As runners, we all know there are off day activities that can be enjoyable, as well as improve your performance. However, even if you’re just a runner for fun and aren’t all that concerned with Personal Record (like many), motivation is still a key factor in taking that next run. Admittedly, sometimes those off day activities are drudgery. Sometimes the run itself can be drudgery, so instead of lazing around and falling into the lull of inactivity, let’s get up on our feet and get some extra push on those off days. Even if you don’t know that you’re looking for new activities, these 12 just might entice you to change your routine.
1. Jet-Packing
If you happen to land yourself in Singapore or you are already there, this activity is a must-try (but not for the faint of heart!) Essentially, jet-packing is pilot training without the plane! Cost depends upon the package you choose, but packages start from S$228. Advantages to your running are hidden in the strength and balance you’ll employ while zooming through the sky.
Who: SeaBreeze Water-Sports Pte Ltd
Where: 36 Siloso Beach, Sentosa, Singapore 099007
2. Xtend Barre
This is a unique way to get your workout in without the impact of running, giving your joints the day off they need. This fast-paced, vigorous activity involves performing dance, ballet and Pilates isometric movements set to some music that you just might love. You can expect strengthening, lengthening and toning of the arms, thighs, and abs without lifting heavy weights when you perform this activity. Classes are held in many areas, ranging in price depending on the studio and package you opt for.
Who: Upside Motion
Where: 321 Orchard Road, Orchard Shopping Centre #04-05, Singapore 238866 or 36 Armenian Street #02-03, Singapore 179934
Who: Sky Pilates
Where: 583 Orchard Road #09-01 Forum (Office Tower), Singapore 238884
3. Stand Up Paddleboarding
This activity is exactly what it sounds like. Stand up paddleboarding will get you out on the water for your daily dose of balance, energy and strength exertion. Lessons can be purchased with the paddleboard rental ranging from S$60 and up, depending on the size of the group that goes paddleboarding with you. That’s if you don’t want to try it alone.
Who: The Stand Up Paddling School
Where: Tanjong Beach, Sentosa, Singapore
4. Trapped
If your mental game is in need of improvement for those challenging runs, give Trapped a try. Purported to even increase IQ, this game will test your mental abilities and challenge you to keep your cool under pressure by trapping you and leaving you to figure a way out! Prices range depending on the season and location, but a moderate S$19 price tag is widely available.
Who: Trapped Singapore
Where: 42 Kandahar Street, Singapore 198896 or 2 Orchard Link #02-20/21/22, Singapore 237978
5. Unicycling
Balance and strength are everything in this activity. Both of these are the keys to successfully performing this exercise. Unicycling options in Singapore are readily available through Team-Uni Unicycles, for instance, by offering cycles for purchase and team support. Price ranges depend on the unicycle model that is chosen.
Who: Singapore Unicyclists
Where: Locations vary and are updated on the website provided.
6. Cable Ski
Readily available on the Singapore coast, cable ski encourages full-body muscle use by engaging the core as well as the limbs. This unique way to water ski involves pulling the skiers hands and rope by a cable that is electrically-driven. This is a fun replacement for the weight room grind. The price range is dependent upon the day of your visit (weekdays are cheaper starting at S$38/hour).
Who: SKI360
Where: 1206A East Coast Parkway, Singapore 449891
7. Dodgeball
An advantage for those who are more conscientious of cost, dodgeball – simply dodging a ball that is thrown at you – offers an excellent exercise for cardio and agility, as well as reflexes. Check out the readily available varying locations at Dodgeball Association of Singapore.
Who: Dodgeball Association of Singapore
Where: Various areas
8. Parkour
Agility, strength, cardio, reflexes, and the mental game all rolled into one with this holistic training discipline! The movement it entails was adopted from military obstacle course training. Check out the following companies for training, prices and memberships as well.
Who: Superfly Monkey Dragons
Where: Various areas
Who: Gymkraft
Where: 100 Guillemard Road, Singapore 399718
Who: A2 Movements
Where: SCAPE, 2 Orchard Link #04-01A, Singapore 237978
9. Slacklines
A great way to improve your mental game as well as balance and coordination, slacklining is a way to get those muscles working outside the gym. A local community in Singapore, Elephant Slacklines offers instruction as well as equipment on their website.
Who: Elephant Slacklines Singapore
Where: 51 Waterloo St, #01-01, Singapore 187969
10. Paintball
Starting as low as S$10, paintball offers an adrenaline-pumping exertion relevant to the competitive edge for your off day training.
Who: Red Dynasty Paintball Park
Where: Various Paintball Parks
11. Bossaball
Combining soccer, acrobatics and volleyball on a large trampoline?! Yes, please! This sport is able to be played outdoors or indoors (keeping those inclement weather workouts from making you lose your mind!), bossaball will combine flexibility, agility, and strength in a cardio workout you won’t soon forget.
Who: Bossaball Singapore
Where: 10 Raeburn Park #02-08, Singapore 088702, bookings may be made via their website.
12. Zorbing
Ever wish you could try a new activity and be protected at the same time? Like, say, in a bubble? You’ve probably seen zorbing and not known that’s what it is. This method of experiencing soccer on water is one that will get your heart pumping and probably laughing as well!
Who: Zovb Singapore
Where: 1 Pemimpin Drive, One Pemimpin #03-02, Singapore, 576151. A 2-game session costs S$38/player and will last about an hour.
Try these Interesting Running Alternatives
Whatever skill set you are looking to improve to aid in your running, these activities will have you covered with many options to practice your agility, balance, strength, coordination, cardio training and even your mental game. Perhaps a change of pace is in order for you as well?
