What better way to start the weekend than with a Shape Women’s Health Workshop! Enthusiastic participants were up bright and early, eager to start off Shape’s latest workshop, held in April. Kevin Zahri, a US AFTA Certifi ed Personal Trainer and Nutritionist, and ambassador for Fitness Concept was on hand to give participants professional tips on home fi tness equipment at the Fitness Concept Store at Ikano Power Center in Petaling Jaya.

Kevin started with a warm-up session with some stretching exercises, from the upper body and working down to the lower body. Then he divided the participants into two groups: One headed towards the cardio equipment, and the other to the weight training section, and after 20 minutes the groups switched. Meanwhile, Kevin went around giving tips on proper usage and checking on their form.

After refreshments, participants sat enraptured as Kevin called for volunteers to demonstrate proper techniques, including correct posture, for weight training. Participants learnt that minimal equipment is needed if they prefer to work out in the comfort of their own home and that they could do so on a low budget. Apart from giving pointers on how to choose the correct weights, Kevin shared an important nugget of information with participants, “When you’re running, take short steps, not big strides. It’s kind of like you’re gliding.” He went on to explain that the objective is to be efficient and burn more calories. “A 20-minute cardio session is all you need to work your heart and lungs,” he said. And to keep on improving, diversify duration, vary speed and do some interval training, such as running and biking.

After being pumped up by Kevin’s engaging talk, participants were treated to a talk on body care courtesy of Elancyl. Lim Ju Dee and Lui Wai Ling gave an entertaining presentation on a topic most women are concerned about—cellulite. Judy advised that using the correct body care products can help in lipolysis (breakdown of fats), firm up the skin as well as keep your skin soft and smooth. The workshop drew to a close with a product sampling session where dollops of Elancyl Flat Stomach Concentrate were given to participants to try.

Regular Shape reader, Regina Cassandra Gomic felt that the workshop reinforced the contents of the magazine and she will definitely sign up for more workshops in the future. Another participant, Jess Kaur found the workshop very helpful in providing exercise tips. “The products offered by Elancyl are also very relevant to ladies,” she said.