Gym wants to inspire inclusion among women fitness enthusiasts
PENAMPANG: For most women, the desire to be thin is often not an alien one. Since young, most women have been conditioned to take care of their figures and not eat too much.
As one shocking study revealed, most women had begun dieting as early as seven to nine years old.
In Asian culture especially, society often equates thinness with beauty, and for decades, women were never told otherwise.
Thanks to the rise of the sport of CrossFit and functional fitness, many women today no longer subscribe to the same ideology of beauty.
In line with the 2024 Women’s Day theme which is ‘Inspire Inclusion” the ladies of Rhinobox KK look to do the same within their fitness playground.
“I used to be obsessed with how I looked,” says Jacynta Raymond, trainer at Rhinobox gym and part of the gym’s management team.
“Thanks to CrossFit, I now have more appreciation for what my body can do rather than what it looks like.” This sentiment is often shared with many other female members of the gym.
“In the past, women used to be afraid of lifting anything heavier than a pink plastic dumbbell, thinking that they will grow big and bulky when they lift heavy.
But, over the years, I have learned that strength training is very important, especially as the body ages,” says Anna Marie Chai, a member since 2017.
Having been training in functional fitness since her 40s, Anna is a walking testament that CrossFit and functional fitness exercises are safe to perform even for people in their 50s.
Now aged 50, Anna credits her regular sessions at Rhinobox KK for her excellent health and stamina.
For best friends, Veronica Albert and Angeline Gan, Rhinobox is more than just a place to work out a sweat.
It’s also a place of community where they feel embraced and fully appreciated for who they are.
While Angeline loves the heavy barbell, some other girls may prefer to just hit a lighter weight and enjoy a good sweat.
There’s no pressure to conform either way.
“CrossFit is highly scalable. You can adjust the workout movements and weight on the barbell according to your capabilities. In the gym, your only competition is yourself. As you grow older, you will realise that it’s impossible to compete with the younger members, especially in a cardio-heavy metcon (metabolic conditioning workout). But even finishing last in a workout beats vegetating on a couch any day!,” says Veronica.
Started in 2016 by a functional fitness trainer and former soccer athlete, coach Mohd Faizal Afdal, Rhinobox has multiplied in numbers since its inception eight years ago.
“Beyond empowering our members to be healthier and fitter versions of themselves, we also strive to empower our members in their career undertakings, especially women business owners,” says coach Faizal.
“Many may not think so, but having a healthy body will also affect a healthier, more positive mindset,” he concludes.
Rhinobox KK Functional Performance Facility is located at Pintas Avenue Commercial Centre, Taman Masjaya Kepayan.