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Correct form and knowing your limits are essential in living a healthy lifestyle safely, SportPlus.sg sat down with Dr Bryan Wang of Beacon Orthopaedics to find out more Living an active life brings about many benefits. Whether you are a competitive athlete, weekend warrior or just trying to keep a healthy lifestyle by hitting the gym regularly, working out does come with its own set of risks. According to Gleneagles Hospital Singapore, strains and sprains comprise 41.1% of sports injuries in Singapore, while a further 20% are fractures. Injuries are unfortunately part and parcel of being an athlete or living an active life. Our shoulder mobility is essential not just in your sporting pursuits but even with the simplest daily activities. It is also often one of the most vulnerable parts of the body that can suffer from muscular and joint ailments. With over 18 years of experience, Orthopaedic Specialist Dr Bryan Wang of Beacon Orthopaedics believes there are a couple of reasons why we may experience shoulder pain while working out in the gym, and there could be simple solutions to mitigating them. So what are the leading causes of nagging shoulder joint injuries? The two main root sources overlap: Poor technique and overtraining. How does my form affect my shoulder? Push-ups are one of the most common forms of exercise used in a variety of fitness disciplines. Different variations of push-ups can either enhance your core, strengthen your back, or triceps and chest muscles. As popular a workout as push-ups is, it is important to get it right in order to prevent unnecessary injuries that can come with it. “You can certainly develop a lot of shoulder pain from impingement of the shoulder and cause problems like rotator cuff tendinitis, which is an inflammation of the tendons of your rotator cuff, the crucial group of muscles and tendons that holds the shoulder joint in place and allows movement of the arm and shoulder.” shared Dr Bryan. He added: “Learning and maintaining proper technique not only prevents shoulder and elbow pain, but is also recommended as a way of relieving discomfort.” When it comes to push-ups, the formula to a painless and faultless push-up is as simple as three steps: Keep your arms slightly wider than shoulder breath. Keep your legs close together. Go into a plank position to ensure a stable core. The shoulder is not the only vulnerable joint when it comes to doing push-ups. As a leading orthopaedic surgeon with extensive experience, Dr Bryan’s expertise in elbow and shoulder injuries has led him to noticing many quirks – which may seem small – but could lead to injuries. “I find that sometimes when you do push-ups, maybe your elbows are a little bit out of your shoulders and tend to be a bit internally rotated. Your legs have to be as close as possible to maintain good abdominal tension,” said the orthopaedic expert. “Some people tend to have their hands a bit far back as well. I know that some people do it on purpose at a more advanced level to activate the triceps muscles a little bit more but this can place an excessive strain on the elbow and cause elbow pain.” When it comes to good running form, how a runner swing’s their arms is often neglected. With the right form and arm swing, this improves your cadence, running economy and posture. Strong back and shoulders will protect your running form as you fatigue especially in later stages of your runs, be it a 5k or an ultramarathon, Quite often,  when runners train for events such as Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon or Sydney Marathon, the toll it the higher running volume will expose them to higher risks injury due to a poor running form.  Stronger overall joint and mobility health including your shoulders will reduce this risk. Don't be concerned if you don't notice immediate improvements when correcting your form. Achieving the right technique takes time, discipline, and professional guidance. Should pain persist even after correcting your form however, signs may lead to overstraining the body. Listen to the body Despite push-ups and running being simple everyday forms of exercise, like a dark cloud there are always risks of injury from overtraining. The same goes with simple and common gym workouts such as bench presses and lifting. Not too long ago, the Canadian-trained surgeon encountered a patient who developed acute chest pain due to excessive exercise. “A patient of mine noted that he had a lot of bruising and deformity in the chest area. On further examination by us, he had a pectoralis major rupture which is actually a fairly rare injury. It occurs commonly among males in their twenties to thirties, many of whom like to do ‘eccentric loading of the pectoralis major’,” Dr Bryan shared. “This group of patients can develop a weakness in the shoulder muscles and chest movements if this is left unaddressed. Fortunately, this patient decided to see a specialist. Through our scans, we found that he had a complete rupture of the pectoralis major tendon so we did surgical reconstruction for him.” Acute chest pain caused by a rupture of the pectoralis major rupture is a terrifying prospect – but there are plenty of preventive measures that can be taken before attaining an injury of such a grade. The most crucial measure lies not in proper equipment or your protein shake brands. Though these do contribute to the quality of workouts, getting adequate rest is an athlete’s best bet at putting a nip in the bud of an injury. “For pain from overtraining, what we always recommend are very simple conservative measures. I tell my patients that it's really important to listen to your body. Take a few days of rest or reduce the training volume or intensity.” Dr Bryan Wang is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon, with an interest in Shoulder, Elbow, Knee and Sports injuries. He has more than 18-years of experience in the management of general orthopaedic conditions, including musculoskeletal injuries and fractures of the upper and lower limbs. With his extensive years of experience, Dr Bryan has seen countless injuries as a result of putting a strain on the human body. For priority consultations, preferential consultation rates for SportsPlus readers, visit: https://www.beaconortho.com.sg/ #SportPlusSG #BeaconOrthopaedics #InjuryRecovery

