Only YOU can change yourself

Name: Faridah Shukor
Age: 53
Medical History: Obesity, lethargy   

Before embarking on her fitness journey, Faridah paid little attention to her health. In her 40s, she worked as a deskbound executive assistant and was focused on her work and family, leaving her too tired to exercise. She was also used to consuming junk food and did not have a balanced diet. Her sedentary lifestyle combined with poor nutrition resulted in her being overweight and feeling lethargic all the time. It wasn�t until a few of her relatives and friends were diagnosed with critical illness at an early age that Faridah realised the consequences of neglecting one�s health and made the decision to change for the better.  

�I wish to stay fit to see my beloved children growing up. And of course, I wish to grow old gracefully with my husband as well.� Faridah said, on her motivation of wanting to get fit.

The Turning Point

To get started, Faridah signed up for the Active Health Champion programme, an initiative by Sport Singapore to empower Singaporeans to better manage their health.  Faridah was out of shape at that time and had not exercised for years, and her body would ache for days after a workout. Adjusting her diet with healthier options also proved to be challenging, as she had to be more mindful of her eating habits and not give in to her sweet tooth

Life Begins At 50

Things had been difficult for her, but she managed to stay positive, thanks to the encouragement from her family. �My family have been supportive of me all the way, accompanying me for brisk walks and to the gym. They even adapted to my diet and healthier style of cooking without complaints.� she recalled.  

Together with new people she befriended in the fitness and health programme, Faridah was able to power through and her determination paid off. Within a year, she lost 10kg and has managed to keep her weight off though routine exercises and proper nutrition. Being active also improved her ability to focus, and she felt more energised throughout the day. In 2009, she ran and completed the 5km Great Eastern Women�s Run and 5km Standard Chartered Marathon at 43 years old, an achievement which would have been unthinkable for Faridah in the past.   

Exercise is now part and parcel of her lifestyle. Faridah�s routine includes hitting the gym thrice a week, and brisk walking for 30 minutes on alternate days. She also participates in activities organised by the office recreation club once a week, where she does weights training, cardio exercises and pilates to build up her stamina.

The Fitness Mantra

When asked about her fitness mantra, Faridah attributes a healthy diet, regular exercise and sufficient sleep as the key to her success.  

�My life has changed tremendously after taking part in the Active Health Champion programme. I was even able to impart my knowledge of pilates to my office colleagues during our lunch break every Wednesday and inspired some of them to start exercising and eating right!� she quipped. 

Faridah is now more cheerful and optimistic about her future, and is enthusiastic to engage others like her to embrace fitness as a way of life. Motivating others is what keeps her going, and she encourages everyone to seize the opportunity and witness the change in themselves through living by example. 

 �Only you can change yourself because no one else can do it for you. Start now before you regret it!�  

To get started on your fitness journey, visit https://campaign.activehealth.sg/startwith60