Looking for a fresh fitness regime or weightlift training gym to kick off the new year right? Body Fit Training might just be worth considering. Here, I chat with EMMA LEE, Studio Manager at BFT Bukit Timah, to find out all about the gym and the theory behind it. Plus, as a member myself, I give my honest BFT review!
What is Body Fit Training “BFT”?
BFT stands for Body Fit Training and it’s a strength and conditioning gym that offers science-backed programmes that can be tailored to deliver the best results for every level of fitness. We offer high performance group training methods previously designed for elite athletes – now for all. You’ll get a good range of strength training, conditioning sessions for cardiovascular endurance and high-intensity sessions to get you moving faster. Every week, our holistic programme is designed to help you target your three muscle fibre types, work through your three planes of motion, and stress your three energy systems.
How is BFT different from other fitness classes?
BFT incorporates science and technology more than any other gym. Our innovative heart rate technology helps to individualise the session for every member, so they can work to their own level. Monitoring your heart rate regularly helps track progress in recovery, assess your intensity capacity, and observe how you adapt to consistent effort levels over time.
We lift weights with the hard-style method. This places attention on stability and holding tensions, to keep the spine neutral and protected. This helps get you stronger by incorporating more muscles in a heavy lift, while at the same time reducing the risk of injuries. The goal is to lift heavy with good technique. The BFT method also focuses on movement efficiency, understanding how to move a weight with the shortest and most efficient path possible. Once learnt, this technique is useful in daily life!
What training do the coaches receive?
All attend Kettlebell and Barbell foundational courses that teach them to cue and coach movements the BFT way. At the same time, they learn the biomechanics behind the main movements we coach regularly, how to identify potential risks of injury, and how to correct the members’ form. Plus, coaches have to do a fundamental theory test to understand the science behind BFT’s programmes.
It looks intense! Is BFT advanced weightlift training or can beginners join?
Absolutely – BFT’s programmes can definitely be tailored to every level of fitness! With our focus on technique-based coaching, our goal is to help members move efficiently, and reach their fitness goals safely. From beginners to advanced lifters, everyone has a different sticking point in their movements. Our coaches are here to identify these different sticking points and help you move past them.
At the same time, our heart-rate technology allows you to individualise your experience so that results are not based on absolute scores and targets, but also in terms of intensity. If you ever needed a way to gauge your level of effort more specifically, wearing a heart rate monitor will teach you how.
Tell us about what’s involved in the BFT 8 Week Challenge.
This programme teaches you how to pair nutrition and consistent training to build lean muscle and burn fat. You’ll get access to delicious, healthy meal plans for the full eight weeks based on your body type and goals. Coaches are on hand to help you tailor the meal plans to suit you, develop healthier habits, and stay motivated to get results. Using body composition scans, we track your results from the very start until week 8 to see how far you’ve come!
My BFT Review
I’ve been working out, including cardio and weightlift training, my whole life – by myself, with personal trainers and in group classes. My last gym closed down and my fitness had stagnated. A group of my school mum friends had started going to BFT Bukit Timah and raved about it, so I signed up for a two-week trial. I’ve now been going for six months and I’m hooked. Here are five of my favourite things about Body Fit Training.
#1 Structure
The workouts follow a carefully designed program over a ten-week block. Days alternate between strength, cardio and functional classes to give your body the formula it needs to build strength, endurance and fitness over time. Like every busy working mum (or person!), I want to know that the time I’m investing in the gym is going to pay off. Initially, I was only able to lift light weights, but I’m surprised that I’m now managing much heavier loads and noticing tone in my muscles. It’s important to do weight-bearing exercises to maintain bone density, so it’s a good way to do this in a safe environment.
#2 Community
Some gyms can feel a bit intimidating. BFT Bukit Timah is the exact opposite! I love the supportive and motivating environment, with everyone cheering each other on. For me it’s the perfect blend of exercising and socialising – as we’re now a group of eight girls who meet three to four times a week to work out together. We even had a dinner recently out of our workout gear which was fun for letting our hair down. Over time, I’ve enjoyed meeting other members and expanding my circle.
#3 Instructors
Knowledgeable, attentive and approachable trainers are so important when you’re working out at a gym. I find that the trainers, from Ash to Emma, and Clarisse, Sya, Nell and Derek explain the exercises well. And with a ratio of one to twelve, there’s always a trainer there to help. They have a lovely encouraging way of giving personalised feedback and modifications to make sure my workout is safe and effective. I never feel embarrassed to ask for help to do the exercise especially given I’ve hurt my lower back in the past. It’s now feeling much stronger!
#4 Technology
The heart rate monitors are awesome as I can see how hard I’m working and if I’m hitting the targets. My progress is tracked and I get a kick out of it at the end of the session if I get a bronze, silver or gold medal. Using the App to book is easy (never full which can be a problem at other gyms). Plus I can see all of my past workouts in one place too.
#5 Variety
I like the diverse range of weightlift training workout styles, and I’ve never done the same class twice. This means it always feels fresh and engaging as I have to think about what I’m doing. It’s also a place where everyone – men and women, young and old(er), beginners and seasoned gym-goers can go to challenge themselves. If you’re thinking about it – just do it! I’m glad I did. And you can train wherever on the island you like – even abroad when on holidays, which is a massive plus. There are currently studios in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, the US and the UK!
BFT Bukit Timah is at 559 Bukit Timah Road.
3129 7880 | bukittimah@bodyfittraining.com
bodyfittraining.au/club/bukittimah
This article on weightlift training first appeared in the December 2024 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
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