting position. If you have difficulty maintaining proper form, you may want to perform these exercises on your knees.
4) Lunges: Stand with your feet slightly apart from each other. With one leg, step forward and lower your body until both knees form 90-degree angles. Return to the starting position by pressing through your feet and alternating your legs.
Workout
Repeat the sequence below four times. One round is 5 minutes, so the full workout will be 20 minutes.
20 seconds bodyweight squats
10 seconds rest
20 seconds jumping jacks
10 seconds rest
20 seconds pushups
10 seconds rest
20 seconds lunges
10 seconds rest
20 seconds bodyweight squats
10 seconds rest
20 seconds jumping jacks
10 seconds rest
20 seconds pushups
10 seconds rest
20 seconds lunges
70 seconds rest
Here are some tips:
It is recommended that you warm up for 5–10 minutes before participating in this workout.
Keep moving during each 20-second work period and perform as many exercises as you can.
Make sure you take time to catch your breath and shake your legs and arms during rest periods.
It may be difficult to maintain good form when repeating the sequence four times, so begin by repeating the sequence two or three times, then progress to four.
Singapore, 18 January, 2024 – Nike, in partnership with GMG, a global retailer and distributor based in the Middle East, opens Singapore’s newest sport hub, Nike Orchard Road. The store is designed to serve athletes* of all ages (men, women and kids) in the city who are passionate about sport and enjoy being active.
The Nike Orchard Road store has three levels and occupies 28,000 square feet of space, which makes it the company’s largest mono-brand Nike store in Asia, outside of China. The store features Nike’s online-to-offline (O2O) services and unique, Nike-only digital experiences.
Driven by consumer insights, the store’s product offering is a curated assortment of Nike and Jordan Brand product for athletes who care about performance innovation, style and new trends.
Nike believes women and girls are the future of sport, and the brand is committed to creating meaningful innovation, design and experiences for her. Nike Orchard Road will equip her with the company’s latest innovations for women, including fitness footwear, bras and leggings.
The store’s first floor will include a redesigned bra and leggings destination to showcase the benefits she cares about most, including fit, feel and support. Nike Orchard Road’s store athletes (how Nike refers to its store employees) will also be available to guide with expert product knowledge and bra fitting.
Designed to be more than a store, Nike Orchard Road features the Swoosh Studio, a sport, wellness and creativity space that is designed to help power consumers’ active lives. The Swoosh Studio will host holistic fitness and wellness programming with Nike Trainers and Coaches, designed with her in mind and serving all athletes. In addition, the Swoosh Studio’s style and creativity workshops will be held with a focus on amplifying her self-expression and confidence in sport and life.
“Nike Orchard Road is a response to the growing love Singaporeans have towards sports,” said Sanjay Gangopadhyay, VP/GM, Nike Southeast Asia and India. “Whether you are running your first mile or your 100th, doing yoga or shooting a game-winning basketball shot, Nike Orchard brings the best of sport to the city and celebrates all forms of movement. It is our newest, biggest sport hub in the region where all athletes belong.”
With Nike By You, Nike Members can express their creativity in an immersive customization experience on the third floor. Select footwear and apparel purchased in-store can be personalized with city-exclusive graphics and accessories. For the store’s opening, Nike Orchard Road will offer customization options by three Singaporean artists whose Nike designs are inspired by both the pulse of sport and athlete stories of Singapore.
Mohammad A. Baker, Deputy Chairman and CEO of GMG commented, “Together, with our long-term partner, Nike, we are committed to bringing a best-in-class retail experience to Singapore and the region with Nike Orchard Road. We will continue to inspire consumers to win in sport every day in ways that make the world better.”
Nike Orchard Road is located at 268 Orchard Road, Singapore. The store opens January 19 and its operating hours are from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Considering how many of us are still working from home, it could seem like the ideal moment to commit to losing weight. However, losing weight might be difficult due to the abundance of pressures to cope with. However, adopting the proper self-care techniques can aid in weight loss.
