In our new Dont’ Break The Bank series, we highlight some of the best (and inexpensive) ways to live on a budget in Hong Kong and Singapore.
In this post, we understand how seriously expensive staying fit in such metropolitan cities can be – with many people prioritizing other financial obligations over their workouts.
However, both Hong Kong and Singapore have a wide array of public gyms that won’t set you back too much. There are also a few spring deals on membership that you won’t want to miss! We’ve curated a list of affordable (or free!) workouts, so you can stay active, and stay happy.
Hong Kong
Public Pools
Swimming is a great, low impact workout. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) operates 9 pools in Hong Kong Island, 12 in Kowloon, and 22 in the New Territories.
Budget Burn:
Admission Fees: HK$17 (Monday – Friday), HK$19 (Weekends and public holidays). Children under three are free and there is a concessionary rate of HK$8-$9 a person. Find your closest pool here.
LCSD Fitness Rooms
Undoubtedly the best deal in Hong Kong, citizens can enjoy a monthly ticket (HK$180) with a half price concessionary rate, the LCSD operates 21 locations and a ticket is valid everywhere. All fitness rooms have temporarily been closed in response to COVID-19, so keep an eye on their website for reopening.
Budget Burn:
HK$180/month
Physical Fitness
Offering training, Tai-Chi, dance, spin, and yoga at 21 locations, Physical Fitness gives you the most bang for your buck. Workshops range from HK$35-$105 a session, and discounted packages are available. The price for a package is roughly $200 a month, but varies based on location, check them out here.
Budget Burn:
HK$200/mth (package)
HK$35-$105 (ala carte session)
Get Out
Take a break from the city and conquer one of Hong Kong’s great hikes. For an easy 7km hike, conquer Finger Hill and take in some breathtaking views. For those who enjoy a challenge, use your holiday to complete the 100km MacLehose Trail. For information on these trails and more, check out this list provided by the Hong Kong Tourism Board.
Singapore
ActiveSG
Citizens and permanent residents can enjoy affordable access to ActiveSG‘s 22 gym facilities on a per visit basis – but the real deal is their membership.
Members can enjoy monthly gym passes for as cheap as S$7 a month, when purchasing a 12 month (off peak plan), or S$30 for a one month, peak hour pass. Find the closest location and browse the perks of membership here.
Budget Burn:
From S$7 per month
HealthHub
A joint initiative by the Ministry of Health and Health Promotion Board, HealthHub is Singapore’s one stop health shop.
While they’ve curated health articles and information on health facilities; most importantly, they have a daily schedule of free activities throughout the city. The events range from sunrise yoga to HIIT, and everything in between. They run from 7:15am-8:30pm, so you can squeeze a workout into your busy day. Find a comprehensive list of everything going on this month here.
Budget Burn:
Free
Free Trials
A great way to switch up your routine is to try something new and challenge yourself. Many gyms and studios offer free trials for first timers. If you’re looking to blow off some steam, Fight G MMA Academy offers a free 1.5 hour training session for up to four participants. Looking for something more lowkey? Pure Yoga offers a complimentary trial at any of their four locations.
Budget Burn:
Free
