Open spaces to work out in Singapore

From gyms to yoga studios and fitness centres, fitness junkies in Singapore have no shortage of spots to get their blood pumping and sweat flowing. While these certainly work out for a fair bunch of folks, those looking for a welcome change of scenery and some fresh air can make a beeline for our many open spaces to work out outdoors.

From jogging with views of Johor to kayaking at Jurong Lake Gardens, these eight open spaces are the perfect spots for your exercise routines while you soak in a healthy dose of Vitamin D.

1. Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park 

Spanning 62 hectares, Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park is one of Singapore’s largest urban parks, and pockets of open spaces are never scarce there. There’s also a tranquil spot at Landscape Pond for those wanting to practise some early-morning yoga.

The river running through the entire park is also a refreshing sight while you’re getting your heartbeat up
Image credit: @dr12b

Once you’ve sweated it out and are ready for a reward, Canopy Bishan is a stone’s throw away and serves up healthy bites like Salmon Curado ($16), along with hearty breakfast platters (from $12). And if you feel like you’ve earned it – McDonald’s is right next door. 

Image credit: @roxannemariel, @canopygardendining 

Check out our full guide to Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park.

2. Sembawang Park 

Who says exercising with a sea view is an entitlement reserved for ECP and Pasir Ris Park-goers? Maybe it’s time to play your trump card, Northies, for you can exercise in the spacious surrounds of Sembawang Park with Gold Class views of the straits of Johor.

Image credit: @donthecyclist

While biking along the shoreline and sculpting those calves is an option, there are other ways to get those gains at fitness corners located within the park’s premises. 

Image credit: @siewwantan

Massive green spaces that also serve well as picnic spots are also equally perfect for whipping your body into shape, whether it be high-intensity reps or engaging in milder forms of exercise – such as tai chi or yoga. 

And if your kiddos are tagging along with you to Sembawang Park, the ginormous maritime-themed playground will send them clambering around slides, ladders and gun turrets to keep them active too. 

3. Keppel Marina East Desalination Plant – Green Roof

When we think of open spaces in Singapore that offer stunning views of our city skyline, Marina Barrage often comes to mind. Here’s another worthy candidate to add to that list – the newly launched Keppel Marina East Desalination Plant (KMEDP).

Image credit: URA Singapore 

Nestled in Tanjong Rhu, this mammoth of a green roof stretches across 20,000 square feet – a whopping three football fields. The best part – as it is relatively new, it’s still largely unknown and mostly crowd-free for now.

But before packing your sports gear, though, you’ll want to take note of their restrictions. From playing ball games, flying kites and bringing your pups, there are a handful of activities that its developers say are big no-nos.  

For the complete list of do’s and don’ts at KMEPD, check out their guidelines here. 

The rooftop field has some shelters for refuge from the sun

Image credit: MS News

Joggers in particular will enjoy the park connector linking East Coast Park to Gardens by the Bay East. Perfect as starting and ending points for your 5KM run, these landmarks will be sure to serve up panoramic views for your warm-ups and cooldowns. 

Address: 1 Marina East Drive, Singapore 029996
Opening hours: 8AM-9PM, Daily (Last entry at 8PM)

4. Jurong Lake Gardens

Glow-ups aren’t just teenage transformations to flex on TikTok – Jurong Lake Gardens has had a glow-up of its own over the past few years. From an undeveloped marshland, it has quickly climbed the ranks to be one of Singapore’s most picturesque parks.

While you can work out with front-row seats of Jurong Lake, there’s also an ActiveSG park located within the gardens – where you can dip your toes into a large lap pool or exercise at its fitness corner and gym.    

Image credit: @kaz1113

For those veering towards water sports, PAssion WaVe @ Jurong Lake Gardens is the first waterfront facility in Western Singapore, meaning that Westies won’t have to travel to MacRitchie or ECP to throw themselves into a whole range of water sports. Be sure to book beforehand to chope your slot.

