FUN WORKOUT IN THE HOME-TURNED-GYM
IREKA CARES organises fitness session for Rumah Kanak-Kanak Angels
Kuala Lumpur, 4 June 2013: Rumah Kanak-Kanak Angels’ home compound was ‘transformed’ into a mini gymnasium recently, as the Home’s children participated in a fitness session organised by IREKA CARES (Ireka’s flagship corporate social responsibility programme).
Shah, a certified fitness instructor from Fitness World, volunteered his time to conduct a fitness session for the children and volunteers. This session, intended to demonstrate the right workout techniques, covered aspects of cardio-vascular exercises and strength training by using skipping ropes, fitness balls and light-weight dumbbells.
The instructor, Shah, stressed the importance of warm-ups prior to working out, and stretching the different muscle groups of biceps and triceps to avoid any strains or injuries. The warm-up prepped the kids for the rigorous sit-ups and push-ups that followed which had them all breathless and sweating.
The communal tables and benches at the Home’s compound, as it turned out, made good exercise equipment as well! These furniture were put to good use as the children latched on them for support as they performed forward bends, leg lifts, and stair-climbing. This left the children no excuse to skip any exercising in future, because they can always do their workout within the Home’s compound.
While Shah demonstrated aerobics moves on the fitness ball, the kids broke into fits of laughter as they were ‘bounced away’ by the gym balls imitating his every step. They were also introduced to the light-weight dumbbells, ranging from 1 to 3 kilogrammes each, and were briefed on the benefits of strength training which will help develop stronger bones and boost stamina. In between rests, the children took to the skipping ropes as a form of relaxation and play.
“A healthy and fit body is crucial for the children’s physical and mental development as well as overall wellbeing,” said Nor Fathiyyah, head of the CSR Action Committee. “We hope the children benefitted from this fitness programme, and make it a point to adopt the cardio-vascular exercises and strength training workouts in their regular exercise regime,” she added.
Rumah Kanak-Kanak Angels, IREKA CARES Year 3’s adopted Home, was set up in 2004 to provide shelter to underprivileged or abandoned children, between 5 to 16 years old. Ireka’s flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, IREKA CARES, had previously adopted Lighthouse Children’s Welfare Home (Year 1) and Rumah Hope (Year 2), with yearly themes namely Community, Arts, Recreation, Environment and Sports.
Fun aerobics: The children imitating the instructor’s every move
Doing it right: Shah showing Jimmy, 8, on the correct technique for strength training
IREKA CARES volunteers with Rumah Kanak-Kanak Angels after the fitness programme.