Have you ever wanted to work your brain and body at the same time? Now you can, with Singapore’s first brain-body gym, Sparkd.
Recently re-opened in the Central Business District on Robinson Road (it was previously at Robertson Quay), the gym’s goal is to help executives and professional clients improve, adapt and maintain their brain performance while staying physically fit. Studies have shown that cognitive ability is one of the most significant determinants when it comes to job performance.
Anna Milani, founder of Sparkd, was inspired to help those wanting to improve their cognitive performance and brain function after her grandfather passed away due to Alzheimer’s in 2014. After speaking to numerous experts within the neuroscience industry and researching various forms of studies and technology, Sparkd was created in 2021.
Each class at the 1,570 sq ft gym is curated to stimulate the many domains of the brain and to challenge the body to move in a complex way. It includes resistance, aerobic, coordination, motor, and balance training.
It’s harder than it sounds – try doing multiplication while working out with dumbbells, or recalling a grocery list while trying to maintain your balance on a multidirectional treadmill.
High-tech equipment from Reaxing and SMARTfit are used to help with neuroactive training (the very same technologies used by Canadian and U.S. Special Forces, Ferrari F1 drivers and leading European soccer teams). According to Milani, Sparkd is the only place in Singapore where one can find these equipment under one roof.
The end goal? To train the brain to be more receptive, accommodative and resilient, and to get participants to live a healthier lifestyle mentally and physically.
In the future, Milani has her eyes on expanding beyond Singapore to spread the powerful benefits of brain and body fitness. While Sparkd’s main clients are currently from the corporate space, kids are a growing segment. There are classes for seniors, too. However the focus, Milani says, is on prevention.Sessions are low intensity, yet high in cognitive stimulation to slow down physical and mental decline.
Classes range from small group workouts to personal sessions, if you wish. There are also corporate offerings available. A single group class starts at $35, but a private session may cost up to $185.
For more information and to book a class, visit sparkdfitness.com.
