Trying to learn a new hobby in this new year? Wanna try something not mainstream? Try unicycling!
Unicycling has many health benefits like burning calories (which all of us would love), and increasing your levels of coordination, concentration and balance.
Since it doesn’t have a handle bar, you use a lot of your core and leg strength to balance, leading to build a healthier core which also mean flatter stomach. It is a low-impact workout, which is good for those with damaged knees or legs.
Other than physical benefits, it is also has emotional and mental health benefits. According to Just One Wheel, unicycling is also self-motivating and psychologically stimulating because you will notice improvements each time you ride. Some people find that it gives them feelings of control when they can achieve balancing and riding on just one wheel.
Since unicycling isn’t a very popular activity, the community is small. But that also means that there is a sense of unity among unicyclists and there is a sense of belonging to a group of people who share the same hobby.
In Singapore, there is a small community of unicyclists that meets regularly and have weekly gatherings on Thursdays, from 8-10pm at a court beside Block 50, Bedok South Ave 3.
Here are some tips they give if you’re learning how to unicycle!
1. Adjust pedals so they are about 45-90 degrees towards the ground
2. Hold a wall and step up
3. Look straight
4. Rock back and forth while holding the wall
5. Attempt to pedal off
Before you learn how to unicycle, you need a unicycle, so here are some general tips on how to buy a unicycle if you’re a beginner.
16″ and smaller: For kids. ONLY FOR KIDS. THAT MEANS UNDER 12. And only if you’re <150cm.
19″/ 20″: Mostly for unicycle sports like hockey, basketball, general riding and tricks (dependent on type of unicycle too). Most popular choice for learning with. (Note: a 19″ wheel rim does not fit a 20″ tyre.)
24″: For mid-distance travel (ie. <10km) generally. Popular choice for learning too since it transits well into a commuting unicycle.
For a beginner unicycle, it costs about $150 & if you would really like to try this activity out, it is not a bad investment for a low price!
Interested?
If you’d like to find out more about unicycling & looking to join a community, visit the Singapore Unicyclist Community on
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/singaporeunicyclists/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/singaporeunicyclists/
