The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends at least 150 mins of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity a week to maintain good health. During moderate-intensity exercise, your breath should quicken and you should break into a sweat within 10 minutes of working out.*
After a long day at work, finding the motivation to get moving can be challenging. Fortunately, there are light (and free!) exercises, such as brisk walking and jogging, that one could attempt at your own free time and pace. Not only will these activities take you outdoors and keep you fit, you get to take in scenic sights along the way too!
We reviewed three routes around Connection One that could lead to a healthier you, one step at a time.
1) SingHealth Connection – Telok Blangah Hill – Henderson Waves – SingHealth Connection
Distance: 3.5km | Time taken: 45 mins
Difficulty level: Beginner
Calories Burnt**: 240kcal (Equivalent to a piece of Goreng Pisang)
The “burn” from walking up Telok Blangah Hill may get the better of you, but don’t give up for you will be rewarded with one of the best views you can find in Singapore once you reach the top. It is even more beautiful during the golden hour when the sun is setting, casting all that you see in a luxurious golden light.
If the thought of taking on the hilly walk alone feels daunting, fear not. SingHealth Work-Life Hub organises a group walk on this particular route every third Friday of the month and all are welcome to join.
This route is perfect for beginners or those who want a low impact workout. The occasional change in terrain keeps things interesting, while the lush greenery and sounds of cicadas in the background gave us the zen feeling we much needed after a hectic day.
2) SingHealth Connection – Redhill MRT – Alexandra Canal Linear Park – Great World City/Zion Road Hawker Centre - SingHealth Connection
Distance: 5.5km | Time taken: 60 mins
Difficulty level: Intermediate
Calories Burnt: 330kcal (Equivalent to a chicken curry puff)
This route takes you through the tranquil Alexandra Canal Linear Park via a park connector that is almost never crowded and has decent shade. For a more varied workout, make use of the array of exercise machines found along the way.
Upon reaching Great World City, you can enjoy dinner at Zion Road Hawker Centre before choosing to make your way back to SingHealth Connection via Bus 16 along Kim Seng Road (10 min bus ride). The fresh fruit juice sold there makes for a refreshing treat!
3) SingHealth Connection – Telok Blangah Hill – Henderson Waves – VivoCity - SingHealth Connection
Distance: 7.5km | Time taken: 90 mins
Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
Calories Burnt**: 520kcal (Equivalent to a plate of Hokkien Mee)
The wonderful thing about starting your workout at Telok Blangah Hill is that it is well connected to several landmarks within the vicinity. Extending from the first suggested route, feel free to explore the area to go further and burn more calories.
On this route, you have the option of extending your workout by crossing the bridge to Sentosa. This is particularly breathtaking in the evening as the skies are magnificent in pastel shades while icons like the cable cars and Resorts World make for some gorgeous sights. If you attempt this route slightly later in the evening, you will be able to catch the spectacular Crane Dance show display from Sentosa that go on display 8pm daily (free viewing).
Have a walking route you’d like us to explore on your behalf? Write to us at joyatwork@singhealth.com.sg and we just might!
*Resource: https://www.healthxchange.sg/fitness-exercise/exercise-tips/exercise-guidelines-how-much-exercise-enough
**Based on a 1.65m male at 63kg. Measured with Samsung S3 Gear which takes heartrate into consideration
