Gym-goers now going from Hulk to health
GEORGE TOWN: Gym-goers these days are moving away from training for a muscular, action-hero physique like that of actors Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans and Jason Momoa.
According to fitness trainer Dwayne Ang, 38, the priority has shifted from bulking up to staying fit and healthy, a trend that accelerated after the Covid-19 pandemic.
'In the past, people were mostly focused on building muscular bodies.
'But lifestyle changes have led to a growing number of people using gyms to stay fit rather than to build bulky physiques.'
Ang said that health awareness has increased since the pandemic, with a growing number of people prioritising overall well-being.
'Many come in hoping to lose weight, but we advise them it is more important to lose fat, not just weight.
'We also tell them about proper diet and nutrition so they can be healthier,' he said.
Ang, who is setting up a new gym in Bukit Mertajam, also noted a rise in female gym participation.
'Previously, about 70% of gym users were men.
'Today, women make up over 60% of those taking up personal training and memberships,' he added.
While outdoor activities are popular, he said that people without the know-how or interest in sports still prefer gyms for guided workouts and professional training.
Then there are gym-goers like businessman Michael Loh, who uses the gym for recovery and rehabilitation.
'I have knee osteoarthritis. And I had spinal surgery in 2019, which left a permanent hole the size of a 20sen coin in my backbone.
'I need machines with back support to exercise safely.
'For me, it's not leisure but a necessity to prevent further biomechanical issues,' said Loh, 55.
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New Straits Times
20 hours ago
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The Star
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Long wait for a cure to healthcare system
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The waiting times at hospitals have become longer. That means a six-hour wait at the Emergency Department or one doctor seeing up to 100 patients a day at some Klinik Kesihatan. It has taken a toll on the quality of patient care. In fact, there have been claims of cases of death and accidents due to exhaustion and micro-sleep among healthcare workers. Many doctors have questioned whether the system for placement and permanent positions was actually done on meritocracy or first-come, first-served basis. Dr Sean Thum, who is a long-time advocate for junior doctor rights and a doctor who had been in the contract system himself, said he would only believe it when the Health Ministry can provide in black and white that it is working to end the contract system. 'It is less about a new achievement and more about righting a long-standing wrong,' he said. Like Dr Thum, many doctors are sceptical about the announcement by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad that the government is working to abolish the contract system. They have waited too long and heard too many unfulfilled promises and about-turns in policies. This matter has been unresolved and has spanned over five governments. It remains to be seen whether Dzulkefly will be able to resolve this and find a cure to the biggest problem plaguing the healthcare system. It is in the best interest of the nation to abolish the contract system. We can never have enough healthcare workers. We cannot afford a 'sick' public healthcare system.
