The first ever Shape workshop held in August zeroed-in on the fundamentals of wellbeing.

Based on the principle that the best foundation on which we can shape our lives, look great, live healthy and get fit is to have a solid grasp of the very basic building blocks of great health, the inaugural Shape workshop had its participants working out, having a healthy breakfast and grasping the importance of a healthy diet.

On August 25, a group of enthusiastic SHAPE readers gathered at the group workout studio of the spanking new, 70,000 square-foot branch of True Fitness at Jaya 33. The 3-hour workshop kicked off with a fitness workout by Alex, True Fitness trainer and assistant who really drove home the point that working out or exercising could be done anywhere and at anytime.

His workout session using compound moves with only body weight had the workshop participants amazed at how a good workout was really so accessible. Alex took them through lunges, modified push-ups and some awesome triceps dips (among other exercises) that formed a great all-round cardio-sculpting program. Then, to cool-down, Bose, the resident Yoga Instructor of True Fitness took the sweaty group through some delicious yoga stretches followed by soothing breathing and relaxation techniques. Of course, after that invigorating workout, the Shape workshop participans were then served breakfast, compliments of Quaker. As such, they were able to be some of the first in Malaysia to sample the nifty 35-gram packets of Oat Nutritionals that are specifically designed to help with weight management. Aside from this, Quaker also served its breakfast guest melt-in-the-mouth yummy oat cookies and muffins.

Fittingly enough, consultant dietitian Indra Balaratnam (who, by the way, is also the author of the book, "Healthy Eating: Recipes for the Asian Palate") explained the role of fiber in a well=balanced diet and how it helps with weigh-loss strategies. She also gave everyone tips on how we can enjoy our generally fat and sugar-laden local fare without over-indulging.

And as looking great is generally the result of feeling great, a representative of Strivectin™ and Hylexin™ demonstrated and explained skincare basics focusing on techniques that help reduce or even eliminate panda eyes and crow's feet.