Exercise your way to better health

First Exercise is Medicine™ compliant fitness corner at Simei Park Connector

Ms Jessica Tan Soon Neo, MP for East Coast GRC (Changi Simei), today officially opened the first Exercise is Medicine™ compliant fitness corner at Simei Park Connectorto encourage more Singaporeans to get active and exercise their way to better health.  At the event, Ms Tan tried out equipment at the new fitness corner at Simei Park Connector, guided by EIMS-certified fitness trainers. Sponsored by Coca-Cola Singapore through the Garden City Fund, a registered charity and Institution of Public Character established by NParks, the new fitness corner features a variety of equipment that caters to a broad spectrum of users, from the physically fit to those with chronic diseases.

Equipment at the fitness corner includes parallel bars, chin-up bars, and steps. It is also equipped with educational boards, developed in consultation with EIMS, that guide users on how to use the equipmentand types of exercises that can be undertaken.   From 30 March 2014 till end July, EIMS-certified fitness trainers will be at the new fitness corner on the last Sunday of every month to guide users on use of equipment and provide specialised fitness advice for those with chronic diseases.

Ms Jessica Tan Soon Neo said “Changi Simei residents can now enjoy the first Exercise is Medicine™compliant Fitness Corner right within the Changi Simei community. I’m happy that our residents can make use of the equipment to benefit their health and overall well-being."

Physical inactivity is a serious health concern for Singaporeans today as it contributes to chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.  According to the 2010 National Health Survey, 54.1 per cent of Singaporeans do not exercise and one in four Singaporeans aged 40 years and above have at least one chronic disease[1]. Chairman of EIMS, Dr. Benedict Tan said, “With people spending more time indoors in air-conditioned environment, the fitness corner is a great place to get some fresh air and a daily dose of vitamin D.  A 2010 study[2] found that even five minutes of exercise in a green space can improve mood and self-esteem, while a 2011 study found that outdoor exercise was associated with decreases in tension, confusion, anger and depression when compared to indoor activity[3].”

General Manager of Coca-Cola Singapore, Gill McLaren said “We are delighted to be able to partner with NParks and Exercise is Medicine Singapore to develop Singapore’s first EIMS-compliant fitness corner.  The project is part of our long-term commitment to help Singaporeans lead healthier, more active lives. We hope that the residents of Simei and users of the park connector will take advantage of this great asset by leveraging the opportunity to get out there and get moving”

Professor Leo Tan, Chairman of Garden City Fund, said “The Garden City Fund is grateful for Coca-Cola’s sponsorship of the fitness corner. This underscores the commitment of organisations in working with us to enhance our living spaces, and co-creating our City in a Garden. Coca-Cola’s support enhances Simei Park Connector and experience of park users, as it adds as a new recreation option for them and at the same time, educate on health tips and how to use the fitness equipment properly.”

Simei Park Connector is part of the 42km-long Eastern Coastal Loop which was completed in 2007. The park connector runs along ITE College East and Singapore Expo. 

[1]Source: Health Promotion Board