Shape readers were treated to tips and demonstrations on how to relax at the Shape Stress Relief & Relaxation Techniques Workshop.

It was a full house at the recent Shape Stress Relief & Relaxation Techniques Workshop! Rather than lazing around in bed that Saturday morning, 30 Shape readers made their way to Clark Hatch, Plaza Mont’ Kiara to learn all they could about stress relief.

Consultant occupational physician Dr. Alice Prethima started off the workshop with a talk on how stress affects the body, and ways to manage it. Up next was Joshua Devarajoo, director of personal training at Clark Hatch, who introduced basic stretching techniques involving deep breathing to calm their bodies and minds.

To get the women revved up again, three lucky readers each received a 3-month Clark Hatch Titanium membership worth RM504 in a lucky draw.

They were also treated to a light workout led by Devarajoo, followed by a hearty breakfast courtesy of Quaker, which included Shape Control oatmeal and muffins. Breakfast offered the participants a chance to mingle and exchange fitness ideas. The workshop coincided with Shape’s 1st anniversary, which was celebrated with a cake and gift-giving session, during which two loyal readers—Maureen Raju and Daphne Tan (both of whom have attended Shape’s workshops regularly)— received a goodie bag each as a token of appreciation.

As the excitement subsided, it was back to the business of relaxing. The women learned simple, self and partner massage techniques that they could do at home. Led by Ng Huay Tjin and Susan Khor of Origins, the women paired up to massage each others’ hands, shoulders and heads using Origins’ peppermint-infused Peace of Mind. This soothing segment ended with three women walking away with an Origins hamper worth RM500 each.

To end the workshop, consultant dietician Indra Balaratnam, BSc. Dietetics (USA), shared some useful tips on how to eat for a healthy heart, which proved to be a hit, judging by the deluge of questions the women had for her once she was done.