Image credit: PA PAssion WAve

P.S. Did you really work out if you didn’t post an aesthetic snap for the ‘gram? Make the most of your trip to Jurong Lake Gardens by striking a pose by the Lone Tree there. 

5. The Lawn @ Marina Bay Financial Centre

Hitting the park for a workout after a long day in the office can be quite leceh for those working in the CBD. Centrally located between Marina Bay Financial Centre and The Sail, The Lawn @ Marina Bay Financial Centre is a free-for-all grass patch that makes it a breeze to get your fitness game on when things get hectic.

Image credit: Jeffrey Alman 

Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to practice your flow routine in the early dawn, or space for a frisbee match with the gang after work, you can even come here to score some mood-boosting rays of sunshine between meetings.

Address: 8A Marina Boulevard, Singapore 018984

6. Bay East Gardens

Say Gardens by the Bay, and our brain immediately conjures images of Supertrees, light displays and gorgeous backgrounds for your IG feed. Now, betcha didn’t know that Bay East Gardens is an extension of this famous tourist spot as well, a lesser-trodden bit of greenery hidden opposite the Marina Bay reservoir.

On top of lesser crowds, you’ll also score panoramic displays of Marina Bay, Singapore Flyer and the Flower Dome from across the placid waters. 

Image credit: Daniel Sin

To get there, simply walk over from the main garden to Marina Barrage, and cross the dam to reach Bay East Garden.

Address: 11 Rhu Cross, Singapore 437440

7. Sengkang Riverside Park 

Apart from being Punggol’s neighbour, most of us aren’t sure of what Sengkang has to offer. You’ll be surprised to learn that it boasts its very own expansive riverside park, with ample workout spots to boot. 

Image credit: @gv_sg

Spanning 213,000 square metres, this park’s got you covered in terms of luxurious spaces for peaceful strolls and jogs. Be sure to catch sightings of the purple heron, collared kingfisher and dragonflies as you go about your exercise routine – since this riverside park is home to many feathered friends and critters.

If you don’t mind walking down a little more after some bird-watching, Sengkang Floating Wetlands is also located a stone’s throw away from the main premise.

While it boasts a spacious fruit-themed pavilion that functions well as an exercise space, these cute citruses double up as convenient resting spots for when you feel your muscles giving way. 

You’ll be able to grab a snack at the nearby Mushroom Cafe, a concept by Old Chang Kee that offers mains and desserts alongside our go-to chicken, potato and sardine puffs. 

8. Singapore Sports Stadium – along Kallang Mall 

While it’s Singapore’s largest sports centre, you won’t need to make bookings to sweat it out at the Singapore Sports Stadium. Within its vast dome-shaped canopy, you’ll find plenty of open spaces for a whole range of exercises – be it HIIT, yoga or or even runs around the brightly coloured running track on its circumference.

The city skyline views aren’t something you often witness at a running track

It’s also the ideal spot for a high-octane rendezvous with an exercise buddy who lives far away – apart from being centrally located, it’s also easily accessible from Stadium, Mountbatten and Kallang MRT stations.

And after you’ve hit your runner’s high, you can refuel in the many healthy food stores within Kallang Wave Mall located below the stadium, or shop around its many sports stores for some snazzy new kicks.

Address: 1 Stadium Drive, Singapore 397629

Open spaces to exercise in Singapore 

For extra motivation during your challenging routines, these open spaces to work out in Singapore will be a welcome addition to your repertoire of indoor gyms and workout studios. From soaking in sea views to interacting with nature, simply breathing in the fresh air will definitely work wonders to supercharge your fitness routines. 

Check out our other articles on outdoor activities in Singapore:

• Long-distance cycling routes
• Outdoor fitness classes
• Singapore’s fishing spots
• Wings of Time on Sentosa Island
• Skyhelix Sentosa

Cover image credits: URA Singapore, @tuntung81