{"id":577635,"date":"2026-07-31T18:57:52","date_gmt":"2026-07-31T18:57:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/577635\/"},"modified":"2026-07-31T18:57:52","modified_gmt":"2026-07-31T18:57:52","slug":"stop-making-the-activity-the-scapegoat-spores-spin-community-says-rhabdomyolysis-risk-is-more-nuanced","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/577635\/","title":{"rendered":"‘Stop making the activity the scapegoat’: S’pore’s spin community says rhabdomyolysis risk is more nuanced"},"content":{"rendered":"

Risk around rhabdomyolysis: Local spin instructors and netizens say \u2018stop blaming spin classes\u2019<\/p>\n

A recent The Straits Times (ST) article about rhabdomyolysis, a potentially serious condition caused by muscle breakdown, has sparked backlash from members of Singapore\u2019s spin community.<\/p>\n

Several spin instructors and studio owners felt the piece presented an unbalanced picture of indoor cycling by\u00a0focusing on severe cases without highlighting the industry\u2019s safety practices.<\/p>\n

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Source: Revolution website<\/p>\n

ST reporter shared her own experience with rhabdomyolysis<\/p>\n

Published on Monday (27 July), the ST article<\/a>\u00a0centred on a journalist\u2019s experience after attending her first spin class.<\/p>\n

She recounted developing severe muscle pain days later before being diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis and hospitalised for three days.<\/p>\n

The article also cited hospital data showing an increase in rhabdomyolysis cases, with doctors noting that first-time spin participants accounted for many spin-related cases.<\/p>\n

Medical experts interviewed stressed that the condition is not exclusive to spin, and can also result from activities such as weightlifting, CrossFit, military training, marathon running and other high-intensity exercise.<\/p>\n

They advised people to increase workout intensity gradually, stay hydrated and stop exercising if they experience excessive pain or fatigue.<\/p>\n

Spin instructor responds, labelling article as \u2018gutter journalism\u2019<\/p>\n

The article drew criticism from spin studio Revolution\u2019s General Manager Edwin Tham<\/a>, who said he was taking \u201cthe fight public because enough is enough\u201d.<\/p>\n

He argued that the article unfairly blamed spin classes while failing to mention the safety briefings and guidance routinely provided by studios.<\/p>\n

In a screenshot of his comment on ST\u2019s social media post, Tham described the article as \u201cgutter journalism\u201d.<\/p>\n

He questioned why no spin instructors or studios had been interviewed, despite Singapore having \u201ctens, if not hundreds\u201d of indoor cycling instructors who could have provided context.<\/p>\n

Tham also said the article should have focused more on safe exercise habits, including staying hydrated, stretching and arriving early for classes to avoid missing safety briefings.<\/p>\n

In his Instagram caption, he wrote: \u201cStop making the activity the scapegoat.\u201d<\/p>\n

His post drew supportive reactions, with some agreeing that the article lacked balance, while others argued that rhabdomyolysis from overexertion is already a well-known risk regardless of the sport.<\/p>\n

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Source: Instagram<\/p>\n

Studio founder says article ignored industry\u2019s perspective<\/p>\n

Another response came from Yini, spin instructor and founder of SALT Fitness<\/a>.<\/p>\n

She said this was the \u201csixth article on the topic with the same gap\u201d of failing to include the views of studios, instructors or regular riders.<\/p>\n

Yini said spin has helped many people embrace exercise, particularly those seeking a low-impact form of cardio, while also building friendships and confidence.<\/p>\n

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Source: @yyini on Instagram<\/p>\n

Acknowledging that every sport carries risks, she argued that the key issue is how those risks are managed.<\/p>\n

According to Yini, instructors today are trained to provide beginner-friendly options and monitor newcomers closely.<\/p>\n

At SALT Fitness, she said, beginner modifications in every class are \u201cnon-negotiable\u201d.<\/p>\n

Addressing ST directly, she asked why the publication did not reach out to those within the industry.<\/p>\n

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Source: @yyini on Instagram<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease don\u2019t manufacture fear around a sport that has brought people so much good.\u201d<\/p>\n

She also encouraged fellow instructors and riders to share their own experiences to provide a broader perspective.<\/p>\n

Online debate over whether spin was unfairly singled out<\/p>\n

The article also prompted debate among readers on ST\u2019s Facebook page<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Some commenters argued that rhabdomyolysis is not unique to spin, noting that it can occur after overexertion in virtually any form of exercise.<\/p>\n

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One Facebook user shared that they experienced similar symptoms of rhabdomyolysis after performing too many weighted squats as a beginner, before later returning safely to strength training.<\/p>\n

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One netizen suggested that beginners may push past their limits and end up missing signs that their body is \u201cbreaking down dangerously\u201d.<\/p>\n

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Also read: Woman Nearly Gets Kidney Failure After Spin Class, Cautions Public To Hydrate After Intense Exercise<\/a><\/p>\n

Woman Nearly Gets Kidney Failure After Spin Class, Cautions Public To Hydrate After Intense Exercise<\/a><\/p>\n

Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at\u00a0news@mustsharenews.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Featured image adapted from @yyini on Instagram<\/a> and The Straits Times website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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