Sweating it out for a healthy glow

Participants being taken through a series of exercises during the Sweat and Shine event in Desa Parkcity, Kuala Lumpur.

NEARLY 30 people sweated it out in a group exercise at a three-hour early morning event to increase mental health awareness.

The “Sweat and Shine” outdoor event last Saturday was organised by private gyms Movement Dynamics and ThriveMy to encourage the public to lead a healthy lifestyle.

It was held at Plaza Arkadia, Desa Parkcity in Kuala Lumpur in conjunction with National Sports Day.

Movement Dynamics founder Yvonne Lee said many people were aware of the importance of exercising to combat stress but they did not take action to do so.

“Through constant education, support and accountability, we coach our clients to take control of their lives starting with their bodies and health.

“We gradually build habits into their lives that enable them to work consistently toward achieving their goals.”

During the public event, a super-high intensity interval training (HIIT) was conducted by Movement Dynamics, followed by the Sweat and Shine Fitness Challenge which was a five-stage obstacle course that culminated with a Zumba cardio workout led by instructors from ThriveMy.

The fitness challenge’s top three winners took home vouchers from 176 Avenue worth RM1,650, Sothy Paris worth RM747 and Sweatspa worth RM153 respectively.

To top it off, participants stood a chance to win merchandise and vouchers from event sponsors such as Adidas, aside from a 25% discount voucher for Movement Dynamics’ personal training packages.

ThriveMY co-founder Nadia Valentina, who was monitoring and teaching fitness to children throughout the “Sweat and Shine” event, said it was a challenge for working people to fit workouts into their packed schedule.

ThriveMY operations manager Mark Jason said people should not be afraid to participate in fitness events.

“It is imperative to recognise that one hour of training with a trainer is not the same as one hour of exercise. It is an opportunity to gain the trainer’s nine to 10 years of experience in one hour,” he said.