Self-confessed health freak Sarimah Ibrahim tells NUR UMIRRA MOHD SAHAD workouts have always been part and parcel of her life.

SARIMAH Ibrahim has been a busy bee lately, having emceed at least 10 events and hosted various TV programmes.

But that has not stopped her from going to the gym and attending pilates classes.

Staying fit has always been important to this bubbly host, actress and singer.

“Staying fit gives me the stamina for long shoots and events where I am standing in four-inch heels for hours at a time!” says Sarimah.
She recently lent her voice for April O’Neil’s character in the Bahasa Malaysia version of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles which premiered on Sept 28 over Star Movies (Astro Channel 413).

Q: What keeps you motivated to stay fit?

A: My job for the last 12 years. I don’t have a personal assistant or manager. I need to fit into designer clothes and sample sizes that I wear to events. That is a big motivation! I like the effects fitness has on my mind, my skin and the good feeling that comes with endorphins.

Q: Describe your workout regime.

A: It depends on the day and what equipment is not in use at the gym and my pilates instructor’s availability. I follow a machine-based pilates. I think Madonna does it. It can be difficult. It is not only a good cardiovascular workout at advanced level but also increases strength and flexibility. It involves a lot of weird-looking machines and some would say it is similar to gymnastics.

Q: Do you have a special diet?

A: A lot of water, no smoking or being around smoke and lots of Vitamin C. No cow’s milk for me as I drink soya milk. I eat lots of fibre such as vegetables and whole-grain bread.

Q: What are some of the obstacles that deter you from working out?

A: If a shoot or an emceed dinner show finishes late, I can’t get to the gym. I even work out on holidays. It has become part of my life, like walking or watching TV.

Q: Are there times where you relapse? How do you get back into it?

A: Only if I am sick. I never relapse. I am too disciplined! Even when I’m sick I find light exercise helps me get better faster.

Q: How do you maintain your weight?

A: I don’t really “maintain” it, I just watch it and I adjust my workout based on it. It’s natural for weight to change due to many factors so it’s best not to worry too much about it.

Q: Have you always maintained a healthy lifestyle or was it circumstances that led you to adopt it?

A: I’ve always been a bit of a health and nutrition freak. I even did an online course in food and nutrition. I studied karate for five years. I have a black belt. But I stopped karate when I hurt my knee and back in 2004.

Q: Do you keep fit for personal and health reasons or society’s perception?

A: Both, but mainly because I have to be fit as I do many things myself.

Q: As you grow older, do you think it’s more important now to look after your health?

A: Yes. I do more strength training to protect the bones and flexibility too. I do not use too many skin products or make-up. There is no point in fighting ageing too much and ending up looking older from the stress.