Most of us have high levels of the stress hormone cortisol in our veins, which can make losing weight exceedingly challenging. It’s also typical to turn to food to help dull the pain, pass the time, or calm anxiety when we’re feeling anxious and helpless. This is why scheduling self-care activities or concentrating on your health, happiness, and needs is crucial to your weight-loss goals.
1) Mindfulness is the best way to start your morning
There are a lot of unknowns at the moment, but worrying about the future and all the “what ifs” that lie ahead makes things worse. To reduce stress and lower your cortisol levels, begin your day with a minute of mindfulness.
Maintaining a weight-loss strategy requires practising mindfulness, which is observing your thoughts and feelings without becoming absorbed into them. This is especially important when times are difficult. Spend ten minutes sitting still and allowing your thoughts and feelings to come and go before picking up your phone or turning on the TV. Alternatively, use an app like Headspace or Calm to learn how to do guided meditations to cultivate mindfulness.
2) Self-soothe in simple ways
Use your five senses to find things that help you relax throughout the day without consuming additional calories to resist the temptation to overindulge in stress food. For example, you may play your favourite music for a little dance party as you tidy and arrange your home, diffuse your favourite essential oil before your workday, or take a lunch break and listen to birds singing.
3) A new hobby is a great way to de-stress
Working from home makes it simple to become engrossed in the never-ending social media feed or the 24/7 news cycle, a surefire recipe for increased stress eating, overindulging, and weight gain. The remedy: Try taking an online fitness class you were too nervous to attend in person or look into a new hobby you have never had time for. These are two ways to decompress. In addition to offering a healthy outlet, feel-good activities like online yoga classes, virtual guitar lessons, or app-based fitness sessions may also prevent you from nibbling throughout the day.
4) Scheduled your meals
Routines are important to our bodies and brains because they help us regulate our emotions and let us know when to eat, sleep, and move. When we follow these cues, our hormone levels change. Without the established schedule of your regular commute and workday, it’s simple to find yourself aimlessly munching all day long without any clear structure or goal. Make a meal and snack timetable to help you achieve your weight loss and overall well-being objectives. Simple meal-planning techniques can help you cook wholesome, satisfying meals, stop eating at night, and concentrate on taking a more thoughtful approach to eating.
5) Take mini-movement breaks
Almost any movement-based activity can help you burn calories and release pent-up energy. However, this need not include an intense workout each day. By combining exercise breaks with an existing daily regular activity, you can incorporate them into your life. For example, take a morning stroll around your neighbourhood to improve your energy and relieve tension; fit in a 7-minute high-intensity interval training before lunch to relieve work-related stress, or unwind with a quick yoga session after dinner.
6) Solidify your sleep schedule
Sleep deprivation has been shown to impede weight loss by elevating cortisol levels and encouraging snacking to sustain energy levels. Because of this, keeping a regular bedtime and wake-up time is also a part of self-care. Decide how much time you spend on screens each night (no Netflix after 9 p.m., for example) and establish a calming bedtime ritual (brushing your teeth, having a hot bath with scented candles, reading a nice book before bed). In addition to boosting your metabolism, preventing anxiety and sadness, and helping you wake up feeling rested, getting adequate sleep also helps you lose weight.
Whether you’re a veteran or taking your first dip in the multisport world, the MetaSprint Series caters to anyone who wants to be fitter in 2024. Exciting and friendly, the races offer the perfect opportunity to reset and kickstart your year with a boost of energy and motivation.
Aquathlon – 28 January 2024 Duathlon – 17 March 2024 Triathlon – 5 May 2024
* Registration for the Aquathlon and 3-in-1 Bundle closes on Sunday 21 January 2024
We are 3 weeks to go to the Aquathlon! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to dive into the action.
Races And Distances For All Levels
Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a newcomer to the multisport scene, MetaSprint Series 2024 promises an unforgettable adventure for everyone.
From the thrill of the swim to the determination of the run and the exhilaration of the bike ride, each moment is crafted to ignite your passion for the sport.
