Whether you’re looking to learn a new sport from scratch or hone your skills after eons of not doing anything, being in front of a heap of other people while you’re doing it just isn’t appealing! Here’s a platform where you can find some of Singapore’s best private instructors in tennis, martial arts, yoga and fitness for personal training or small group lessons.
Bespoke training
This is the whole idea behind bespoke training platform Befit121. It’s a service that makes some of the best instructors in Singapore accessible to anyone looking to exercise or learn a new sport in a more personal setting.
“Befit121 keeps the social membership approach but conducts classes in private or small groups with a maximum of four participants to keep the focus on individual attention and proper techniques,” says Founder/Director Christo Wiese. He handpicks top trainers across multiple sports to create a high-end bespoke training experience for tennis, yoga, martial arts, strength conditioning and more.
“After 15 years living in three different continents working alongside competitive coaches and a broad spectrum of clients ranging from business executives to kids, I decided to create a platform where some of the best trainers can come together and serve the growing fitness community here in Singapore,” says Christo.
Here’s how it works
First, purchase a Befit121 credit package (there are various packages available) via bank transfer or PayNow. Then, use your credits to book the trainers of your choice. There are over 48 certified instructors to choose from. Each is worth a certain number of credits (starting from 90 credits per session), and the site lists bios, certifications and other details for every private instructor.
Credits do not expire and are refundable if you need to relocate from Singapore. In addition, the credits are even transferable, which makes it simple for different family members to enjoy personalised training sessions at the location of their choice – whether it be at a gym near your office or in the comfort of your own home, a tennis court at your condo or a friend’s backyard.
Expat Living readers who sign up for packages will get a $40 credit each month for 12 months. Simply use the promo code “121EXPATLIVING” at registration!
Hear from Befit121 trainers:
Vitor Silva
Certified tennis coach Vitor got his start as a professional player representing Portugal in several European championships. Now, he’s dedicated to training not only high-level competition players but also adults and kids looking to improve their tennis skills.
“Some individuals approach their tennis problems by knowing that some strokes are not as good as others. They try to fix it by watching videos of professionals. However, that doesn’t work because every player has their own style. By taking private or group lessons, the coach can give very specific instructions tailored to each individual student’s style.”
Bronwen Appel
A certified coach at Level gym in the CBD, Bronwen specialises in weight management, rehab, Pilates, swimming, and strength and conditioning. After experiencing fatigue and mood swings while working in the corporate world in her early 20s, Bronwen decided to trade her desk job for one that incorporates physical activity. Guiding clients through their individual fitness journeys is her true passion, she says.
“Everything done during a session is methodically prepared for and tracked. Monthly and quarterly tests allow us to quantifiably see results and guide clients in the right direction. This is probably the most beneficial aspect of bespoke personal training – educating a client instead of mindlessly guiding them through reps and sets.
“As a coach, it is important to stay current. There are new theories, articles and (dare I say it) social media posts that arise providing clients with countless information. So, staying current encourages me as a coach to help educate those around me and to increase my personal skills.
“However, there is more to being a coach than tracking physical changes. Mental changes happen too and my goal is to combine the two for a more sustainable future with longevity.”
Pedro Correia
Pedro became a top national tennis player in Portugal at just 12 years old, winning the National Teams Championships. He says he loves teaching not just adults but also kids who are beginners and kids who play competitively. And, personalised lessons, he says, is the best way to perfect your skills.
“If you want do something well, you should have lessons, especially in such a technical, demanding sport such as tennis. In a private lesson, the time is for you exclusively, so you learn faster. In a small group lesson, you can learn and socialise at the same time, which is why many adults and young kids love group tennis lessons.”
Alex Betts
A personal trainer and competitive bodybuilder, Alex has a bachelor degree in sports and exercise science. He serves as president of the Singapore Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (SFBF), and loves helping clients improve their health. To be at the top of his game, he says he’s always on the lookout for new ways to learn and expand knowledge and deliver it to his clients.
“I enjoy being a coach as I am able to bring out the best in my clients in many different ways. I help them build the physical foundations of health and wellness, which is directly linked to their mental and emotional wellbeing.”
He adds, “Many people lack direction, accountability and structure. This is where regular, well-planned-out training sessions become extremely valuable. And, of course, they produce excellent results and help to build rituals and life-long habits.”
Hear from Befit121 clients:
Victoria Cheng, media personality
American expat Victoria wanted to work on her tennis skills for agility, coordination, and to get a fun workout. She began working with a private instructor through Befit121 once a week and has loved the experience.
“I’ve tried a number of tennis instructors throughout my life, and I appreciate the actual skills these coaches have as tennis players; and the quality of the lessons,” she says. “In addition to the attention to detail on technical aspects, I enjoy the variety from lesson to lesson. One can be more focused on agility and stamina, while another can be purely technical. Or sometimes, we can just rally!”
“The ability to work with different Befit121 trainers but all at the same skill level means you can have more classes and fit your training sessions even into the busiest of travel schedules.”
Welby Tidor, Executive Creative Director of Creations at Cirque de Soleil
“A core part of my work is about inspiring others to do their best work, and cultivating a strong core is critical to practicing leadership. I practice tennis for the love of the sport, the values of leadership it instils, and for learning to enjoy playing under pressure. These are precious values from which any executives can benefit. When I put my fast pace life against the frenetic rhythm of life in Singapore, the benefit of fostering a strong, physical weekly training practice is limitless.
“I travel around the world, and everywhere I go, I’ve developed the ritual of finding a tennis class or fitness training to attend. Through the Befit121 platform, I’ve discovered top-notch coaching, a welcoming community passionate about tennis, fitness and positive values that are easily applicable beyond the playing and in the workplace.”
So, if you prefer working out in a more private setting, there are loads of options for intimate group sessions that let you stay social while still getting that personalised attention you need to ensure proper form.
To learn more, contact Christo at chris@befit121.com or 8186 8299, or visit befit121.com.
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