American motivational speaker, Tony Robbins once said “setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.”
The inaugural National Sports Day held over the weekend is a nationwide campaign with the aim to cultivate the adoption of healthy lifestyles among Malaysians.
To many, fitness goals can be tough to achieve.
Studies suggested that people who walk 10,000 steps a day experiences health benefits. Like many of the city dwellers and working professionals, I spend most hours in the office — so on average, I take six thousand steps a day. I am definitely not one of the fittest.
Approximately a year and a half ago, I decided to act on my fitness goal — to incorporate fitness into my lifestyle and be in it for the long run.
At that time, running seems to be the more cost-effective option in comparison to committing to a monthly gym membership subscription.
I didn’t want to set unrealistic goals only to find myself quitting in a few months time, so I took it easy and started small. In the beginning, I set myself up to complete two runs per week. I kept to my routine and made a mental note to focus on meeting my target week after week.
It is important to manage expectations and commit to making incremental improvements rather than pressuring yourself with “I have to train hard to get that six-packs in three months”.
If you are up for kicking start your quest to a healthier living, I would suggest to start small. Block your calendar and stick to the plan. This is especially important when you are just starting out.
Research shows that it will take us between two to eight months to form a new habit. I realised early on that in order to make it work, the rule of thumb is to determine the most effective workout routine to reach my fitness goal.
Then came the other important factor — our nutritional intake. To me, it is not about starving or depriving ourselves from the food we love. It is a matter of finding the right balance — to opt for healthier food options. Pairing an active lifestyle with a healthy eating habit is the key to a healthy living.
We want to look good and feel great about ourselves. And yet most people think that it takes too much work to live a healthy lifestyle. The reality is that we cannot expect a desirable outcome without first putting in some effort.
There are more to gain in making fitness a lifetime commitment. Quoting English poet John Dryden, “We first make our habits, and then our habits make us.”
Cherish Leow
Mon Oct 12 2015
At that time, running seems to be the more cost-effective option in comparison to committing to a monthly gym membership subscription.
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.