Anyone remember the Great Singapore Workout? Way before Zumba enjoyed its moment in the spotlight, this mass exercise was implemented in primary and secondary schools, as well as junior colleges after its 1993 launch. Fun fact: the Great Singapore Workout actually made it to the Guinness Book of World Records as the “largest mass aerobic session held at one location“, thanks to the 26,107 people who turned up at the Padang to get sweaty to the fitness routine.
Of course, this being Singapore, the aerobic routine was part of the National Healthy Lifestyle Programme to promote exercise among Singaporeans. Designed to be safe for people of all ages, the low-impact workout consisted of 15 moves with cringeworthy accompanying phrases like ‘flush, flush, squat, clap clap’. Not exactly CrossFit or HIIT, but it was a proper workout, nonetheless.
For those who did the Great Singapore Workout during your school days, here’s a memory refresher. And for those who have no idea what we’re talking about, watch the video below and be very glad you were never forced to execute the cheesy moves.
If you recall, POSB did an updated version called The Neighbourhood Workout in 2015 — the locally-inspired workout was a tad more modern but just as entertaining as the original.
And since Singapore’s all about community initiatives, here’s another mass workout choreographed to the 2016 National Day theme song: ‘Tomorrow’s Here Today’. Oh dear.
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