Keeping Ninja-fit with AXN

Don’t miss the premiere of American Ninja Warrior: Ninja Vs. Ninja on August 13, Monday to Wednesday at 8:05pm only on AXN (StarHub Ch 511 and Singtel TV Ch 304)!

Epic competition series, American Ninja Warrior: Ninja Vs. Ninja is back for another season! Bigger and more intensive than before, the show will feature even more challenging obstacles than in the past, incorporating speed, human agility, skill and a whole strategy of racing.

Hosted by comedian Matt Iseman and former NFL player Akbar Gbajabiamila, American Ninja Warrior: Ninja Vs. Ninja pits three-person athletic teams against one another on a physically demanding, side-by-side obstacle course that tests endurance and speed.

While not everybody can train as hard as these athletes, AXN has collated a list of tips from fitness and lifestyle influencers on how to keep fit during a busy working schedule.

Keeping a work-life balance


Office life might leave you with little time for after work activities, but you can still stay active with simple exercises that could be done within your office environment.

“Feeling troubled in the office? Turn that stress into muscles by getting a forearm and grip strengthener,” advised Zulfadli, a lifestyle and fitness influencer from Singapore. “Another tip is to invest in a pair of exercise bands that can be used while you’re reading a report or trying to overcome writer’s block.”

Simple adjustments in the office can make a big difference in the long run. For example, sitting on an exercise ball instead of an office chair can help to improve your posture. If you get back pains from sitting in the office all day, try switching to a standing desk which can straighten your spine and help to burn extra calories.

Make time for yourself


It’s easy to make excuses and procrastinate when it comes to exercising during a work week, but sometimes all you need is 30 minutes of free time a day to get in shape!

Annissa Munaf, a fitness influencer based in Indonesia agrees, “Staying active and fit with your busy working schedule can be easy and simple. Back when I worked in an office, I’d always jog for 30 minutes in the morning before I’d go to work. If I didn’t have to work late, I would go to the gym for an hour or so after work.”

“The afternoon nap has never been so important in working life. Whether your job involves working on heavy machinery or even as routine as data entry, closing your eyes for 15 minutes to rest can help you to stay productive. Remember to pace yourself during lunch hour!” Zulfadli added.

Getting to the finish line with good eating habits


Eating healthy doesn’t necessarily means eating blandly. There are plenty of healthy food options available these days, and if your office area doesn’t have any, you can always consider food delivery services.

Grace Myu, lifestyle blogger from Malaysia recommends readers to make healthy meal preps from home because diet is key to maintaining a fit body. This also helps to eliminate the stress of thinking of lunch options then resorting to an unhealthy one (we’ve all been there!). Grace also suggests to opt for alternative snacks such as seedless grapes and unsalted nuts to cut down on junk food binging.

“Always remember to hydrate yourself. We tend to have the misconception that we don’t need to drink much due to our light intensity office work when in fact, air-conditioning removes moisture in the office and ultimately takes it away from you,” shared Zulfadli.

If all these tips seem too overwhelming for you, pay heed to Matt Iseman, the host of American Ninja Warrior: Ninja Vs. Ninja, “You’re going to have days, but just remember that even when it feels impossible, if you just keep going, you will get to the finish line.”

Don’t miss the premiere of American Ninja Warrior: Ninja Vs. Ninja on August 13, Monday to Wednesday at 8:05pm only on AXN (StarHub Ch 511 and Singtel TV Ch 304).