<h2>Fitness Coach’s Void Deck Gym Sparks Controversy in Choa Chu Kang</h2>
Have you ever thought about turning your HDB void deck into a gym? One fitness coach did just that, but it didn’t go as smoothly as he hoped. During the Covid-19 circuit breaker, when gyms were closed, this coach took his classes outdoors, only to face complaints from residents.
Stanley, a personal trainer with seven years of experience, decided to set up his sessions at Block 457 Choa Chu Kang Avenue. However, after residents voiced their concerns about noise and disruption, the Choa Chu Kang Town Council stepped in. On February 19, they issued a notice stating that using the void deck for gym activities is not allowed as it blocks the space and creates disturbances. Stanley shared this notice on TikTok, expressing his frustration and claiming the council was “killing gains.”
In an interview with AsiaOne, Stanley, who prefers to keep his last name private, said he has had nothing but positive interactions with the residents. He mentioned that police occasionally approached him, but he insists he and his clients were not making any noise. “I really don’t understand the fuss,” he added.
Despite the complaints, Stanley has moved his training sessions to the common corridor outside his flat, charging clients $100 per session. He assures that there have been no complaints from his neighbours since the switch. His gym equipment is neatly stored away in his flat when not in use.
Interestingly, some netizens speculated on social media about why the town council prohibited Stanley from using the void deck. One suggestion was that the council feared weights might damage the tiles. In response, Stanley pointed out that a local resident mentioned that skating in the area caused more issues than his training sessions.
When AsiaOne reached out to the Choa Chu Kang Town Council and the police for more information, they confirmed that residents can run home-based businesses as long as they don’t disturb their neighbours. However, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) clarified that any items placed in common corridors must be easily removable in case of emergencies.
This isn’t the first time a resident has turned a public space into a makeshift gym. Back in October 2020, another individual transformed the lift lobby at Block 621 Woodlands Drive 52 into their personal workout area. Neighbours expressed their frustration over the clutter, highlighting a common sentiment among residents.
So, what does this situation tell us about the general attitude towards gyms in Singapore? It seems that while many appreciate the benefits of fitness, there’s a growing frustration over how these activities can disrupt community spaces. As we navigate our fitness journeys, it’s essential to find a balance that respects both personal goals and community harmony.