Residents living near Simei can now enjoy a new fitness corner that features equipment for a broad range of users.

The facility at Simei Park Connector, which runs along ITE College East and Singapore Expo, was officially opened on Saturday by East Coast GRC MP Jessica Tan.

It is the first fitness corner to comply with standards set by Exercise is Medicine Singapore (EIMS), a programme by the Changi Sports Medicine Centre that promotes physical activity and exercise as a standard part of preventing and treating diseases.

Other than equipment like parallel bars, chin-up bars and steps, there are instructions to help users including those with chronic illnesses, tailor their workout to suit their specific needs.

EIMS-certified fitness trainers will be at the new fitness corner on the last Sunday of every month from tomorrow, March 30, till the end of July. They will guide users and provide advice to those with chronic diseases.

Said Ms Tan: "I'm happy that our residents can make use of the equipment to benefit their health and overall well-being."

Lack of exercise leads to chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes and hypertension. According to the 2010 National Health Survey, 54.1 per cent of Singaporeans do not exercise and one in four Singaporeans aged 40 years and above has at least one chronic disease.

Dr Benedict Tan, chairman of EIMS, cited a 2010 study which found that even five minutes of exercise in a green space can improve mood and self-esteem. Another study a year later revealed that outdoor exercise can help reduce tension, confusion, anger and depression.