Take on the ultimate challenge by participating in all 3 events and save up to $30 with our exclusive 3-in-1 bundle!
When you sign up, you’re not just securing a spot in the race; you’re unlocking a treasure trove of extra goodies that will elevate your experience to a whole new level.
Opt-In for Medal Moments Transform your achievement into a work of art with our stunning race medals! Choose to receive these tangible tokens of dedication after each race. Complete the trilogy, earn all 3 medals, and wear your accomplishments proudly!
The series is back, better than ever, and it is made for beginners right through to pro athletes! Let it be part of your triathlon journey today!
Duathlon Ramadan ‘Fast’ Wave
They’ve listened to their Muslim participants, and this year, considering Ramadan, they’re introducing a ‘fast’ wave for their Muslim friends.
The race will commence at 5am.
A Bigger School Challenge
A competition for the kids that pits school vs school.
Team spirit is alive in this year’s series. So don your team’s colours and race for your school, showing your team camaraderie on and off the course.
Rolling Start
There is the return of the rolling start for an even smoother race experience, ensuring a more relaxed start and a less crowded course for all participants.
Wave Start Time
For the Sprint and Team Relay categories, start your race in a wave with fellow competitors in your age category.
Click here for more information about MetaSprint Series 2024!
As a regular runner in Singapore, covering distances from 5 to 15 km twice a week, I’ve faced my fair share of challenges and discomforts. About two years ago, I began exploring chiropractic care, initially with some skepticism, but curious about its potential benefits for my running routine.
Beginning My Chiropractic Journey
My running journey started five years ago, fueled by a passion for the sport. However, the physical demands often left me with muscle soreness and fatigue, especially after longer runs. It was during one of these recovery periods that a fellow runner suggested I visit a chiropractic clinic in Singapore. Intrigued, I decided to explore this option.
Chiropractic for Recovery: My Discovery
After incorporating regular chiropractic sessions into my routine, I personally noticed a change in my recovery process. The sessions seemed to help with my muscle soreness, and I felt like I was able to return to running a bit more comfortably after long runs. This was my personal experience, and it encouraged me to continue with the treatment.
Addressing My Running Conditions
As a runner, I’ve experienced common issues like runner’s knee and shin splints. In my case, chiropractic care provided some relief. The treatments were tailored to address these specific conditions, which helped me understand more about body mechanics and how to manage these issues.
Impact on My Running Form and Performance
Regular chiropractic sessions appeared to have a positive effect on my running form. I noticed some improvements in my posture and felt a bit more efficient during my runs. This personal improvement was encouraging, though I’m aware that results can vary for each individual.
Chiropractic Practices: My Experience
The specific chiropractic practices I underwent, including spinal adjustments and soft tissue therapy, were new experiences for me. I found these practices interesting, and they seemed to contribute positively to my overall running experience, particularly in how I felt physically during and after runs.
A Notable Personal Achievement
One particular instance where I felt chiropractic care was beneficial was when preparing for a half marathon. I had been struggling with an IT band issue, and through regular care and exercises suggested by my chiropractor, I managed to participate in the marathon more comfortably than I had anticipated. This was a personal achievement that coincided with my chiropractic care.
Reflecting on My Chiropractic Experience
Looking back over the past two years, incorporating chiropractic care into my routine has been an interesting addition to my running journey. It’s provided me with a different perspective on managing physical discomfort and understanding my body better in relation to running.
To my fellow runners in Singapore, particularly those who are curious about chiropractic care, I can only share my personal experience. While I’ve noticed some positive changes in my recovery and running form, it’s important to remember that individual experiences can vary. If you’re considering chiropractic care, it might be worth exploring to see how it aligns with your own running goals and physical needs.
About the author Harry Wilson – I’m a senior digital marketing consultant at Globex Outreach. Writing is my part-time hobby because I get to share my experience with the world. Professionally, I help map out a flawless digital marketing plan for the clients at my firm.
Running downhill is much harder on the body than most runners realize, and there are certain form tips to be aware of. These are particularly crucial if you’re running a long, downhill marathon.