In a Hydration Status Test led by Team Singapore and SEA Games Triathlete Bryce Chong, we find out the effectiveness of 100PLUS Active in rehydrating active bodies after exercise How well are you staying hydrated before and after exercise? In a hydration test with Team Singapore SEA Games medalist and sports science trained athlete Bryce Chong, we use osmolarity to test hydration levels of 12 cyclists and runners before, during and after their workouts. Find out why top athletes and fitness enthusiasts trust 100PLUS Active to be their top hydration choice in this electrolyte-packed hydration revolution as we put 100PLUS Active to the test. Using osmolarity, participants of the hydration test were tested on their hydration levels before and after a 45-minute run or cycle. Each participant would drink a 150ml of their drink from the same coloured cup before, during and after their workouts. The average difference in hydration levels were then taken, with a higher average indicating better hydration levels. The results from the hydration status test comprehensively showed 100PLUS Active to be a superior hydration choice drink! Hydration Status Test Equipment - MX3 Pro Hydration Testing System - Mx3 Pro Hydration Test Strips Procedure & Protocol Each of the 12 participating athletes is tested twice - once before taking any hydration (to establish their baseline hydration levels), and once after their workouts and completing 3 x 150ml cups of their assigned hydrations (to establish their hydration levels post workout). The difference between the two readings is then taken to determine effectiveness of hydration. Athletes were divided into 3 groups (Green, Blue and Red), and had to participate in either a 45 minute run at Zone 2 pace, or a 45 minute cycle at Zone 2 pace as part of the experiment. Athletes will take a 150ml drink based on the colour they are assigned just before they commence their workout, another 150ml drink at the midway point of their workout, and third 150ml drink right after they have completed their workout. Calculating the Results Final results were tabulated as an average of the 4 athletes’ final hydration level readings within the same coloured group. To get the final reading for each individual, we took the difference of the second reading from his / her first reading at the start of the experiment. These are then totalled up and divided by the number of people in each group. Green Team (Green Cups) - 100PLUS Active Shohib - 1st: 41 , 2nd: 30 // Pre - Post Workout Hydration Level Difference : 11 Adarsh - 1st: 86 , 2nd: 66 // Pre - Post Workout Hydration Level Difference : 20 Mervyn - 1st: 45 , 2nd: 43 // Pre - Post Workout Hydration Level Difference : 2 Eunice - 1st: 31 , 2nd: 28 // Pre - Post Workout Hydration Level Difference : 3 Green Group Average Hydration Level Post Workout: 9 Blue Team (Blue Cups) - Electrolytes Drink B Evan - 1st: 62 , 2nd: 85 // Pre - Post Workout Hydration Level Difference : -23 Zhen hong - 1st: 63, 2nd: 85 // Pre - Post Workout Hydration Level Difference : -22 Jun Yang - 1st: 50, 2nd: 65 // Pre - Post Workout Hydration Level Difference : -15 Cedric - 1st: 52, 2nd: 56 // Pre - Post Workout Hydration Level Difference: -4 Blue Group Average Hydration Level Post Workout: -16 Red Team (Red Cups) - Plain Water Joshua - 1st: 65, 2nd: 93 // Pre - Post Workout Hydration Level Difference : -28 John - 1st: 38, 2nd: 41 // Pre - Post Workout Hydration Level Difference : -3 Neyton - 1st: 48, 2nd: 85 // Pre - Post Workout Hydration Level Difference : -37 Jerlyn - 1st: 40, 2nd: 52 // Pre - Post Workout Hydration Level Difference : -12 Red Group Average Hydration Level Post Workout: -20 From intense work outs to everyday adventures, go beyond quenching your thirst and go for what's proven as the superior re-hydration drink. Cop your 100PLUS Active here now. #100PLUS #100PLUSSG #100PLUSActive #OutdoYourself

World no.1 Viktor Axelsen, Anthony Sinisuka Ginting and Low Kean Yew join star-studded lineup to battle for the KFF Singapore Badminton Open title 19 April, Singapore – Excitement is building for the highly anticipated KFF Singapore  Badminton Open 2024, scheduled to take place from 28 May to 2 June 2024 at the Singapore  Indoor Stadium. The tournament promises a showcase of world-class badminton talent, with  the world’s top players, along with defending tournament and Olympic champions, confirming their participation. Men’s Singles Denmark's Viktor Axelsen, the current world No.1, is set to make a return to the Singapore  Badminton Open after missing the past two editions. Axelsen expressed his excitement,  stating, "Unfortunately, I had to withdraw from the tournament last year due to injury. I'm  excited to be back for the KFF Singapore Badminton Open this May. I can't wait to meet my  fans there!" Joining Axelsen is Indonesia's Anthony Sinisuka Ginting, the defending champion and world  No. 7, who is aiming to secure a historic third consecutive title at the Singapore Badminton  Open. Looking ahead, Ginting said, “I always look forward to playing in the Singapore  Badminton Open and this year is no exception. The competition in the men’s singles is always  tight. Nevertheless, I want to enjoy my matches one at a time.” Adding to the formidable lineup is Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie, ranked 3rd in the world, who  enters the tournament in top form after securing victories at the All England Badminton  Championships and the Badminton Asian Championships this year. Singapore's Loh Kean Yew, currently ranked 12th in the world, will look to build on his recent victory at the Madrid Spain Masters and improve upon his finish from last year’s tournament. Women’s Singles In the Women’s Singles category, all eyes are on world No. 1 and defending champion An Se Young, fresh from her triumphs at the Malaysia Open and French Open earlier this year. She faces stiff competition from the current Olympic champion and world No. 2 Chen Yufei,  along with Chinese Taipei’s retiring star Tai Tzu Ying, who is set to bid farewell to the sport  after this year’s Paris Olympics. Another player to watch out for is China’s Wang Zhiyi,  boasting recent titles at the Badminton Asian Championships and the Indonesia Masters. Singapore’s Yeo Jia Min, who will no doubt be backed by the crowd in the Singapore Indoor  Stadium, will aim to go the distance this year. Men’s Doubles Japanese Duo Takuro Hoki and Yugo Kobayashi are geared up to defend their KFF Singapore  Badminton Open title against a strong field of competitors. The new world No. 1 pair Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang will prove to be one of their  sternest opponents after a good run of form saw them already win twice in 2024 at the  Badminton Asian Championships and the Malaysia Open. Defending Olympic champions Lee Yang and Wang Chi-lin, who won at the Badminton Asia  Team Championships earlier this year, will be aiming for a strong performance at the KFF  Singapore Badminton Open in a bid to gather crucial momentum ahead of their title defense  at this year’s Paris Olympics. Women’s Doubles Defending Champions Chen Qing Chen and Jia Yi Fan, the world’s top-ranked women’s  doubles pair will hope to continue their winning ways at this year’s KFF Singapore Badminton  Open. South Korea’s Baek Ha Na and Lee So Hee, who were the losing finalists in last year’s  tournament, have been one of the in-form duos this year. The world No. 2 pairing recently  captured the Badminton Asia Championships and All England Open Badminton  Championships. Mixed Doubles Danish pair Mathias Christiansen and Alexandra Bøje will have a challenge on hand to defend  their title. However, their strong showing in Singapore last year saw them topple many top seeded players, such as Japan’s Yuta Watanabe and Arisa Higashino, en route to claiming  their maiden Singapore Open title. Local pair Terry Hee and Jessica Tan will also feature at the KFF Singapore Badminton Open  and aim to make their mark in the mixed doubles category. Season tickets for the world-class tournament are currently on sale via SISTIC, starting from  $100. Fans can also opt for The Champion Club, a new ticket category offering exclusive privileges designed to enhance their KFF Singapore Badminton Open experience, priced at  $1,000. #KFFSBO2024 #Badminton #SgBadminton

