Setting goals with a fitness trainer in Singapore

Looking for a fitness trainer in Singapore? The beginning of the year is a notorious time for people to commit to exercise classes or start a workout routine, but many well-intentioned resolutions lose momentum all too soon. This time, break the cycle. We’ve spoken with top fitness experts to bring you practical tips on setting goals and achieving the results you’re after – whether that’s to lose weight, get fit or feel healthier. Read on for some ideas, advice and special offers!

Setting goals and achieving them in 2025: Advice from a fitness trainer in Singapore

Aqua Tula – aqua exercise classes

This boutique fitness brand, established in 2019, brings a revolutionary approach to water-based workouts. With customised group and private exercise classes available in homes and condos across Singapore, the “Aqua Tula method” can be tailored for all fitness levels, including those with physical challenges and members who want to lose weight.

We hear from founder Malissa Sander, a fitness trainer in Singapore

What’s one piece of advice you’d give for setting goals in the new year?

Focus on workouts you genuinely enjoy rather than chasing trends. For me, the “Three W’s” – water, walking and weights – provide strength, cardio and flexibility, and they work wonders for my mental health.

How do you stay motivated, especially on days when you’re not feeling it?

I remind myself how great I’ll feel afterwards. If I’m not up for intense cardio, I opt for low-intensity exercises like ankle-weight water workouts or toning movements with aquatic boxing mitts in deep water. This leaves me refreshed and mentally clear, with a steady, elevated heart rate similar to a brisk walk.

Are there any small daily habits that help you stay on track with your goals?

I eat when hungry and choose energy-boosting meals instead of following strict mealtime schedules. This helps me stay light, focused and in tune with my body.

What’s new for 2025?

Prefer a covered pool? I’m launching exercise classes at Oasis Swim Club’s all-weather, temperature-controlled, low-chlorine pool in Mountbatten. I can’t wait to get started!

Special offer for EL readers: Purchase a package of classes in January and receive a bonus class free. Plus, bring a friend along and get two free classes if they sign up!

9662 9991 | aquatula.com 

FitNut Loft

This fitness studio combines Pilates, strength training and tailored nutrition guidance to empower women in their 40s, 50s and 60s to lose weight and rediscover confidence in how they look and feel.

We hear from founder and CEO Aly Khairuddin, a fitness trainer in Singapore

What’s one piece of advice you’d give for setting goals in the new year?

Consistency, rather than lofty goals, is key. Depending on where you’re starting from, you may want to commit to one day a week of exercise, say 20 minutes. Then, after two weeks, increase the time or number of days. Start incrementally and make it part of your life, so that it becomes a habit.

How do you stay motivated, especially on days when you’re not feeling it?

Getting fit and healthy is pretty much a mental game so make it so easy that your brain can’t convince you to lie in bed! I suggest that you put it in your calendar, and get your workout kit ready the night before. And even if you do just 10 minutes, take that as a win.

Are there any small daily habits that help you stay on track with your goals?

Calories add up so, if your goal is to lose weight, simply putting a little less food on your plate can go a long way in helping you hit your fat-loss goals and fit into your old clothes again. This is especially helpful if you’re not a fan of food tracking.

What’s new for 2025?

It might not be new or trendy, but we see more and more women lifting weights, alongside their regular Pilates sessions. Put simply, lifting heavy stuff is the key to ageing well!

Special offer for EL readers: Try it out with a 30 percent discount on a trial class for the month of January 2025.

Visit fitnutloft.com/EL30 for details.

* 15 Mohamed Sultan Road, #03-01
* 2 Pandan Valley, #01-201
8686 8299 | fitnutloft.com

UFIT on setting goals and achieving them in 2025

When you sign up to UFIT’s comprehensive and personalised programmes, you don’t just get support from a personal trainer, but instead a team of professionals who work together to help you map out your goals – and achieve them!

We hear from James Iberson-Hurst, PT and Head Coach at UFIT Club Street

What’s one piece of advice you’d give for setting goals in the new year?

We often think that our goals have to be big and drastic, but it’s the small incremental lifestyle changes to our workout, diet, recovery and sleep that stack up over time. Also, make sure your goals are your own and try not to compare yourself to others.

How do you stay motivated, especially on days when you’re not feeling it?

Goal setting and planning is key. For me, entering an event or competition every month during the year helps – whether it’s a marathon, HYROX or charity event. It obviously doesn’t need to be as extreme as this, but having mini milestones or progress check days along the road is a great way to maintain consistency and accountability.

Are there any small daily habits that help you stay on track with your goals?

I follow a morning routine, taking my supplements and journaling for five minutes. I also get my meals delivered, so that I know I’m covered with nutritious food even when work is hectic. Success ultimately comes down to developing the right habits, so I’m always looking to win as many of these short-term battles as possible.

What’s new for 2025?

We’re incorporating cutting-edge force plate technology into our programmes at UFIT, which will give us invaluable insight into a client’s movement, strength and any imbalances.

Special offer for EL readers: Until 31 January, UFIT is offering two extra weeks free when you sign up for a 10-week Ignition Programme!

Locations in CBD (Club Street), Orchard, one-north & City Hall (Fairmont Hotel)
ufit.com.sg/fitness/personal-training

This article on setting goals with a fitness trainer in Singapore first appeared in the January 2025 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!

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Looking for more inspiration, exercise classes or how to lose weight? Visit our Health & Fitness section for more ideas.