Exercise sessions drawing community together

The weekly group exercise programme at the Kajang stadium. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Basil Foo, May 1, 2015.

A weekly group exercise programme in Kajang, Selangor, is not only providing nearby residents with a chance to sweat it out but has also turned into a place for healing and motivation.

Norazlin Md Yusoff was advised to exercise by her doctor after breaking her left leg five years ago when she fell victim to a snatch thief.

“I need to exercise otherwise my old injury will feel painful. When doing these exercises, my leg feels much better – like it is brand new,” she said.

The 47-year-old school van driver added that she also took her two daughters, aged 12 and eight, to the exercise programme.

The programme is being conducted every weekend at various locations around Kajang, including Taman Tasik Cempaka and Stadium Kajang.

“These aerobic activities are manageable and the movements are not too drastic. I follow the movements I can and for those I can’t, I stop,” said the Semenyih resident.

The exercise sessions typically begin at 7.30am and are led by an instructor from the nearby hospital, KPJ Kajang Specialist Hospital, or the Kajang district police station.

Having attended these events several times, Taman Villa Heights resident Stanley Chen said there was more encouragement when exercising in a group.

Many residents take the opportunity to have themselves tested at the free health screenings. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Basil Foo, May 1, 2015.“This is another way of exercising. When you see a lot of people, you feel motivated – there are people who encouraged you,” said the 56-year-old.

The events are also held in collaboration with the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj), which provides the venues and sound system.

“These sessions are not only for exercise but impart knowledge to the community. We offer free health screenings including blood pressure checks,” said KPJ Kajang executive, Norwahida Mokhtar.

She said the exercise sessions, which started in February, have seen more than 50 people of all ages participating each time.

The crowd is also drawn to these events because of the consultation offered to those having poor posture and ailments such as knee pain, Norwahida said.

- TMI