18,000 participants expected for 2XU Compression Run 2024 Having gotten the Singapore T100 out of the way, members of the Singapore running community have their sights firmly set on the 2XU Compression Run this weekend. Happening on Sunday, 21 April 2024 at the F1 Pit Building, the 2XU Run has traditionally been known as one of the bigger first mass participation races in the local sports calendar to kick off the running year. This year is no different, with organisers expecting up to some 18,000 participants to be present at the popular event which features a 21.1km half-marathon distance, a 10km and 5km runs. Actor and stuntman Lucas Lim, who began his running journey back during his school days and was part of the SportPlus Team that clinched gold in the Standard Duathlon Relay last weekend at the Singapore T100, will be taking part in the 21.1km half-marathon this weekend. Lim, 28, has been putting in the miles in training specifically for the 2XU Compression Run, which he considers to be a local "A" race in his race calendar for the first half of the year and will also be running two full marathons this year - the BMW Berline Marathon and the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon. "Training has been good, I consider myself fortunate as the nature of my work allows me a bit more flexibility to cater to my training schedule." "I am looking forward to seeing everyone at the startline, and the 2XU Compression Run is definitely a good race for me to gauge where my current fitness levels are at." Nelson Wong, co-founder of local running group Superhero Runners, is also doing the 21.1km half-marathon and the father of one has found life to be more challenging as a parent - to juggle parenting duties, work and running. Sharing tips on how he does it and summing up his efforts in training for his first half-marathon in over a year, Wong shared that balance is key: "Nutrition, training, and recovery are important." "It all starts with the right mindset and preparation. Nutrition fuels our journey. Remember, it’s not just about what you eat, but when." He added: "Training is where the magic happens. Consistency is key, but listen to your body." "Every step forward is progress. But recovery is just as important as the run itself. Recovery is where we grow stronger, both mentally and physically." "Remember, it’s not just about the miles you run, but the moments you create along the way. Keep pushing forward." Participants who have signed up for the 2XU Compression Run late after the initial deadline and race pack collections were over can still collect their bibs and race pack at a second race pack collection at F1 Pit Building this weekend 20-21 April 2024. Those who are not around to collect their bibs can authorise someone to help collect on their behalf. 2nd Race Pack Collection Date: 20-21 April 2024 Time: 12:00PM to 5:00PM (20 April), 2:30AM to 7:30AM (21 April) Venue: F1 Pit Building, 1 Republic Boulevard, 038975 See everyone at the start line this Sunday! #2XURun #2XUCompressionRun #Runwith2XU

HYROX lands in South-east Asia for the first time, making its debut on 7 October with a mass-participation indoor race at the Singapore National Stadium PHOTO: HYROX ASIA PACIFIC Singapore, 13 June 2023 – After making a name for itself in Europe, North America and Australia, popular fitness racing world series HYROX lands in South-east Asia for the first time, making its debut on 7 October with a mass-participation indoor race at the Singapore National Stadium. Over 70 per cent of slots have been snapped up since registration opened just two weeks ago, guaranteeing an electrifying festival-like atmosphere, with over 4,000 participants and 2,000 spectators expected. HYROX combines both running & functional workout stations, where participants run 1km and do 1 functional workout station. This is then repeated eight times. The eight stations are the SkiErg, Sled Push, Sled Pull, Burpee Broad Jumps, Rowing, Farmers Carry, Sandbag Lunges and Wall Balls. PHOTO: HYROX ASIA PACIFIC The stations require functional movements frequently used in everyday life, ensuring that HYROX remains an appealing and easily accessible activity for people of all fitness levels, helping them complete daily activities more easily while feeling stronger. With the low barrier to entry, HYROX encourages everyone to get moving using the basic movements we use frequently in our daily lives. HYROX is also the first and only mass participation indoor fitness event that uses the exact same race format is used all over the world. The race format is as follows: 1. 1km Run 2. 1,000m SkiErg 3. 1km Run 4. 50m Sled Push 5. 1km Run 6. 50m Sled Pull 7. 1km Run 8. 80m Burpee Broad Jumps 9. 1km Run 10. 1,000m Rowing 11. 1km Run 12. 200m Farmers Carry 13. 1km Run 14. 100m Sandbag Lunges 15. 1km Run 16. 75 or 100 Wall Balls PHOTO: HYROX ASIA PACIFIC HYROX has 4 different categories for competitors to choose from. Whether participants are looking to take on HYROX by themselves in the Open or Pro category, share their experience with a teammate in the Doubles Categories, or split HYROX four ways in the Team Relay category, HYROX has a race for everyone. The race categories are as follows: 1. Singles Open – men’s, women 2. Single Pro – men’s, women 2. Doubles – men’s, women’s, mixed 3. Relay – men’s, women’s, mixed PHOTO: HYROX ASIA PACIFIC The National Stadium has long been an iconic venue that has hosted multiple professional and community sports events, allowing different groups of people united by their love for sport to come together. With the fitness extravaganza taking place there, participants can gather with like-minded individuals while experiencing the thrill of competing in the iconic venue while being spurred on by family and friends in the 55,000-seater arena. Hosted in the largest venue HYROX has ever been in, HYROX Singapore will become an iconic event in HYROX history. Gary Wan, HYROX APAC Managing Director, said: “We are excited