Home Workouts: The New Busy Cycle
What Happens When the Gym Vanishes
Since the world went on lockdown, I’ve been living in my little safe space—home. The gym’s big door closed, the morning blender beat me at the threshold. I set up a YouTube marathon, rented a premium workout series, and even practiced self‑yoga in the living room. Running through the park on my own became my own daily adventure.
Finding Comfort in the Co‑zy Corner
I’m a bit of a hypochondriac, so the idea of missing the gym feels kinda hilarious. “What if the gym’s a virus?” I think to myself. In these unprecedented times, the sanctuary feels safer than any barbell.
Things I Loved at the Gym
- Double‑tap the yoga mat with strangers—some camaraderie, a few jokes.
- Sharing equipment and the occasional “have you tried this?”.
- Small talk that turned a lift session into a storytelling hour.
Breaking Out of the Home Bubble
Then I stumbled upon a headline that made me pause that playlist. Virgin Active’s SkyPark Yoga—yes, on the roof of Marina Bay Sands. My heart did a little heart‑swap.
Could this Be the New Normal?
- Will I turn this rooftop yoga into my ultimate wellness vibe?
- Could it be the stepping stone back to group classes?
- Is the world finally catching up with my craving for “company, nature, and novelty”?
There’s only one way to find out: strap on a helmet, grab a mat, and let’s see if rooftop yoga can move me from the comfort zone to the open air. It’s a one‑way ticket, so grab your hubcap—Mom’s kitchen’s no longer the only place for a good stretch. Air, sky, & friendly strangers: the new gym, perhaps.
1. SkyPark Yoga at 57 stories high
Getting Your Zen Fix Right at Marina Bay Sands
Imagine this: you’ve been stuck at home, glued to your screen for almost a whole year. Then you decide to take a solo trip to the SkyPark at Marina Bay Sands, and instantly, the “vacation vibes” hit you.
Why the Spot Feels Like a Holiday
- Nothing to unpack—no yoga mat, no towel. Some studios make you bring your own, but not here.
- No extra fuss: just slip into your favorite activewear and mask.
- Check‑in is a breeze; they’ll screen your temperature and confirm SafeEntry like a pro at the SkyPark Box Office (B1 of Hotel Tower 3).
Heading Up the Rocket to Level 57
Hop on the lift, and you’re on the SkyPark Observation Deck in a heartbeat. From there, you’ll get a quick rundown on how they’ve kept yoga safe during these times.
What the Guide Tells You
- Groups of up to two only: Keep your little squad small, and stay at least 3 m apart during the session.
- Mask‑on, all day: Everyone—students and instructor alike—must wear a mask before and after each yoga pose.
Ready for the Rooftop Yoga Experience?
Now that you’re prepped, let’s dive into what the session actually involves. Stay tuned for the fun—trust me, those stretches are worth the breathtaking view.
2. You get an unparalleled view of the city skyline
Flying High, Grounded Moments
Imagine standing at the SkyPark Observation Deck, a staggering 57 stories above the city, and feeling the wind give you a gentle, high‑altitude hug. Those open‑air vibes crush the claustrophobia of a studio jam‑session filled with walls and pillars.
The Missing Mirror Moment
Sure, the wide view is pretty rad, but one thing’s missing: that sneaky reflex check in the studio mirror – the “I’m ready” reset button. A quick glance at myself had become my new pre‑jam ritual.
Sky‑Hopping: Cloud‑Check
- Clothed in panoramic glass, a grey, cloud‑cover skyline was our backdrop.
- No dramatic sunset, no fireworks en route. Just a calm, overcast canvas.
- This, however, was the perfect excuse to take a deep breath, focus on the fresh air, and tune into the moment.
Bottom Line: Breath & Bliss
So I let the sky inspire me, breathed in the crisp air, and exhaled all the studio tension. And yeah, you can still watch your own reflection in the wind – kinda like having a personal echo of yourself while you’re literally above the city.
3. You will use wireless headphones for the class
Peak Speaker Play: How Headphones Turned a Yoga Class Into a Zen‑Vibe Experience
Picture this: you’re at the very back of a yoga studio, spine swaying, eyes stuck on your own stretch, and suddenly the instructor starts talking like you’re in a private movie theater. That’s because the class dropped the classic “listen from the front” rule and swapped it with wired‑free headphones—a decision that felt more like a tech upgrade than a mat tweak.
Why We Caught on Fast
- Sound on point: Audio moved from yelling across a floor to crystal‑clear whispers.
- Consistent vibes: Music and guidance streamed in sync, letting the mind drift away from the office grind.
- Comfort check: No more swapping heads for a better view; everyone could focus on the breath, no eye‑rolls required.
