K. Shanmugam: Singapore’s Gym‑Star Cabinet Minister
Who says a government minister can’t squeeze in a workout between policy debates? Minister K. Shanmugam has made 30–45‑minute sessions his weekly ritual, even borrowing the studio floor during a radio interview.
On‑Air Squat Party
- July 20: OneFM 91.3, Toa Payoh – the minister brought his own dumbbell.
- Side‑by‑side with DJs Angelique Teo and Mark “Flying Dutchman” van Cuylenburg.
- Mid‑conversation workout: squats to the beat of his talk about fitness and drug deterrence.
- Follow‑up: push‑ups right on the studio floor.
From Early‑Morning Workouts to Heavy Lifting
As a child, his dad would ring the alarm at 5 a.m. to get a jog in. Those early starts paved the way for a life of cardio—running so hard that, in his mid‑fifties, he started feeling the burn in his knees.
Not wanting to lose muscle and bone density later on, Shanmugam added weights to his routine for the very first time.
Viral Deadlift Moment
- August: posted a 105 kg deadlift video on Facebook.
- Over 275,000 views, proof that 101‑year‑old politicians can still lift heavy.
- Goal: inspire the nation to get moving.
Why Exercise Matters for Singapore’s Aging Population
Longer life means more years, but the quality of those years matters. “If you’re going to live an extra five years, you need to enjoy it,” Shanmugam says. “Exercise is the key; I put it out on social media because if I can do it, anyone can.”
When Flexes Go Wrong
All that squeezing can hurt. He once suffered a mild lower‑back injury after a sloppy stretch. A yoga trainer’s therapeutic routine helped him bounce back.
Mini‑Workout Tips Even on a Tight Schedule
- Try quick squats—boosts blood flow to the brain and tackles leg strength.
- Throw in push‑ups—circulates blood around the heart.
- Even if you’re pressed for time, these two moves fit into any busy day.
So next time the cabinet talks about “healthy living,” remember: the Minister is already living it—one dumbbell at a time.