to bring HYROX to Singapore this October and are looking forward to hosting HYROX at the Singapore National Stadium. This is something that will change the HYROX game entirely. We welcome everybody and every body to join us and come check us out that weekend.” Yazed Osman, Singapore Sports Hub Group Head, Events and Placemaking, said: “We are pleased to host the first-ever HYROX event in Singapore, reinforcing our position as a global hub for sports, lifestyle and entertainment. Singapore Sports Hub remains committed to delivering new and exciting experiences for everyone and we can’t wait to welcome all HYROX participants and supporters to the National Stadium this October.” PHOTO: HYROX ASIA PACIFIC HYROX was launched in Germany with 650 participants attending the inaugural event in 2017. It has since expanded into 17 countries with over 120,000 participants per year. To help participants in Singapore prepare for the race, popular fitness franchise Body Fit Training (BFT) has also come on board as the official HYROX training centre. In addition to their existing progressive, science-based training programs, BFT will be adding HYROX-specific training programmes to their weekly programming at all open studios. HYROX athletes can become members of their local BFT and get best preparation available for the best possible preparation for their HYROX event. Cameron Falloon, founder of BFT, said: “BFT are very excited to announce this innovative partnership and feel that the BFT training system is uniquely positioned to be the perfect Official Training Partner for HYROX and the many people that attend their events globally. We can’t wait to see the positive growth from this partnership for both brands, with HYROX participants training in BFT studios around the world, and our BFT communities participating in HYROX events.” For more information on training, visit https://www.bodyfittraining.com. Registration is open at https://hyroxsingapore.com/event/hyrox-singapore. Participants have to be at least 16 years old to register. For more information, visit https://hyroxsingapore.com.

Around 2,000 spectators were treated to a unique experience of roaming the grounds and watching the action from up-close, as 3,500 fitness enthusiasts debuted at HYROX Singapore Singapore, 7 October 2023 – Over 3,500 fitness enthusiasts filled the iconic National Stadium at the Singapore Sports Hub on Saturday (7 Oct) for the inaugural Cigna Healthcare | HYROX Singapore, drawing the fitness racing event to a successful conclusion. The Singapore edition of the popular global franchise, which was also HYROX’s South-east Asian debut, saw tickets being snapped up quickly with over 70 per cent sold in the first two weeks before selling out in September. This latest addition to the global HYROX event calendar has also clinched the record of having the highest number of participants attending an inaugural HYROX event in a new host city. William Petty, HYROX Singapore Country Manager, said: “We are thrilled by the incredible turnout at Cigna Healthcare | HYROX Singapore, which reflects the unwavering spirit and dedication of our racers. I am very proud that this race has been the highest selling first time event HYROX has had globally. It has been a testament to the strength of the fitness community in Singapore. We are very excited for what next year has to hold for HYROX in Singapore.” Launched in Germany with just 650 participants in 2017, HYROX has since expanded its footprint to 17 countries with over 120,000 participants per year. It combines both running & functional workout stations, where participants run 1km and do 1 functional workout station. This is then repeated eight times. The eight stations are the SkiErg, Sled Push, Sled Pull, Burpee Broad Jumps, Rowing, Farmers Carry, Sandbag Lunges and Wall Balls. The stations are meant to boost functional fitness, making participants stronger as they perform daily activities more easily while living healthier and fitter lives. In Singapore, the National Stadium saw non-stop action as participants worked up a sweat in their respective categories while fuelled by cheers from their friends and family amid an electrifying atmosphere. Around 2,000 spectators were treated to a unique experience of roaming the grounds and watching the action from up-close. Participant Sharon Wong, who finished 36th in the Women’s Open category, said: “I really enjoyed myself. It is definitely a test of endurance and strength. I like the concept and the ability to test my limits in a safe and well-managed environment.” The winners of each category are as follows: Singles Pro Men - Gabe Heck Women - Dr. Alice Schürer Singles Open Men - Karim Hegazy Women - Maire Mc Ginley Doubles Men - Ian Deeth, Tony Van Eck Women - Sarah Cole, Kelly Newton Mixed - Ande Mcdonald, Andy Nicholson Cigna Healthcare | HYROX Singapore was well-supported by a range of partners who helped ensure the success of the event, including Official Title Partner – global health services company Cigna Healthcare Singapore, Sport Singapore and the Singapore Sports Hub. Raymond Ng, CEO & Country Manager, Cigna Healthcare Singapore & Australia, said: “It was a great pleasure to experience and be part of the successful inaugural HYROX event in Singapore. To see so many participants from different backgrounds, including Cigna Healthcare employees, coming together to embrace the importance of physical activity and personal wellness is both inspiring and heartening. This event may have concluded, but we hope this is the beginning of a collective journey towards great health and vitality. Congratulations to everyone who competed this year and we look forward to seeing you next year!” Roy Teo, Chief of Industry Development, Technology & Innovation Group, Sport Singapore commented: “The enthusiastic response at the inaugural edition of Cigna Healthcare | HYROX Singapore signals a growing interest for fitness events within the local community. The event welcomed more than 3,500 participants to the National Stadium, along with their supporters, and the energy within the venue was electrifying. Sport Singapore looks forward to supporting a wider spectrum of sport and fitness events that will cater to the varying interests within our local sporting fraternity.” Yazed Osman, Group Head, Events & Placemaking, Kallang Alive Sport Management, shared: “The Singapore Sports Hub is a natural gathering space for professional athletes and sports enthusiasts. Add to this our focus on providing greater accessibility to our facilities and a wider choice of sport events – Hyrox is a natural fit. The participation from the fitness community in this year’s race is a healthy indicator of market interest and we are looking forward to organising and hosting more of such fitness and sport events at the Singapore Sports Hub.” Popular fitness franchise Body Fit Training (BFT) also supported the event as HYROX’s Official Training Centre and helped participants in Singapore prepare for the race. Other partners of the Cigna Healthcare | HYROX Singapore include Red Bull, the Official Energy Drink; Happy Way, the Official Nutrition and Supplements Partner; Pressio, the Official & Exclusive Sportswear & Apparel Partner; 100PLUS, the Official Hydration & Recovery Partner; and ThriveX, the Official Recovery & Wellness Partner. The next HYROX race in the Asia Pacific region takes place In Hong Kong on the 25 & 26 Nov. #HYROXSG #HYROX

