SHAH ALAM, Dec 19 — Helping find the middle ground between a tedious work schedule and the need to maintain a healthy lifestyle is what the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) Fit4Work programme is all about.
Launched on Dec 6 by PKNS general manager Noraida Mohd Yusof, the programme has already drawn more than 100 regular staff members every first and third week of the month to take part.
Public relations manager Ishak Hashim said the programme, available to PKNS staff for free, has received good feedback from the participants.
“The programme will continue on a bi-monthly basis to cultivate a healthy lifestyle among PKNS employees who are the backbone of the corporation’s success,” he said.
Ishak said the programme was also a part of PKNS’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme to strengthen the awareness of a healthy lifestyle among the employees.
He said those interested in joining the programme would be released an hour earlier to provide ample time for them to change into workout gear.
“We have two shifts here, one starts at 8am and ends at 5pm, and another starts at 8.30am and ends at 5.30pm. They will be let off an hour earlier, according to their shifts,” he said.
“The programme will normally run for an hour and as soon as it ends, they will have to punch their cards as usual because it is still considered normal working hours.”
He said the various types of workout offered would make it more fun and enjoyable.
“During the launch, we had a Zumba session and we plan to have all kinds of workout routines including aerobic and even kickboxing,” he said.
On Friday, PKNS held another Fit4Work session at Laman PKNS, located at its new headquarters in Section 14 here, where a body combat instructor conducted a session with over 100 employees.
Body combat is a type of workout that incorporates mixed martial arts moves into its routines and could burn up to 700 calories per hour.
Assistant manager Siti Zabedah Mat Jalani, 33, who was new to body combat, said it was an exciting experience as her typical workout routines would only include jogging and Zumba.
“If it was up to me, I probably would have never thought of trying out body combat. Which is a shame because I did not know it was this fun,” she said.
“The reason I join Fit4Work is because I want to keep fit, especially now that I am married. After all, a healthy body makes a healthy mind.”
Accountant Dahliah Fatin Abdul Ghani, 27, said she was excited when the company decided to introduce the programme as it was difficult to set time for exercise.
“What attracts me most about this programme is that we get to work out for free. We also get to try different kinds of exercises before deciding what is best for our body types and fitness level. The trainers are also friendly and they make the session as fun as possible, which is not easy,” she said.
General worker Muhammad Faizaq Razak, 25, who typically leads a healthy lifestyle, said the workouts help revitalise and invigorate his mind and body.
“I like to stay fit, so every day I will rush home to do my exercises. Now, thanks to Fit4Work, I get to exercise even when I am at work. It really puts me in a good mood. I would feel so fresh and invigorated after a good workout. I am really looking forward to the next sessions,” he said.
PKNS sales manager northern region Raja Muhammad Raja Harun, who also took part in the exercise routine, said the initiative was also an opportunity for the employees to mingle.
“We have so many departments and divisions. Every day we are occupied with our daily works that we do not have time to interact with colleagues from different departments. With Fit4Work, we get to meet new colleagues and learn about them. This will also strengthen the bond between us,” he said.
Certified personal trainer Jason Ong, 26, who has over eight years of experience in conducting body combat classes, said the participants were enthusiastic.
“They are active and participative, and that would make any fitness instructor happy. Body combat might be new to some but what matters was that they tried. I am glad they had fun.”
Ong applauds PKNS for the initiative as exercises are proven to increase the level of oxytocin, or “happy hormones”, which almost guarantees a healthier and happier working environment.
“Most working professionals struggle in keeping that work-life balance. Everyone wants the healthier, better versions of themselves. Some just do not have the privilege of time. When the company they work for organises such sessions, I believe they will grab the opportunity. A well-thought effort by PKNS,” he said.
