Must I Wear A Mask While I Jog? Can I Meet Just One Friend To Shoot Hoops? — And Other Questions About Exercising Outdoors During The Circuit Breaker

Exercising outdoors may still be permitted during the circuit breaker (at press time, at least) , but it comes with a list of restrictions that is growing by the day (and understandably so). It was just days ago that all beaches, fields and some parks were closed, after people flocked to the outdoors with disregard for safe distancing (where's all this newfound vigour for fitness coming from?).

We know you have questions, especially when the rules are changing every day. Do I have to wear a mask while I’m jogging or cycling? Can I go play golf? Is fishing still allowed? Is it okay to shoot hoops downstairs with just one friend if we stay 1m apart?

The point is to exercise discretion, rather than find loopholes, people.

“The rationale is to reduce movement and interactions in all places and spaces where there may be reasons to congregate. By negating the mixing between individuals from different households, we can further reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19. We therefore urge Singaporeans to leave home only when it is necessary for sustenance and to get their outdoor exercise. Recreational activities should be avoided,” a SportSG spokesperson told 8Days.sg.

Swim? No. All sports, fitness and recreation facilities and spaces are closed from Apr 7 to May 4. They include gyms, studios, fields, courts, swimming pools and exercise corners. Swimming at the beach is also not allowed — no sport or exercise on water-bodies such as basins, rivers, reservoirs, lakes and seas are allowed.

Work out at fitness corners? No. Exercise and fitness corners at HDB or private properties are closed too.

Play golf? No. Golf courses and driving ranges in public and private/commercial spaces are closed too.

Go to the condo or country club gym? No. Facilities and spaces operated by private apartments and condominiums, country clubs, golf clubs, businesses and national sports associations are also closed.

Play basketball, football or tennis? No, no and no. Group activities are also not permitted by law. Basketball, football and tennis courts in condos and HDB estates are also closed.

Fly kites? No. This is regarded as a recreational activity and is not allowed. “Recreational activities have the propensity to attract like-minded participants resulting in congregation of people from different households,” says a SportSG spokesperson.

Go fishing? No. Also considered a recreational activity.

Windsurfing? No. Again, recreational activity.

Skateboarding? Yes, but only if done as a form of commute.

#1: Home workouts
Ideally, work out at home where there’s a wealth of online tutorials and virtual classes (try one of these home workouts, for starters).

#2: Jogging is allowed, but there are rules in place you should know about.
- You can only do so individually or with members of your household.
- Don’t forget the safe distancing rules when you’re exercising — keep a safe physical distance of at least 1m from others.
- Before you go, check the NParks' Safe Distancing Map, which shows in real-time how crowded the parks are. If it’s packed, skip the workout, or choose another spot for your workout.
- Wear a mask before and after your workout. You’re required by law to wear a mask as long as you step out of your house. You do not need to don a mask during strenuous exercise (see below).

Be sure to put it back on once you’re done with the exercise sesh. For leisure strolls and walks and other activities, you have to wear a mask. If you fail to comply, you could be fined $300 the first time, or face higher fines or even prosecution for subsequent offences.

Work out go where? On public paths and parks. Exercise in your immediate neighbourhood to minimise travelling.

Can I meet my friend or my family member who doesn’t live with me at a park or a stadium to exercise together? No. social gatherings with people who are not living with you are not permitted by law.

Can I meet my personal trainer or personal tennis coach at parks or stadiums? No. Coaching, training, and group activities are also forbidden.

What can I do after my workout? Go straight home. Don’t linger around.

GRAPHICS: Pyron Tan