SportPlus.sg caught up with hybrid athlete Samuel Chua at the recent HYROX Singapore fitness event to ask him about his recovery regime, favourite recovery foods and his first experience trying the 100PLUS PRO High Protein In this exclusive series, SportPlus.sg speaks with various 100PLUS athletes behind-the-scenes to discuss their recovery regimes, why recovery is important to them and their first experiences trying the 100PLUS PRO High Protein. How would you say you fared at HYROX Singapore 2023? Samuel: I think it was a very unique experience. I didn't expect it to be as tough as I planned for. I happened to do a couple of extra rounds for each 1 KM lap, so that was a pity. Why do you think recovery is important when training for an event like HYROX? Samuel: For this kind of fitness events I think recovery is especially important. While training for it is crucial, recovery must also take a front seat. I just had a Berlin Marathon two weeks ago and coming into this race I was not in tip top form as much as I tried to recover my legs were still aching. I cramped towards the lunges part I feel that everyone should prioritise recovery on top of their training. What's your favourite part of HYROX Singapore? Samuel: A good thing about this event compared to other events in Singapore is how close the spectators are for you and they are literally a few metres in front of you cheering you on. How do you feel after trying the 100PLUS PRO for the first time? Samuel: I recently tried the 100PLUS PRO and it’s very different from the usual 100PLUS. It's not fizzy. It has quite a unique taste. It's a cultured milk taste and so it's very palatable and it's quite delicious as well. And it's not carbonated, so it's easy to take in high protein as well as some BCAA. How do ingredients like BCAA and protein contained in the 100PLUS PRO aid you in the recovery process? Samuel: These two ingredients are especially good for recovery for your muscles. And so I tend to take it after my workout I think 100PLUS PRO has done a really good job in fueling my performance after my marathon and after this workout. Compared to normal isotonic drinks where it just rehydrates you it’s very important to get in your protein to repair your muscles for your next hard workout. I hope to see everyone at the next 100PLUS event! #RecoveryDrinks #100PLUS #100PLUSSG #100PLUSPRO #FuelLikeAPro

Regularly infusing health and fitness into his content, content creator Kenneth Lee shares that the proudest moment of his fitness journey is each time he manages to step out the door to do his workouts As a modern-day social media host turned fitness content creator, Kenneth Lee does not just curate picture-perfect moments; he meticulously journals and shares his own experiences — whether bathed in the glow of success or covered in the shadows of adversity.  “My social media platforms have always been more like a diary to me,” he gushed. From sharing about a new laptop that increased his productivity to talking about cardio exercises to improve his resting heart rates, he weaves a tapestry of a multitude of experiences, captivating a broad and engaged audience. In these experiences, he often tries to integrate the aspect of health and fitness – which he is extremely passionate about – into his content.  Kenneth’s fitness journey began in June 2022 when in the midst of COVID-19, he found that his mental health had taken a hit.  “I did not intend to focus my content on health and fitness but instead I wanted to integrate the two in my life,” he shared. “The impetus was because I was very unhappy with my poor state of health and I wanted to do something about it. With most COVID-19 restrictions lifted by then, there was really no excuse anymore. I took the plunge and signed up for a gym membership at Body Fit Training (BFT) and my journey has been very rewarding since." Fast forward to the present day, Kenneth has come a long way and definitely feels the considerable benefits of leading a more active and healthy lifestyle. Empowered by his own fitness odyssey, the 34-year-old feels inspired to share his fitness journey with his friends and viewers.  “By sharing my fitness journey, I hope it can inspire them to embark on their own journeys. I journal and publish many of my experiences whether or not they are positive or negative, with the hope that my posts would benefit anyone.” Kenneth said.  Since prioritising his physical and mental health, Kenneth has not only felt his worries wither away, but has also started to feel more connected with his body.  “When you notice the progress you have made, you cannot help but feel proud of yourself. However, it is important to know that there will be not-so-good days too and it is completely normal," he observed. In fact, Kenneth states that his proudest moment in his journey would be each time he even manages to step out of the door. “No matter the workout, how long or short, good or bad, I showed up,” he shared. “My biggest challenge would be my old injuries acting up. In 2012, I had an accident that caused me to sustain a serious back injury. It was brutal when I first started exercising again but over time, with careful and measured guidance from coaches, my core became stronger and I now live life relatively pain-free.” In the midst of this digital era, Kenneth emerges with his own chapter, focusing on the current heartbeat of his fitness journey—mobility and stretching. Not only is it necessary, it also feels great for his body.  Stretching provides real time feedback on how his body feels in the moment, allowing him to adjust his workout intensity accordingly. As he shares the nuances of her fitness routines, he invites others to join in this intimate dialogue with their own bodies, understanding when to push harder or when to offer a gentle reprieve. Besides stretching, Kenneth finds running to be an extremely great form of exercise too, seeing as it acts as a stress reliever for him as well. As his feet pound against the pavement, he feels the worries of life fade into the background as his mind focuses purely on the route, his breathing and himself.   Throughout his fitness journey, he has participated in various events such as HYROX and Standard Chartered Singapore Half Marathon . However, his most memorable event was the UA Combine .  “There I got to meet and learn from many athletes in the Singapore fitness community, all under the same roof. Also, watching these phenomenal athletes in action was absolutely inspiring! You just had to be there,” he recounted. Leading a healthy and active lifestyle is essential for overall well-being, yet it comes with its share of challenges and certain sacrifices certainly have to be made. In Kenneth’s case, as he began learning more about fitness nutrition, he has started to be more conscious of what and how much he consumes on a daily basis.  One of the things he has had to give up is ordering GrabFood after 9pm — a rather common practice among Singaporeans! Nonetheless, Kenneth stated that he “still indulges once in a while” and that “it’s all about maintaining a good balance!”  “I definitely feel happier, more confident and more equipped when tackling life with a healthier body. I am also glad to have made great and supportive friends in the fitness community. Some people have even told me that my journey has inspired them to get fitter and that in itself is a reward too,” shared Kenneth proudly. As Kenneth continues on with his journey, he hopes to continue inspiring people to follow suit so that they too can taste the benefits of engaging in a lifestyle rich with wellness and vitality. Regardless of how challenging it may be to maintain this lifestyle, it will all be worth it in the end.  Find out more about SportPlus' team of athletes and content creators here . #Feature #Fitness #SportPlusCreators

21 athletes from Singapore to compete in this week’s 5th FAI World Cup of Indoor Skydiving (WCIS) in Macau, China Singapore, 15 April 2024 – Singapore will field its biggest contingent to date at an international indoor skydiving competition, with 21 athletes competing in this week’s 5th FAI World Cup of Indoor Skydiving (WCIS) in Macau, China. These comprise six indoor skydiving athletes and four teams of professional skydivers that train at indoor skydiving facility iFly Singapore. Two other events – the 1st FAI Asian Indoor Skydiving Championships and 3rd FAI European Indoor Skydiving Championships – will be held in conjunction with the biennial WCIS, which takes place from 18 - 20 April. Over 200 athletes will compete in the WCIS, and Singapore will be represented in six of the seven categories on offer. Teenager Kai Minejima-Lee, who is making his first appearance in the Open category of the WCIS, is looking forward to the next progression of his indoor skydiving journey. The 15-year-old is the reigning World Cup of Indoor Skydiving champion in the Junior freestyle solo, 2-Way Dynamic Junior and 4-Way Dynamic Junior categories. At last year’s 4th FAI World Indoor Skydiving Championships 2023, he clinched the 2-Way Dynamic Junior title alongside partner Vera Poh, who is also competing in the Open category of the WCIS for the first time. Said Kai: “I have participated in the Open category at national competitions for the past 2 years, but this will be my first time doing so at an international level and WCIS. I’m excited for this challenge – the standard of competition will be high, but we’ve been training hard, and preparations have been going well. We have been in Macau since the start of last week to acclimatise to the conditions, and we’re ready.” Team-mate and veteran indoor skydiver Choo Yi Xuan will return to the WCIS as an athlete this year, after coaching the 2022 contingent to four golds at the previous edition. The 22-year-old, whose accolades include winning the 2-Way Dynamic World Cup title in 2018, will compete in the 4-Way Formation Skydiving women’s category with three professional skydivers that have a combination of more than 10 years’ experience and between 300 to 600 jumps. She will also feature in the Dynamic 4-Way (Open) category with Vera Poh, Kai Minejima-Lee and Jordan Lee. Choo, who has over 12 years of experience in the sport, said: “I’m looking forward to the experience of competing with my team-mates again. Representing Singapore at such events is always special, and it’s extra special to be part of our biggest contingent yet." "This shows how much the indoor skydiving community here has grown since I first started competing in 2011, and I’m glad to have a part to play in raising the profile of our sport.” The list of Singapore athletes and brief descriptions of the disciplines are available below. Event updates are available at https://wcis2024.goairborne.com. Singapore at the WCIS 2024 Solo Freestyle (Open) 1. Kai Minejima-Lee 2. Tobias Chaloupka Solo Freestyle (Junior) Isabelle Koh Dynamic 2-Way (Open) 1. Vera Poh and Kai Minejima-Lee 2. Jordan Lee and Isabelle Koh Dynamic 4-Way (Open) Vera Poh, Kai Minejima-Lee, Choo Yi Xuan, Jordan Lee 4-Way Formation Skydiving (Open) Team 1: Eugene Cho, Leonard Tan, Eng Yew Kiang, Galvin Chan (Reserve: Neo Choon Chea) Team 2: Alvin Yap, Yeo Yong Quan, Aw Wei Xiang, Shaun Lim Team 3: Ko Kai Xiang, Chong Wei En, Shaun Gan, Ng Wei Chien 4-Way Formation Skydiving (Female) Choo Yi Xuan, Shirley Ng, Shirley Wong, Sandy Wong About the categories Dynamic 2-Way Dynamic consists of speed and free rounds. The free round is an artistic expression of the teams’ flying skills to music. The speed round is a race against the clock. The competition follows a tournament knockout system where the team that makes it through every battle in the end wins the competition. Dynamic 4-Way Dynamic consists of speed rounds. The speed round is a race against the clock. Flyers perform compulsory routines in the fastest possible. All members of the dynamic 4-way team go through a specific sequence and are required to complete it together as fast as possible. Freestyle Freestyle is an individual discipline. The athletes perform free routines to music as well as two compulsory routines where the athletes are scored on how well they perform compulsory moves. The athlete with the highest accumulated score after 5 rounds wins. 4-Way Formation Skydiving All members of the 4-way FS team go through as many scoring formations and as accurately as possible within the working time. The team with the highest accumulated score of all rounds wins. #IndoorSkyDiving #FAIWorldCup #iFlySingapore

