Feeling Fitter in 2021: 5 Alternatives to The Gym in Saigon
• A Confidence Boosting Workout
The festive season already feels like it was a million years ago. But if you’re anything like me, you’re probably still trying to shake off the after effects of Christmas dinner and too many glasses of fizz on New Year’s Eve. Also, if you’re like me, the thought of grabbing your trainers and heading to the nearest gym is about as appealing as reliving 2020. Luckily, Ho Chi Minh City is packed with a variety of options to help us shake off that festive food coma and start feeling fit and fresh again!
Pole Dancing at Pretty Pole
91 Nguyen Huu Canh, Binh Thanh
Immediately after Christmas may not be the most obvious time to take up pole dancing, but if you are looking for a workout with a high calorie burn and a massive confidence boost, it could be worth considering.
Image source: Pretty Pole
Located in District 1, Pretty Pole offers classes for both pole and aerial hoop dancing. All fitness classes accommodate a range of abilities, from absolute beginner to experienced dancers, so there is no need to feel shy about joining in. Be prepared for a full body workout as trainers Ms Anne and Ms Vy put you through your paces to ensure that you not only gain fitness and flexibility, but confidence and strength at the same time!
For full details of the classes available at Pretty Pole visit their Facebook page for more details.
Rock Climbing at Push Climbing
188/1 Nguyen Van Huong, District 2
If you’ve ever seen a pro-rock climber, you’ll know that if you do this activity properly, you’ll be waving goodbye to bingo wings and muffin tops forever. Rock climbing engages almost every major muscle group in your body, whilst increasing flexibility and being low impact, which makes it an incredible work out for participants of any level.
Image source: Push Climbing
If you are looking to ease your way into climbing, Push Climbing in Thao Dien offers a variety of courses and events for participants of all levels. They even offer ‘Date Night’ Friday where entrance is Buy One Get One Free between 5pm and 10pm. Early morning memberships for those of you who like to get your work-out out of the way first thing, are also available.
For full details of the options available at Push Climbing visit their website for more details.
Calisthenics at Reborn Fitness
8/3b Duong So 3, Tran Nao, District 2
Whilst Reborn is technically a gym, it’s not a ‘gym’ gym. This is a stripped back, lean-looking ‘work-out space’. Here, your trainers put you through your paces with a work-out that utilises calisthenics (resistance training with your own body weight) to get you feeling the burn in no time at all.
Image source: Reborn Fitness
If you’d like to see what a membership at Reborn will give you, take a quick look at the promo video for their ‘Most Challenging Fitness Camp Ever’. If you’ve ever dreamed of walking up an invisible ladder, this is where you’ll get it done! With Fitness Camps throughout the year and a variety of social events too, a membership at Reborn is not just a passport to fitness, it’s also an invitation into the ‘Reborn Family’. If you’re looking for a support network as you try to achieve your fitness goals, that is certainly an invaluable bonus.
For full details of how to join Reborn contact them via the Facebook Page
Modern Dance at GS Dance Studio
129 Le Van Duyet (Dinh Tien Hoang cu), Binh Thanh
For some people even a ‘different type of gym’ is still too much like a gym. So, if you’re looking to totally avoid dumbbells and barbells, and all the rest of it, maybe a dance studio is what you are looking for? With nothing but a sound system and a some pretty cool neon lights, GS Dance Studio is a great place to ‘bring fun back into exercise’.
Image source: GS Dance Studio
Offering classes to cover levels from ‘Never Dance’ to ‘Advanced’, and a range of styles from Hip Hop to Jazz Funk to K Pop, GS Dance Studio promises a fun, energetic option to get you back in shape this year.
For full details, and amazing examples of what’s on offer at GS Dance Studio, visit their Facebook page.
Spinning at Body Shape
I think we can all agree that Saigon is not the best place to cycle. And if cycling is all you want to do, paying for a full gym membership for one bit of equipment is hardly going to encourage you to sign up. Thankfully, the smart folks at Body Shape offer both spinning classes and spin bikes for individual use, AND temporary memberships and walk-in rates.
Image source: Body Shape
High intensity, low impact and heart pumping, spinning is an effective way of burning calories, improving cardiovascular health and toning your lower body. Classes also offer a fun, sociable work-out, that will help you to push yourself to achieve your fitness goals. That, or at least there will be someone there to pick you up off the floor when your legs give way, as mine did last time I tried to complete a spin class!
For full details of flexible memberships and the variety of fitness classes at Body Shape visit their website.
Hopefully, this little round-up of alternatives to trudging along on a treadmill has inspired you to get out and about in this wonderful city of ours! Here’s to a happier, healthier 2021.
Image source: GS Dance Studio