Ride way to good health with MPSJ's cycling event

ACTIVE LIFESTYLES:Subang Jaya Municipal Council’s ‘Kayuhan Hidup Sihat MPSJ’ organises health-oriented activities at its Sports Complex every week to motivate the public to lead a healthy life

CYCLISTS raced through the streets of Subang Jaya recently from the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ)'s headquarters, trying to outdo one another.

They cut through traffic lights at intersections without fear since traffic police stopped cars  on roads they were travelling on to ensure  their safety.

Children, too, were spotted pedalling their bicycles furiously to keep up with the large crowd of adult bikers.

The participants in MPSJ's "Kayuhan Hidup Sihat March 2012" were elated about cycling with their families and friends, and spending time together while indulging in their favourite sport.

They knew that no prizes would await the early birds in the race.

This is because the  was a non-competitive monthly event held to encourage Malaysians  adopt a healthy and active lifestyle.

Alex Loh, who turned up with a large group of friends to take part in the event, said: "I couldn't resist taking part today as just like my friends, I love cycling.

"I even have my own bicycle shop called Shunchi Cycle in Taman Damai Utama, Puchong.

"I have always had a passion for bicycling. It's a great way to get fresh air, check out interesting places wherever you travel, and at the same time get a good workout free of charge. Cycling is back as a trendy outdoor activity," he said.

"This is the second time I'm taking part in this event.

"MPSJ informed us early about today's event and  20 of my friends jumped at the opportunity to take part.

"While the adults pedalled their bicycles for about 15km, the children generally pedal for about  six kilometres, depending on their endurance," he said.

"Cycling on  roads is generally dangerous because of all the traffic. So, it's a change for us to cycle freely on Subang Jaya roads without fear of being knocked down by cars, thanks to the traffic police," he said.

"We know that there are no prizes awaiting us at the finish line. The real prize for us is bonding together as friends, having fun doing something we love and leading a healthy, fit and active lifestyle.      

"For those who love cycling  and want a safe place to cycle, I highly recommend the Bukit Cahaya park in Shah Alam. Entrance fees are cheap,  costing only RM3 per person.

Participant Soo Kean Leong said  he took up bicycling last December  after buying  a new Nexus bicycle.

"Cycling is a good way to lead a healthy lifestyle and once you purchase a bicycle, you can cycle to your heart's content and reap the benefits from all those free workouts," he said.

Cyclist Muhammad Zubaidi Hassan said that cycling was not the only community activity that MPSJ  organised to encourage people to take up sports or live healthily.

At the MPSJ Sports Complex,  one can find people from all walks of life taking part in various sports activities.

Groups of people were seen playing football, volleyball, enjoying their weekly aerobic workout,  practicing their punches and kicks in tae kwon do training,  or something as simple as throwing  frisbees at one another.   

Hasyyati Bakri, 28, is a big fan of MPSJ's aerobic dance sessions.

"I live in USJ6 and enjoy joining the people of Subang Jaya, USJ and  other areas in dancing  from 8am till 9.30am.

The music is lively, and I get to not only shed weight, but also learn some cool dance moves as well," she said,  as she danced with others to  belly-dance music, and that of Jennifer Lopez, among others.

"And best of all, it's free, "she said.

Elanthurai Thuraisamy, a student who recently finished his SPM exams at SMK USJ8 and is waiting to join college, said he regularly gets together with his friends  at the sports complex to play fun games such as throwing frisbees. We generally play from 8am to  1pm," he said.

Nearby, taekwondo students were busy warming up. They then started practicing their lethal punches and deadly kicks while yelling enthusiastically.

Their taekwondo master Ravi Raman said the students train every Sunday morning from 9am to 11am.

"Those who would like to join them can do so. The monthly fees per person is RM40," said Ravi.

Some of the facilities in MPSJ  have to be rented and permission must be obtained if you want to take part  as a group to play the sports you fancy.

Expect the volleyball court to be put to good use every weekend.

Subang Jaya Municipal Council’s Kayuhan Hidup Sihat MPSJ is a hit among cyclists.

Taekwondo exponents also use MPSJ’s Sports Complex to hone their craft.

Cyclists warming up before taking part in the latest Kayuhan Hidup Sihat MPSJ cycling event.

1 / 4