Over 100 elite athletes ignite the city of Paris during ASICS ‘Festival of Running’ 6th April 2024, Singapore – ASICS is today sharing the record breaking race results from the elite race at its first-of-its-kind Festival of Running in Paris, which saw runners and athletes converge to demonstrate the power of running to uplift all who run. Over 100 athletes, including Thai long-distance runner, Tony Ah-Thit Payne, and Southeast Asian Games bronze medallist, Goh Chui Ling, came together for 5km and 10km races, starting and finishing at Palais Royal. The 2.5km racecourse saw the elite runners take to the streets of Paris, finding their speed and igniting the city of lights as the kick off to the three-day running festival. In addition, Southeast Asian Games silver medallist, Sonny Wagdos, broke his personal best in the ASICS Speed Race, finishing 10km in 00:30:52 (previous personal best: 00:31:18). Nine-time ultramathoner Natalie Dau also completed the Paris Marathon with an amazing run of 3:29:16, narrowly beating her previous personal best by 1 second. Likina Amebaw, Ethiopia, was the winner in the mixed 10km with a staggering winning time of 29:56 beating her current Personal Best by over a minute, while Jemal Yimer, Ethiopia, took victory in the men’s 10km by matching his Personal Best of 27:43. Hagos Gebrhiwet, Ethiopia, won the men’s 5km with 13:24 while Caroline Nyaga, Kenya, won the mixed 5km at 14:40. In total, an incredible 3 national records and 20 Personal Bests were recorded by athletes at the brand’s World Athletics ratified speed race. Mohamed Ismael, Djibouti, beat his own national record in the 5km by 2 seconds, achieving a stunning result of 13:32, while Nadia Battocletti set the new Italian record in the 10km at 31:19. Julia Mayer beat the Austrian 10km record with a time of 32:28. Cam Levins equalled the Canadian men’s 10km record with a fantastic run of 28:11. The races attracted crowds of running fans and local run crews, gathered in the city for the annual marathon weekend. All PBs were achieved by athletes wearing ASICS’ new METASPEED™ PARIS series, which include the METASPEED™ SKY PARIS and the METASPEED™ EDGE PARIS shoes. The shoes combine ASICS’ advanced technologies to support runners who want to feel and perform at their best when chasing down new personal bests. The shoes are the result of a rigorous design and testing process, led by ASICS Institute of Sport Science, involving a number of third-party testers and over one hundred elite athletes around the world. The full list of race winners is below: 10km Men – Jemal Yimer, 27:43 10km Mixed – Likina Amebaw, 29:56 5km Men – Hagos Gebrhiwet, 13:24 5km Mixed – Caroline Nyaga, 14:40 Lord Sebastian Coe, President of World Athletics, said: “It was a thrilling evening of racing and our ongoing partnership with ASICS brought an array of exceptional athletes – from youth to elite – to the streets of Paris. ASICS created a true milestones event, demonstrating the power of running, their commitment to the sport and the running community ahead of a huge year for the city.” Olivier Mignon, Director of Sports Marketing, ASICS Global, said: “Our first-of-its-kind Festival of Running showcases what running can do – uniting runners of all abilities and levels, projecting positivity and lifting spirits." "Our athletes have achieved amazing results to kick off the weekend, including the standout performances by Julia Mayer who beat her own national record for Austria by a staggering 21 seconds. We’re proud of our team’s accomplishments demonstrating how running moves your mind.” Full event results can be found attached with top 5 times below. To see a full recap of ASICS’ elite race, re-watch the live stream asics.tv/paris or via https://www.youtube.com/@WorldAthletics. #ASICSRunning #ParisMarathon

Ahead of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, this is how Hassan Sunny fostered a community both through on-pitch heroics and at his Nasi Padang stall, Dapur Hassan this Ramadan In a month where charitable donations, communal prayers and iftars with loved ones (the act of breaking one’s fast) are essential, community is at the heart of Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri. While donations are often made quietly, perhaps the love and togetherness is more evident in every bit of food effortlessly prepared for each other’s iftar meals. With food and football being two of Singapore’s biggest cultures, there sits a small corner of Tampines where the two communities merge. Nestled in a quaint corner of a coffee shop beneath Block 144 in Tampines resides Dapur Hassan, a humble Nasi Padang stall. Led by Singapore National Team and Albirex Niigata (S) goalkeeper Hassan Sunny, affectionately called “Superman”, the stall is more than just a place to grab a meal. It's a hub where Singaporeans are drawn together by a shared love for both the beautiful game and hearty Malay cuisine. Since the stall’s birth in 2021, the 40-year-old returns to Tampines to join his wife — who helps to run the stall — in making sure his customers are fed even after making game-decisive saves for his country. Whether it be on the pitch or in the coffee shop, Hassan knows just how to pull people from all walks of life together — and it was on display this Ramadan when he and his teammates rallied a country so often left dampened by football. Despite not winning the two games against China in March, the draw at the Singapore National Stadium and subsequent narrow 2-1 loss in Tianjin garnered a surge of support from Singaporeans who appreciated the team’s grit and determination over the result. Hassan’s heroics including a penalty save resulted in him being at the center of the love received by the squad. “When I came back from the two games, surprisingly a lot of Chinese nationals came to the shop and wanted to take photos with me. I was quite shocked! When I was not around, my wife had to entertain it because they came looking for me,” he chuckles. “A few days ago, I had a family from China based in Singapore. Their son was going to school here and he was so proud to share with his classmates in school that had the chance to take a photo with me. It was an amazing feeling after the China game.” Even before the recent wave of love for the goalkeeper, he has always felt it in his customers, including a group he never thought he’d get it from. “After a game, if I’m at the shop, customers will come to congratulate me for a game well played. It’s really nice especially when it comes from the older fans like those in their 60s and 70s. I used to think that they don’t watch us anymore but once they started coming up to me while I was at the stall, I realised that they really do give us a lot of support,” Hassan smiles. “Although we receive a lot of criticism, people really do care. Most times before a big game for the national team my customers will come and say ‘you have a big game coming up, we’ll support you.'" Having had to play the two games against 88th ranked China during the fasting month, the goalkeeper says it was tough but that the camaraderie remained unwavering. “The good thing is that we played the games late so we had the chance to break fast before both games. It was still difficult though because you can’t do much the whole day but I think the effort we put in was quite an incredible one,” he recounts. “The team has been breaking our fast together for a couple of years now, but it's different when you fast together while approaching a big game. It’s a different atmosphere. You have to really take care of what you eat at iftar because half an hour