Even if going downhill seems easy, it’s the most painful for many runners because of the constant breaking effect, which puts additional strain on the legs and knees.
However, to be clear, running downhill won’t injure your knees like running generally doesn’t. All you need to do is strengthen your knees.
There are a few reasons why running downhill can be challenging:
Running downhill leads to more ground force or a harder landing.
As a result of this intense pounding, more tears are created in the muscles, resulting in that burning sensation you get after exercising.
As a result of leaning back naturally, your heels slam into the ground, pushing pressure into your knees.
Your body responds to this as a break signal by tensing all your muscles to slow down.
Running downhill for an extended period requires different muscle control than flats, uphill or rolling hills.
You may experience strain in your legs as they are required to extend because of a limited range of motion in your hips.
5 Tips for Downhill Running Training
1) Increase Downhill Run Training
During training, try to do one steep, long downhill run each week, but not every run. You can start by running 2 KM downhill and see if there are any unusual soreness symptoms afterwards.
A hill run might result in more DOMs (delayed onset muscle soreness) than a regular run, resulting in muscular gains.
2) Practice Mid to Forefoot Landing
When it comes to your stride, it’s important to focus on landing mid-to-forefoot. Landing on your heels causes the entire body to jar, causing the brake effect to happen.
You aim for midfoot on flat ground, but going downhill is more challenging. The foot should not land too far on the ball of the foot and lose the benefit of making contact with the ground with the entire foot. However, you might focus slightly more on the forefoot to prevent yourself from hitting your heel on the ground. The act of heel striking by itself is not harmful.
As you run downhill, you will likely stride out more and place more pressure on your leg when you land. Your stride will probably be longer on a gradual downhill as gravity works in your favour, but you need to pay attention to how you land and maintain your centre of mass.
This is huge to prevent you from losing toenails or black toenails from running. As your foot pushes forward in the shoe, you will likely experience these problems when running downhill.
3) Change Your Arm Swing
Make sure your arms are lower, your body is in a 90-degree bend, and you swing a little faster. Usually, your legs follow your arms, so let things flow instead of slowing down.
4) Look Forward
It is natural for us to start looking down at our feet while running uphill or downhill. By doing this, you will be thrown out of alignment, and your brain will not be able to recognize potential hazards.
Looking a few feet in front of you will give your brain time to process anything that might come your way. When you do this, you will be able to change directions more quickly or pick your feet up higher to avoid roots and rocks.
5) Managing Steep Declines
Here are a few things you can do to help with steep declines:
Balance yourself by using your arms as wings.
Consider taking shorter steps, which will give you more control over your speed.
If needed, run in zigzag patterns to gain more control over your speed and minimise steepness.
Importance of personal accident insurance
A sports or fitness accident can occur at any time, especially if you engage in them frequently, like long distance running, rock climbing, and other high-intensity activities. High frequency and high intensity sports also have a greater potential risk of injuries such as muscle tears, dislocations, and fractures. In addition, you may experience injuries more frequently than those who are less physically active.
If you have a health insurance policy, you’re typically covered for costs associated with hospital stays and undergoing surgery. However, if you do not require hospitalisation, it will not provide coverage, but Income Insurance’s PA Fitness Protect can still provide the coverage you need for your outpatient medical expenses incurred due to an accident during the sport or exercise.
So, get yourself protected with PA Fitness Protect to keep you covered so you can confidently take your fitness journey to the next level! Watch this film now to learn more!
This plan provides accident protection for fitness fanatics with the following benefits:
Enjoy 2X coverage for medical expenses due to accidental tears, dislocations and fractures¹.
Up to $1,000,000 third party liability coverage per accident2.
Add-on coverage for your own sports equipment like bicycles and golf clubs.
Reimbursement of up to $5,000 unused activity fees per policy year2 if you are unable to attend due to sickness or injury.
Extra savings with No Claim Discount of 10% off your main plan.
