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Fuze is not for the fainthearted

SINGAPORE (Apr 9): Pure Fitness launched its newest gym in Suntec City last December last year. Along with that launch comes Fuze, an electrifying new workout concept designed to meet the evolving demand for high-intensity interval training (HIIT) small group classes.

Led by in-house instructors, Fuze combines a boutique gym environment with world-class boxing, cardio and functional high intensity workout to deliver a megawatt coaching experience to people looking for something dynamic in their exercise. This class functions only in a small-group setting, which helps ensure enough personal attention to each individual’s progression on the gym floor while invoking a sense of community.

This explosive fitness concept will debut three multidimensional new programmes, including Pure’s very own in-house program Blaze — a targeted strength and HIIT workout that pushes you to your limit using a variety of modes and equipment. This includes battle ropes and pull-up bars to strike up a robust mix of muscle building, fat burning and core strength.

Fuze will also host the first external trial of two newly developed boutique training experiences from world leaders in group fitness, Les Mills Ceremony which uses a combination of cycling, functional training and conditioning to deliver agility, mobility and cardio. Conquer, on the other hand, incorporates boxing, treadmill and functional training to enhance power and endurance, while building strength and speed.

Options had a chance to try out the Blaze class and it truly was intense. Before the start of the class, everyone was paired up with a buddy. This was for the first half of the class where instructor John Mendoza started us off with some strength workouts. The strength session were mostly done with body weights and included pull ups and push ups. This was then followed by squats and lunges with some weights to add resistance.

Just when you think you’re done for the day and you’re ready to throw the towel in, it’s time for your cardio session. Mendoza got us to perform a circuit workout where we had to move from one station to another every 100 seconds. There were some 10 workout station to complete and within that 100 seconds, we had to push ourselves and perform as many repetitions as we can for the particular workout, which includes running, cycling, rows, V-ups (requiring you to lift the weight of both your arms and legs by using your abdominal muscles) and much more.

Definitely a great workout but it is also one that got my muscles aching for the next few days after.

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Gym etiquette

Whether you’re off to the gym or to a workout studio, make sure you keep to these simple rules. The general rule of thumb — make sure you do not infringe on anyone else’s gym experience.

1. Freshen up
   Always bring a fresh pair of workout attire every time you go to the gym. You may be fine smelling yesterday’s sweat on you but others may not stand for it. On the other hand, don’t douse yourself in perfume or use heavily scented deodorant before a workout (sweat and perfume are not usually a good mix). You may prefer not to shower after your workout, but make sure to do a freshness (or a simple sniff) test so you don’t end up assaulting nostrils on your way out. Maybe you could change into a fresh shirt or wipe down if you cannot shower immediately after.
    
2. Personal space
   Everyone is expected to sweat during a workout but there are limits. Make sure to keep a good distance between you and the next person — be it at the gym while you’re picking up some weights or while you’re finding a spot to place your mat at the yoga studio. The distancing could also help eliminate accidents: You could risk hurting yourself or someone else if you’re not careful, like a downward-facing dog pose with a kick to your neighbour’s face, for example.
    
3. Respect others
   If it is a gym that you’re going to, then there is a high chance you will encounter many loners. For most of them, the gym is a place of solace and they’re there to concentrate on their workout. So, give them their space, especially if someone is wearing headphones (that is a clear “do not disturb” sign). You should also be conscious about what you wear and how you look at the gym (that means proper gym attire). Be aware of your surroundings before partaking in that ‘gym selfie’. Oh, and it goes without saying — photos in the changing area are definitely bad form.