Reflection
Jom Sihat Mahasiswa Bersama HEP is a fitness program organized by Jawatankuasa Kolej Mahasiswa (JKM) Kolej Tun Dr. Ismail (KTDI) Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) in collaboration with Malaysian Health Promotion Board (MySihat). It is mainly focused on Zumba Fitness Workout. The Zumba session was instructed by Nurul Huda Zamzuri who is an Aerobics Instructor recognized by Ministry Youth and Sport (KBS). This program was held once a week during weekends starting from 14th April 2019 until 4th May 2019 which means they had 4 sessions of Zumba Fitness Workout. I have joined 2 sessions of Zumba Fitness Workout which was held on 14th April 2019 and 4th May 2019 at my college which is KTDI. Instead of having each session in KTDI college, they go to different colleges for each week such as Kolej Perdana and Kolej Tun Fatimah so that other students from various colleges can experience this event. Those two sessions were held at KTDI because they were most participants compared to others colleges. The event was very successful with collaboration of the crew members and the participants. I could not join at other colleges because of transportation issues.
On 14th April 2019, they had the first session of Zumba Workout and the opening ceremony for ‘Jom Sihat Mahasiswa Bersama HEP’ at Dataran Resak, KTDI. They had great response where many of KTDI residents and also the staffs joined the event. All the participants started to register at 5.00pm. That was really a long queue. I was waiting for about 10 minutes to key in the attendance. Then the ceremony began at 5. 30p.m. This program was successfully launched by Prof. Madya Dr. Mohd Khata bin Jabor with an inspiring speech. She stated that the purpose of this program is to lead the students and staffs to a physical healthy life. Since students and staffs are stressed with their work and daily activities, thus this Zumba exercise will help to relief stress she added. She also guaranteed that we will have maximum fun from the exercise. After the ceremony, the first session started at 5.45pm. with warm up.
My friend and I managed to follow the steps since the steps were really easy and fun to do. I enjoyed the program because we did aerobics with good music. The instructor who demonstrating the aerobics was so active and impressed me with awesome steps. I able to listen actively and respond according to the instructions. Many of the KTDI staffs joined us which inspired me to involve myself into the program. The program last for about two hours. At the end, I had fun as per guaranteed. During that period, I was in 1st year. It was a hectic week with lots of activities, assignments and commitments. So, I thought that the aerobic is an activity which wastes my time but fortunately it relaxed my mine. It was a great relief from a hectic week full of assignments.
Before entering University, I studied at matriculation college. Every week I go for a walk with my friends to view sunset. Breathtaking view of the clouds helped me relax and enjoy the moment. After college life I was at home for few months waiting for my university application result. I was not really exercising well literally quit exercising. At home I rarely play games. Once a month I usually play badminton with parents and the rest of the day I will play board games or computer games with my brother which doesn’t need much energy or work. As a result, cholesterol level in my body was increased. When I entered University, I was very busy and tired all the day. I don’t have enough time to do exercise and had no idea of doing it. After the program, I discussed with my friends to do some outdoor activities. They totally agreed with that because it will be fun doing exercises with friends. I gave some ideas on outdoor activities such as cycling, jogging and a brisk walk. While doing the fitness workout with my friends, I felt the happiness in me and the satisfaction of spending the time wisely.
Through the program, I had a good exercise and burned off some cholesterol. This program made me realize that exercising is very healthy and it helps me to concentrate in my studies. It also increased my stamina level. I learned that good exercise leads us to a healthy life. Later, I started to involve in few activities such as riding bicycle. I rent a bicycle and go around the university. Sometimes, I go for a jog or long walk in the University. Usually, I will make plans and make sure my friends agree with it. Later, as a team we will move around our university. I inhale some fresh air and have a nice sight of greenery which refreshes my brain and help it to work more efficiently.
According to Harvard Medical School ‘s article The secret to better health (2012), exercise improves health and can extend our life. Adding as little as half an hour of moderately intense physical activity to our day can help us avoid a host of serious ailments, including heart disease, diabetes, depression, and several types of cancer, particularly breast and colon cancers. Regular exercise can also help us sleep better, reduce stress, control our weight, brighten our mood and sharpen our mental functioning. In my opinion, I have to exercise at least four days a week. According to a new review of research about good moods and physical activity, people who work out even once a week or for as little as 10 minutes a day tend to be more cheerful than those who never exercise. I learned that it is not about how long we exercise but it is the vibe of doing exercise.
There aren’t many things we can do for the body or mind to have positive and immediate impact. Sure, we can eat a bowl of ice cream when we’re feeling down, and feel better because of it, but it also comes with some big consequences where we put on weight and the sugar level blood increases. Exercise, however, will have both a positive chemical effect on our brain reducing stress and improving mood, as well as resulting in lasting positive benefits for the brain and body. I realized that exercise can be an addiction if we love to do it. I feel not healthy if I miss a day of exercise.
I was really happy that I joined the program, without it I wouldn’t realize how important exercise is. The program helped me to work effectively under pressure. I learned to control my thoughts and feelings, so that I do not lose my patience. Patience is very important while doing any tasks. Impatience will lead to messiness in our work. I also get the chance to communicate with new friends of different cultures by involving in outdoor activities. Bonding between the students becomes stronger and increase inter-racial unity.
Our University is conducting many outdoor activities such as 5km, 10km around university. I really appreciate that. Unfortunately, I cannot join the programs because the fees are expensive which exceeds my weekly budget. I really hope that organizers will consider students burden and reduce the fees or make it free. But I will not quit exercising, since I am already having fun with my friends going around the university. I hope that similar activities such as Jom Sihat Mahasiswa Bersama HEP which was a successful program will repeat in the future. So that, everyone regardless of age can participate in the program and get exposed towards a healthier lifestyle. I still have two years of education in this university, thus I will make use of the time to change for a healthy lifestyle. Even after finish studying, I will spend some time for instance after work at evening, to do exercise with my family and friends.
What if I do not have time to go out for a brisk walk? I still managed to do exercise at home. Adaptability is very important no matter what environment it is. Next time, if there are any sport activities, I will be very glad to participate and get some experience. It will be very helpful for my healthy future life. If it is possible for me to conduct a sport event, I will encourage many people to join the event. Exercise is most important part of our life. In Malaysia, we cannot avoid food with high cholesterol and additives. For instance, Nasi Lemak is breakfast for most of us, but is it healthy? Obviously no, if we did not do exercise because it contains high level of fats. We should not let the fats dominate our body. The only way to cut it off is by exercising for four days a week, half an hour each day at least. I will encourage my family and friends to follow this healthy schedule. I would not let the people around me to fall sick because of an unhealthy life.