Coverage starts from $0.58/day3! If you sign up for PA Fitness Protect now, you’ll get to enjoy up to $90^ fitness vouchers.
So now, you can focus on your physical journey, knowing that your financial health is also in good hands. It’s also important to listen to your body, exercise smart, and keep yourself insured.
This post was brought to you by Income Insurance Limited.
^Promotion T&Cs apply. Please refer to the full promotion terms and conditions here.
1. PA Fitness Protect covers medical expenses due to accidents during an insured person’s participation in any sport, exercise or adventurous activity.
2. This benefit limit is applicable under Prestige Plan coverage. For unused activity fees benefit, we will not pay if the claim for activity fees is less than $50. Please refer to the policy conditions for more details.
3. This premium rate is applicable under Basic Plan coverage, with a yearly payment arrangement inclusive of 8% GST (9% GST as of 1 Jan 2024), rounded to the nearest cent.
All opinions expressed in this article are those of JustRunLah! and not of Income Insurance Limited (“Income Insurance”).
JustRunLah! assumes full responsibility and control over the accuracy and completeness of all information provided in this article. JustRunLah! is responsible for the accuracy and completeness of all information provided and intellectual property used in this article. Income Insurance is neither responsible nor liable to any party for the content of this article and intellectual property used in this article.
The information provided in this article is for general information only and does not constitute an offer, recommendation, solicitation or advice to buy any product(s). You should seek personalised financial advice before you purchase any insurance product. Purchasing an insurance product that is not suitable for you may impact your ability to finance your future insurance needs. Precise terms, conditions and exclusions of the insurance plan mentioned in this article are found in the policy contract which can be found at this link. This plan is underwritten and issued by Income Insurance.
You could feel a little overwhelmed when searching for the ideal shoe in a shoe store or online, especially if you’re new to running or walking for fitness. The first thing to understand is the differences between walking and running shoes. Despite their similar looks, running shoes and walking sneakers are not made for the same purposes. The two main distinctions are cushioning and fit. Although you may believe that having extra cushion underfoot would help with running, it is a higher-impact activity and that doing so could potentially disrupt your stride. This is because every time you walk, your foot pushes through the foam in an attempt to find hold on the ground.
Walking shoes
You can add extra padding for comfort when walking because each footfall requires less force. Comfort and cushioning are also essential because walking shoes are designed to be worn all day.
For your runs, remember to change into running shoes. Walking in running shoes is acceptable, but running in walking shoes is not recommended!
Running shoes
You’ll need something supportive, not fluffy, for jogging. (Just so you know, this doesn’t mean you have to go barefoot—it just means the foam won’t be as soft.) This same holds true to the upper; instead of Lycra or spandex, it should be made of polyester or recycled polyester that won’t stretch while you run.
Check your arches – Are they coming close to or touching the ground? If so, you need more support.
Check the thread – The tread has two parts: the outsole, which is the rubber surface you’re actually running on, and a foam midsole that provides some of the cushion. Rubber coverage is key for traction and longevity. Since walking causes less abrasion than running, walking shoes feature less rubber and often lower treads.
Know when to replace them – Shoes do, regrettably, have a shelf life. The majority of walking and running shoes have a lifespan of 300–600 miles, but there’s no universal standard for how long they should last between replacements. Tiredness and slightly tougher easy runs are indicators that the midsole is compressing or that the bottom is wearing away.
Buy them at the physical stores – Bring the socks you plan to wear for the activity, lace your shoes the same way you do at home, and use them for jogging or walking on the spot. Shoes now don’t require a lengthy break-in period, so trust your intuition. If it’s not comfortable at first, in a few kilometres, it probably won’t be.
In conclusion,
Prioritize cushioning and comfort while choosing walking shoes to provide a comfortable fit throughout the day. Stability and a fit that keeps your foot feeling safe even as you increase the effort are key considerations for running. Style and color aren’t crucial considerations when buying sneakers, whether you’re purchasing for running or walking shoes. Choose a shoe that is appropriate for your activity by keeping fit, comfort, and durability in mind.
