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When fitness feels confusing, can DNA finally make it make sense?
As a working mum to a four-year-old, my relationship with fitness has been anything but steady. Between pregnancy, postpartum recovery, mental load and sleepless nights, I’ve gone through endless cycles of starting, stopping and second-guessing myself. Some weeks I feel disciplined, other weeks completely drained. More often than not, I catch myself wondering if anything I’m doing is actually working, or if I’m just blindly chasing a version of fitness that doesn’t even suit my body.
So when I first heard about ConnectingDNA’s DNA Fitness Transformation Challenge, I was genuinely intrigued. I’ve followed this Singapore-based DNA wellness platform since its launch in September, but this time, I had the chance to interact with the team, understand their science-led approach and see how DNA insights could translate into practical, everyday lifestyle changes. When I was invited to attend the press conference for the challenge, it felt like a no-brainer. Not because I was looking for another fitness trend, but because I wanted answers. And, I have to say it was genuinely an insightful experience.
ConnectingDNA has launched the country’s first-ever DNA Fitness Transformation Challenge, a science-led programme that combines genetics, fitness and lifestyle coaching into a long-term transformation journey.
Hosted by well-known celebrity Gurmit Singh, who is also ConnectingDNA’s Healthy Ageing Ambassador, the challenge is open to all Singapore residents aged 18 and above and offers total prizes exceeding S$360,000. Instead of a one-time payout, the top three winners will receive a guaranteed monthly income for three years, reinforcing the platform’s commitment to sustained lifestyle change rather than short-term results.
A different approach to fitness transformation
Unlike most fitness challenges that reward winners with a one-time prize, ConnectingDNA’s programme supports its top three winners with a guaranteed monthly payout over 36 months. The first-place winner will receive S$5,000 per month, the second-place winner S$3,000 per month and the third-place winner S$2,000 per month.
Each monthly payout includes both cash and cash in kind. For the first prize, this consists of S$4,500 in cash and S$500 in kind every month. The second prize includes S$2,700 in cash and S$300 in kind, while the third prize includes S$1,800 in cash and S$200 in kind per month.
All three winners will also take on the role of ConnectingDNA Ambassadors, representing the brand’s AI-powered, science-backed approach to fitness and wellness.
According to Cedric Lee, CEO of ConnectingDNA, sustainable transformation cannot be achieved through one-off rewards. He shared that their vision was to support winners consistently over time so that healthy habits can be formed and embedded into their everyday lives, rather than offering a single large cheque at the end of the programme.
Not just another collab, for Gurmit it is personal
Gurmit Singh’s involvement in the challenge is deeply personal. He shared that a few years ago, he had a terrible health scare where his heart stopped for over 30 seconds, an incident that became a defining wake-up call. While he had always been active, the incident made him realise that being “fit” needed to be personalised, not generic.
He described DNA-based fitness as the next level of health optimisation, explaining that DNA insights helped him understand how his body truly works rather than relying on one-size-fits-all methods. As the brand’s Healthy Ageing Ambassador, he emphasised that it is never too late to start and that age should not deter anyone from taking charge of their health.
How DNA and AI power the challenge
At the heart of the programme is ConnectingDNA’s AI-driven DNA analysis platform, which reads and interprets genetic markers related to metabolism, endurance, recovery and muscle growth. These insights are then used to create personalised fitness and lifestyle plans for participants, helping them train in ways that are aligned with their unique biology.
Participants begin their journey by selecting a DNA-Fitness Partner from ConnectingDNA’s network of vetted fitness providers. These include partners such as Peak360, Fitness Bravo, Infinity Gym, Ground Zero and Space Cuboid, among others, giving participants the flexibility to pick a trainer that suits their fitness goals and style.
After selecting their partner, participants undergo a simple DNA test. Using proprietary technology, both the participant and trainer are able to optimise training plans based on genetic insights, ensuring results are achieved faster, more effectively and safely.
Johnny Yeo from Fitness Bravo shared that analysing DNA results has already helped many of his clients achieve better outcomes through personalised training, and he sees this challenge as bringing that approach to a wider, national level.
How participants are assessed
Participants will be evaluated across three key areas: physical goals, mental goals and social goals. They will earn points not just through physical progress but also through consistent training, personal development and community engagement. Final winners will be selected by a panel of judges based on overall transformation, mindset and impact.
The expert panel includes Dr Jacqueline Zhan, who holds a Doctor of Science in Clinical Nutrition, and Goh Jor Ming, PhD, an Associate Professor of Exercise Science at the National University of Singapore. ConnectingDNA also plans to bring in additional experts to strengthen and broaden the judging process.
Timeline, eligibility and fees
The challenge is open to all Singapore residents aged 18 and above. The participation fee is S$4,970, or S$455.58 per month for 12 months.
Participants will receive up to 30 personalised training sessions with professional trainers, a premium starter kit of wellness products and partner vouchers worth S$800, a comprehensive DNA test and one year of access to the ConnectingDNA AI Dashboard, valued at S$952. Participants also retain full ownership of their DNA data and results.
Here are the key dates for the DNA Fitness Transformation Challenge:
- 31st January 2026: Deadline for registration of DNA Fitness Transformation Challenge
- 5 February 2025: Official start of the Challenge
- April 2025: Top 30 challengers advance to semi-finals
- June 2025: Top 10 challengers proceed to finals
Designed for different life stages and fitness journeys
ConnectingDNA’s DNA Fitness Transformation Challenge is for everyone- individuals who feel stuck with slow fitness progress, working professionals investing in their New Year resolutions, new mothers seeking structured postnatal recovery, couples preparing for weddings and fitness enthusiasts aiming for scientifically optimised performance.
The programme is built around helping participants train smarter, safer and more effectively using DNA personalisation, with a strong emphasis on long-term lifestyle change rather than short-term transformation.
More details and registration for the challenge are available via:
https://home.connectingdna.com/singapore-dna-fitness-transformation-challenge/
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