To meet the growing demand of a more health conscious community, numerous gyms and fitness centres have sprouted in Brunei. Whether it is cardio, aerobics, yoga, strength training, cross-fit or rowing, there is something for everyone.
One of the largest fitness centres in Brunei, Fitness Zone has several branches and constantly delivers high quality programmes led by professional instructors. For those who thrive on exercising in a group, Fitness Zone offers group classes from body pump, spinning, step and yoga. For those who prefer cardio and weight training, the cardio theatre is available. Fitness Zone features the latest in relaxation facilities, from aromatherapy and saunas to massage.
JPMC Fitness Centre offers modern fitness facilities and promote overall well-being as a way of life. All of its facilities are designed to encourage members to pursue a healthier lifestyle in a challenging yet non-intimidating environment.
The centre provides a high level of service to make working out an enjoyable experience. All members will receive an introductory fitness consultation and a tailor-made workout programme to ensure they achieve their personal fitness goals. JPMC fitness centre features an extensive range of fitness equipment, a swimming pool, health and fitness testing, aerobics and circuit training, personal training and tailored fitness programmes, jacuzzi, steam room and sauna suites.
Peak Performance Sendirian Berhad (PPSB) was incorporated on January 22, 2018 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Darussalam Assets. PPSB was set up as a commercial entity which acquired Royal Brunei Recreational Club (RBRC) from Royal Brunei Airlines. PPSB provides an avenue for recreation and rental for sports and non-sports facilities. They are open to members and the public.
Their corporate logo is made up of three triangular peaks of different sizes and colours. Orange represents fun, green which is the biggest triangle represents family and blue represents fitness. Together, these three triangles make up the company’s tagline: fun, family and fitness.
Subscription includes access to the swimming pool, gym and fitness studio. The Family or Racket Package includes usage of racket sports facilities such as tennis, table tennis, badminton and squash. PPSB provides rental for its football field, basketball court and futsal field. PPSB also offers fitness programmes such as Muay Thai, Calisthenics, Sup Yoga and Total Body Resistance Training (TRX). Coaching programmes available are archery, football, futsal, swimming, tennis and fencing.
The group is focussed on providing a safe and family-oriented environment with staff trained to deliver excellent customer services. PPSB has recently upgraded their facilities and aims to provide the finest sporting, recreation and activities to meet diverse needs.
To encourage a healthy lifestyle, PPSB regularly holds sporting events throughout the year. In September 2018, PPSB organised the Ultimate Sports Carnival focused on introducing alternative sports to the public. Activities included fencing, archery, drone racing, paintball, football, diving and kickboxing. Fourteen gyms signed up to participate as partners. The carnival’s highlight was the football tournament, participated by junior football clubs across the country. There were three age categories: seven to eight years, nine to 10 years and 11 to 12 years.
In January 2019, PPSB hosted the PPSB Fun Weekend at the RBRC Main Field. The event’s highlights were a paintball game organised in collaboration with Royal Brunei Technical Services and Soccer 7 tournament. Members of the public joined the paintball games without registrations or simply enjoyed the seven-a-side football matches made up of 12 teams.
To keep children active over school holidays, PPSB held the annual School Holiday Sports Camp in December 2018. Activities included football, futsal, fitness education, kayak, archery and table tennis. Each participant was awarded with a certificate.
Owned by Her Royal Highness Princess ‘Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah, Shine Cycle features indoor cycling, strength training and yoga. The studio opened in 2018 and offers exhilarating rides combined with hand weights and choreographed to the beats of uplifting music. Their signature strength training class is designed to safely burn fat and build lean mass through high intensity interval training (HIIT) and resistance training. For people new to total body resistance exercise (TRX), Shine Cycle guides newcomers through low-impact, easy-to-follow progressions.
Their light-hearted introductory class offers unparalleled instruction and provides confidence before signing up for a regular class.
Bandarku Ceria began in October 2016 to promote physical activity. Every Sunday from 6am to 10am, the roads around Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien are closed and turned into a car-free zone.
Through Bandarku Ceria, the public is encouraged to use spaces available in the capital for recreation, cultural, family and community activities. The initiative transforms Bandar Seri Begawan into a vibrant urban park enjoyed by all through activities such as jogging, cycling and aerobics.
Bandarku Ceria has seen an increasing number of public participation including people cycling on the streets safely without cars, joining morning exercise as well as hunting for bargains at the stalls set up around the city.
BruActiv is an online sports portal. Their mission is to become Brunei Darussalam’s first online destination for all sports, promote a healthy lifestyle and build a stronger community. In August 2018, BruActiv collaborated with the Health Promotion Centre (HPC) at the Ministry of Health and organised an interactive fitness seminar titled ‘Now is the New When’. The seminar aimed to increase awareness on the importance of being active and working out regularly in the right way, while preventing injuries to live a healthy lifestyle.
In January 2019, BruActiv held Cabaran BSB, a series of local game challenges with 12 checkpoints within a total route of 5 kilometres.
Participants scanned QR codes at checkpoints to overcome various local quiz challenges and played traditional games and sports activities. Upon successful completion of each checkpoint’s activity, participants proceeded to the next checkpoint. The event rode on the Bandarku Ceria initiative, further promoting an active nation.
Brunei Amateur Swimming Association (BASA) is set to launch their first swim academy this year. BASA is the country’s national federation for aquatic sports. They are responsible for events including artistic swimming (formerly known as synchronised swimming), platform diving, open waters, and water polo.
The Swim Academy will offer high quality swimming instruction programmes. All swim instructors are required to obtain swim instructor certifications. The programmes range from beginner swimming lessons to intermediate and advanced training. Splash balls (mini water polo), artistic swimming, and lifeguard programmes will be introduced progressively.
In order to have a team of qualified swim instructors, BASA sought out Australia’s national organisation AUSTSWIM. The Australian organisation will assist BASA with water safety and swimming lessons. In November 2018, BASA organised AUSTSWIM courses. A total of 22 participants completed the training to become internationally accredited swimming instructors.
In the long run, BASA hopes the Swim Academy will be recognised by AUSTSWIM to provide certification courses to local swim instructors.
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