later, you’re going out there to play. It’s all in the dates and half a sandwich.” With family being at the core of Ramadan and Hari Raya, the adoration of his is evident on the veteran footballer’s face as they prepared food to be delivered to their customers for iftar. While he admits that it’s not easy to juggle both football and business, he finds solace and a silver lining in his customers and loved ones. “When I have a match, customers and family will come and support, so we have a lot of time together as a family,” he shares. “This year’s Hari Raya will be one where I'll get to spend the whole month in Singapore. I only have one day off and I'll be back in training the next morning but the good thing is I won’t be travelling at all so I will have more time with my family.” A much-loved footballer within the fraternity, warmth and humility radiates when he speaks about the football community as well as his customers. While packing platter upon platter of the stall’s Nasi Ambeng orders specially made for Ramadan and the festive Hari Raya period, it may seem like somewhat of a double life but wherever he goes, one thing’s for sure — he fosters a community. After all, it's all in his nickname. #SgFootball

Sydney Marathon's running community continues to grow as SportPlus.sg kicks off first overseas run club activations for organisers, in partnership with Destination New South Wales Singapore, 8 April 2024 - The Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS kicked off its first overseas run club activation yesterday, as some 118 runners took to the streets of Singapore as part of the first of three Sydney Marathon : Singapore Chapter run club events. Having passed stage one of its candidacy to become the seventh Abbott World Marathon Major, the Sydney Marathon is into its second and final stage of assessment this year. The last time a city was added to the World Marathon Majors was in 2013 when Tokyo become the sixth major in the prestigious circuit of the world's top marathons. Led by head coach Loh Guo Pei of New Balance Run Club Singapore (NBRC), together with NBRC's his captains and pacers, the first Sydney Marathon : Singapore Chapter run club run yesterday comprised 3km loops that made up either a 12km or 15km distance, which runners can choose from across four pace categories. NBRC's pacers were joined by eight of this year's 'Friends of Sydney Marathon', run leaders and key opinion leaders who function as local ambassadors to Australia's largest marathon. Five of this year's 'Friends of Sydney Marathon' - Sebastian Cheong, Melissa Foo, John Yeong, Chermaine Zhou and Daniel Fang, are returning key opinion leaders from the 2023 edition of the Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS, while 7 more have been added as the Singapore running community ups its ante in putting its weight behind Sydney's bid to become the seventh World Marathon Major. Other Friends of Sydney Marathon joining the fold this year are Ivan Kuek (The Social Running Club), Samuel Chua (Running Shoe Connoisseur & Hybrid Athlete ), Cheryl Tay (Triathlete & Content Creator), Paul Martin (Elevate Performance), Muhammad Mulyadi (Elevate Performance), Azaria Heng (Fast and Free Run Club) and Dadima Kimmex (Fast and Free Run Club). The first Sydney Marathon : Singapore Chapter Run was followed by a partners' workshop focusing on training, as the SportPlus.sg team continues to work closely with Sydney Marathon to enhance the Sydney Marathon-bound runners' experiences in the months leading up to this year's event on 15 September 2024. A panel of experts which included national athletes Bryce Chong (Triathlete) from The Muscle Lab, Melvin Wong (Runner) from Garmin Singapore, and Arthur Tong (Triathlete) founder and head coach of Elevate Performance Coaching, shared useful insights about how to train for a marathon, specific to a marathon course like Sydney's. Registered participants also enjoyed a sumptous buffet breakfast by travel partners EU Holidays and Destination New South Wales, learning about the best of Sydney city, cafes, beaches and diverse experiences in the surrounding region with spectacular nature, immersive wildlife, coastal and amazing food and wine that makes New South Wales a great runcation choice, while nutrition partner Simply Active also contributed with hydration from PURE. To find out more about 5 attractions you must visit while in Sydney, read our feature article here. Interested participants and runners can look forward to two more of such sessions, with the next event happening in early June led by Fast and Free Run Club focusing on recovery, before the 5-month pre Sydney Marathon series ends in August with the final session led by ASICS Running Club and Superhero Runners - discussing performance. Friends of Sydney Marathon Excited by Sydney Marathon 2024 Muhammad Mulyadi, a run leader and coach at Elevate Performance Coaching, looked back on the first Sydney Marathon: Singapore Chapter run and reflected: "Today's run was just a fun run, but I guess it was also about getting to know the running community in Singapore, and hopefully having us run together towards the build-up for Sydney Marathon, and also traveling there together." Mulyadi can look forward to be joined by some performance-focused athletes like Samuel Chua, popularly known as Xtriderunning on his socials, in the run-up to this year's Sydney Marathon. "The run today was great, and the sharing session was also very informative and comprehensive," shared Samuel. "My favourite part was actually the training talk with Arthur, and I'm a numbers guy so I like to focus on my training zones, and all the nitty gritty stuff of training." Chermaine Zhou on the other hand, who did the Sydney Marathon half-marathon in 2023, is looking forward to her first ever full-marathon at this year's event. She recalls: "It brings back a lot of happy memories running Sydney last year, so I'm just really looking forward to head back to run my first full marathon." Meanwhile some were enthused by the overall uplifting energy in the community from the first session. "Today's run? Everybody was really friendly. There was a big group of people today because we ran with New Balance Run Club. Everybody was really encouraging as well, whenever we crossed different pace groups (run was done in loops), everybody would just cheer for each other and supported each other," said Melissa Foo. Founder of The Social Running Club and a new addition to this year's 'Friends of Sydney Marathon' Ivan Kuek shared: "I always enjoy running together with friends, and knowing that all these friends are going together with me to Sydney it's not just the marathon itself but also after and before the marathon - where we eat together, explore Sydney together." Yet to sign up for the Sydney Marathon? You can do so here. #SydneyMarathon #MakeSydneyAMajor #ILoveSydney #FeelNewSydney