When I tried on the headphones during a full‑body Downward Dog or a tricky Warrior III, I was a little nervous—fingers slipped a bit, and a future chiropractor might have called me. Yet the Hatha style kept the poses slow and steady, so the headset stayed glued to my ears and didn’t feel like a mischievous accessory.
What Wasn’t 100% Perfect?
- Drop‑snaps: Occasional static popped up, but nothing that could ruin the flow.
- Neck limits: A supine twist felt slightly constrained by the headset’s base—though the instructor’s voice was still the best reminder of “it’s okay, slow down.”
Despite those tiny hiccups, the soundscape and gentle coaching brought a sense of deep immersion that I rarely found in plain classrooms. It was like being in a pool of calm, but on a mat. No peeking at other yogis, no distractions—just pure focus and a bit of bass to keep the spine in sync.
Takeaway for Next Time
Using wireless headphones in a yoga setting turns the entire studio into a personal performance space. Whether you’re looking to calm the hustle‑bustle or just be sure the instructor doesn’t lose you in a far‑away corner, a headset can be a game‑changer—especially if the class is laid‑back like Hatha. Think of it as a portable “do‑not‑disturb” sign on top of your ear.
4. You will leave in a timely, scheduled manner
Yoga Retreat, Singed by the Pandemic… And a Bit of White‑Noise
People think yoga retreats are the ultimate chill‑out. I’m one of those folks who loves to linger after the class to soak in the vibe and reflect on the flow.
Day One: Clean‑Up, Check!
- We wiped down each mat and block with the supplied disinfectant – a nice, faint scent of bleach that made the room feel like a sterile spa.
- Then the manager sent us a clear instruction: leave SkyPark ASAP, group by group, to keep our distance.
- No chatting, no hand‑shakes, no high‑five’s – just a brisk, orderly exit.
First Thoughts…
Sure, we know the rules are there for a reason – we’re all on the same side of the “greater good” team. But the ending felt oddly anticlimactic. I was a bit of an introvert at heart, craving a good old chat after yoga, and I was left feeling a tad lonely as I walked away.
Future is… Dim?
Until we learn how to live with Covid‑19 as an endemic bug, events are going to stay muted and neighbor‑control‑driven.
Bottom Line
It’s an absurd blend of calm tech and pandemic etiquette – neither the great zen nor the wanderlust vibes we crave. If ever one of you wants a place to yell “Oh my God, I’m missing my friends” after leaving, you’ll need to pick the next event that leaves room for that nostalgic social craving.
5. So, is SkyPark Yoga worth signing up for?
Take a Break Above the City – SkyPark Yoga
Picture you’re doing yoga next to an endless skyline, but with a rulebook of its own: keep your distance from strangers, keep the space between you and the elevated bench. It might feel like a mash‑up of a quiet retreat and an epic class.
Why The View Matters
Do it for the view. Seriously – those sweeping cityscapes, the shimmering light of the bay, and the gentle wind at the top of the tower will turn a simple stretch into a full‑blown relaxation session.
Not Just a Quick Escape
It’s the tiny escape you never realized you needed before you hit that desk again. You’ll leave feeling “10 steps lighter” and may brag to your coworkers that you’ve earned your own mental health break.
My Takeaway
- Yoga at the SkyPark: a blend of calm and adrenaline.
- Self‑care has never looked so good.
- I’ll definitely book another session whenever the work grind starts to feel too heavy.
So next time you’re staring at a spreadsheet, think: a quick session at the sky‑high park might be the best way to reset your day.
6. SkyPark Yoga details
Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Yoga – Morning Zen With a Sunset Punch
Wake up, stretch, and soak in the cityscape at Marina Bay Sands SkyPark. From July 20, 2021 onward, a new rhythm has been added to Singapore’s mornings and evenings.
When to Roll Out Your Mat
- Daily (mornings): 6:45 am and 8:00 am – because who doesn’t want to beat the traffic with a full-body stretch?
- Except Wednesdays: Only the weekday grind gets a break at 6:45 am and 8:00 am.
- Wednesdays & Thursdays (evenings): 6:30 pm and 7:45 pm – perfect for unwinding after a hectic day.
Each session is a crisp 45‑minute slice of serenity.
Price Check – Mind, Body, and Wallet
- Public guests: $30 – just enough to say “hello” to your new inner peace.
- Sands Rewards Lifestyle members: S$20 – because loyalty deserves a little budget relief.
- Existing Virgin Active members: S$15 – a sweet deal for those already flexing their fitness pixels.
Book It, Don’t Miss It
Ready to join? Head over to the SkyPark Yoga webpage or pop into your Virgin Active account. Sign up in a couple of clicks, and you’re all set to breathe your way into the day.
Weekend Sneak Peek
Curious what else’s happening around your neighborhood? Check out what’s on this weekend in Singapore: June 18-20, 2021 – a perfect companion to your stretch.
— First published in Her World Online
