Hitting the top spot
Peak Physique, the spanking new kid on the local health and fitness front, wants to help busy city folks adopt a healthy lifestyle.
NAVIGATING the demands of modern living can leave many of us feeling like we’re running out of steam. We routinely ditch breakfast to brave the morning traffic, hustle corporate life from nine-to-five, and are so frazzled by the time we get off work, that doing anything besides hitting the pillow seems like an impossibility. As a result, health, fitness and nutrition are often relegated to the bottom of our priority list.
Unfortunately, as our wallets expand, our waistlines often follow suit. With that, comes a melange of modern-day scourges such as diabetes, obesity and coronary heart disease.
Dr Shaun Alexander, managing partner of Sogo KL departmental store, notes that these diseases are creeping into the nation’s frontier at an alarming rate. Recent statistics reveal that Malaysia is currently the fattest country in South-East Asia. Findings by the Health Ministry show that two in every five adults are overweight or obese.
Being overweight or obese increases one’s risk of developing heart diseases, Type 2 diabetes and cancer.
In 2009, a report by the Health Ministry estimated that about one in every four deaths in government hospitals were linked to either heart diseases or strokes.
Despite the obvious health risks associated with leading a sedentary lifestyle, some 75% of Malaysians do not exercise at all, the ministry reported.
Dr Alexander is optimistic that change is just beyond the horizon of super-sized burgers and fries. Peak Physique, an up-and-coming fitness and lifestyle centre that opened its doors just last May, has seen a promising turnout, he says. “About 1,000 members have signed up with us, to date. I think people are starting to realise that prevention is key to living a long, healthy life.”
The fitness centre, located on the eight floor of the Sogo departmental store in Kuala Lumpur, is managed by a team of medical doctors and fitness experts. Dr Alexander explains: “At Peak Physique, all our fitness programmes are premised on evidence-based science. Our mission is to educate the public about the benefits of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
“We want to improve their quality of life through our fitness programmes,” he shares.
The centre’s layout is straightforward. It features gym staples such as a cardio area, a free weights and functional training area, as well as all the latest resistance-training equipments, for those who are looking to pack on some muscle.
It also has a kickboxing area, a spinning studio, as well as yoga and aerobic-dance classes. Other facilities include a female-only studio, a members’ lounge, a sports injury and rehabilitation clinic, and a sauna and spa.
Regularly switching up your fitness programme is key to long-term fitness success. This is because mixing things up can help to prevent boredom that may occur over a period of maintaining the same routine, Dr Alexander opines.
One-stop spot
Dr Andrea Lim Jyh Hueih, Sogo’s business development director, describes the premises as a “onestop location” for the everyday man and woman on-the-go.
The departmental store, which boasts an array of franchise food outlets, restaurants, fashion boutiques as well as a supermarket, offers a vibrant mix of convenient choices for city folks who are commited to gettingting healthy and fit, she points out.
The synergy between retail and the fit- ness industry is palpable, says Dr Lim. “Both industries are about customer service, and we are dedicated to delivering the best for our customers.”
She adds that the majority of their gym members are made up of existing Sogo shoppers, as well as the working crowd from surrounding offices. Despite the encouraging reception, the doctor points out that penetra-penetration of the fitness industry
is still relatively low in Malaysia, compared to Western countries.
“People need to make time to work out, come to classes, and live a more balanced lifestyle.style. In the long run, you will reap the
rewards,” she says.
A unique concept
At Peak Physique, gym membership prices are determined on a case-by-case basis. Dr Alexander explains: “For example, when you come in to take a tour at our facilities, one of our consultants will sit down with you, and go through a series of questions. “They will evaluate your current health and fitness levels based on these questions. This evaluation will be accompanied by a comprehensive body analysis.
“From there, one of our personal trainers will design a programme to help you get started, depending on your fitness goals, current requirements, and your schedule. Membership fees are tailored according to these individual factors.”
He adds: “We may even offer preferential rates to clients with weighty issues, as an incentive to motivate them to come to the gym.”
Peak Physique was first conceptualised in Britain and is set to expand across Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Hong Kong.
You can learn more about the fitness centre at: peakphysique. com.my