In a city-state obsessed with productivity, Singaporeans are now spending their downtime being physically dismantled by machines that would make a 16th-century executioner blush.

The Pilates Reformer, a device consisting of leather straps and high-tension springs, has become the premier "lepak" activity for those who find sitting on a sofa too intellectually challenging.

Participants willingly pay the price of a fancy dinner to have their limbs pulled in four different directions simultaneously.

"Eh, the machine look like it want to kill me, but my ABS leh!" remarked 28-year-old marketing executive, Jolene Lim.

"After one hour, I cannot walk and my legs shaking like jelly, but at least I got aesthetic photo for the Gram."

Experts suggest the trend is perfect for those who want the agony of a car accident without the insurance payout.

"Every time the spring snap, I think I going to die already," added participant Kevin Teo.

"So painful but damn shiok, I tell you."