Search and rescue training, modified for fitness’ sake

SINGAPORE — Local gym Fitness First has a series of new workouts and workout zones built for exercises inspired by combat and search and rescue training.

Key to the new additions is the Throwdown frame, the first to be introduced in Singapore.

Found at the gym’s newly opened Bugis Junction outlet, 3.7m-high structure has participants building strength and stability as they work to haul dummies — weighing 32kg and up — across, around and even onto the bridge-like installation.

One workout, called Hero, was inspired by “the physical rigours of combat and search and rescue training that are undertaken by the National Serviceman who serve at the frontline of our defence forces,” said Percy Reynolds, head of fitness at the gym chain.

Skills used for evacuations in the event of a fire, saving people from car crashes and helping those who are drowning all played a part in the conception of the workout, said Reynolds.

The workout builds on full body strength and overall physical fitness that trains one to be prepared in any situation, he added.

He hopes that the Throwdown frame will help create excitement for fitness freaks who need to up their game. He hopes that those who use the frame will be inspired by a sense of play.

“As kids, we were always looking for a little bit time to go out and play. This is meant to be an indoor playground,” he said.

Those who start on the Hero workout should not be stressed about having to lift the heavy dummies, said Reynolds.

“The full hero formatting is progressive,” Reynolds said. Those who have lower fitness levels start the class without using weights to get their movement patterns down to begin with. As they become more proficient, light weights from 6kg to 10 kg are added. Weight-bearing training progresses from there.

Another new competitive class, Game of Zones, makes use of the Throwdown frame as well as new fitness areas.

The team-based challenge stretches over 90 minutes, with teams of 10 to 12 people. Expect Muay Thai challenges and more, said Reynolds.

Reynolds said that the new workout zones will help train participants for obstacle courses, such as the Spartan Race and Viper, which are growing in popularity here.

“People want to do something where they can compete or challenge themselves,” Reynolds said, adding that the club wants to move into more dynamic styles of training that has people looking at fitness beyond gyms.

The club, which officially opened on March 22, spans 1,660 square metres and features seven new workout zones.

Fitness First is at Bugis Junction (200 Victoria Street, #04-02). It is open from 8am to 10pm daily.