Showing posts with label sports. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sports. Show all posts

Saturday, November 2, 2019

Mermaiding

Mermaids can make me stare for hours. The flowing movement of the mystical creature of half human and half fish in liquid hypnotizes me every time. However, after all these years being drawn to mermaids because of its elegant swish of the huge tail, I discovered that mermaiding is not all about the tail.

Vow to try anything (healthy) at least once, I decided to be a mermaid under the tutelage of Dolphin Lee Aquatics. Other than getting to wear a colourful tail, I could make a good guess that this interesting way of swimming gives a good workout at the core before I even start.

Although I can swim, I was told mermaiding is very different and decided to let the instructor make a fish out of me.

Disclaimer: Students need to know how to swim or at least float to participate in mermaiding class.

Mermaid for a day
Entering the mermaid school, it was not difficult to catch sight of a huge tail displayed at the corner. While I admired the iridescent tail, the instructor pulled me to the section where I was supposed to look at. She picked a tail and escorted me to the changing room where I thought I was going to don the tail. Coming out of the changing room, I still could see my legs and walked to the pool in my swimsuit. I had to earn my tail!
Some tails are for display and some are for swimming
There were many steps before I could swim freely like a real mermaid. I had to hold the wall and the floating board for a start. After which, the instructor made sure I knew how to take my breathes. 

I am well versed with the breast-stroke (froggie style). Therefore, you can imagine my struggle to keep my legs together like a mermaid. It is then, I discovered the trick.

To be a mermaid, think like a mermaid!

Mermaiding does not start from the tail, it starts from the mind! I closed my eyes and imagined I was a mermaid and everything flowed.
Instructor teaching me the basics of swimming like a worm
Without the assistance of the wall
Finally get to wear the tail!
Still with the assistance of the floating board
When I was finally allowed to wear the tail, I felt like I was a fish, having grown fins right out of my legs. Movement from head to tail came naturally as long as I imagined I was a mermaid.
A mermaid is born!
It was surreal and I really felt like I was born underwater
Learning breathing techniques
Diving deep in the pool
Happy mermaiding!
Dolphin Lee Aquatics
Klang Executive Club,
Persiaran Bukit Raja 2, 
Bandar Baru Klang, 
41150 Klang, Selangor.

For more info, go to http://www.dolphinlee.com/home

Phone: 019-603 3522


Saturday, November 19, 2016

Every Child is a Winner at Rockstar Gym

Parents, it is time to pull away those iPads and smartphones from your children. While Barney and Friends work magic to keep those cries and wails at bay, it is not going to bring much development to their social skills, not to mention degrading eye sights. Social skills among children should not be underestimated and one of the best ways to cultivate it is through sports and games. After a day of fun at RockStar Gym with my bestie little A and little C, I realized this gym can be a wise investment for my future kids.
With the little ones at RockStar Gym
Located at the Mines Shopping Mall (also branches in Tropicana City Mall, SS2 and SetiaWalk Puchong) this brand new gym occupies most of level 5 of the mall, providing ample space for activities and fun for children from 6 months to 16 years. Sports activities provided here include gymnastics, ballet, martial arts, futsal, tennis, basketball, swimming and dancing.
Newly launched RockStar Gym at The Mines Shopping Mall in Seri Kembangan
Before coming to a gym like this, I joined the many parents who think that these play centers are not necessary. Adults of my generation and before never had to go to a gym and just grew up fine. However, in those days iPads never existed, more parents stayed home and the world was not as complicated as now.
With the mascots and friendly instructors

6 Benefits of Enrolling in RockStar Gym


1. Multiple activities in one place
What I like most about this gym is that it provides multiple activities all at one place. Imagine you had to drive your kids to tennis class, basket ball training and swimming lessons. If it does not stress the kid, it is going to stress the life out of the parents. Parents can drop or join their kids here which will take care of a few sports at once.
Little A dancing together at the launch
Amused with balloons!
Little A on the tunnel slide!
The outdoor playground at RockStar Gym
Little C watches while her brother trains at the basketball court
2. Developing kids' social skills, confidence and independence
For a moment, forget about the books. Kids' social skills, confidence and independence, in no matter how small a scale it is, are important! How else your kids can have so many other little humans to play with. There is a difference when they start polishing their interpersonal skills young. I know I won't want my kid to be able to spell 'tyrannosaurus' but is afraid to talk to people. It is also a great bonding time for busy parents and their children. 
Michael Jordan in the making
You go little champ!
Outdoor activities that pull the kids away from ipads
The Seri Kembangan branch is equipped with a pool
3. Safe and good facilities
The facilities here make me want to enroll in the programmes myself! The swimming pool, basketball court and the classes were clean and inviting. Also, safety is taken into consideration with mats and soft barriers spotted. It is safer than bringing your children to the adult version of the sports. Unlike having them run around in the open where they are exposed to kidnappers and accidents, it is much more controllable in an invigilated area like this.
Warming up at the gym
Little A peeking under the parachute
Jumping on the trampoline
Balancing on bars
4. Trained and friendly instructors
Various programmes and activities are coached following international competitive standards or syllabus set buy their respective bodies. Instructors here have to have some sort of passion for children and are trained to handle their delicate skills. The equipments used are appropriate and suitable for the specific activity. 
Hanging like a monkey
Little A learns coordination and balance
Look at that cheeky face
There you are little A!
5. Affordable
If people can casually spend RM100 on unplanned things on a weekend, the fees here is one way to turn your spending into a smart one. It only takes less than RM100 per month for your little ones to enjoy all the fun classes up to three times a week. I would call that an investment instead of extra expenditure.
Dear adults, good luck trying to fit into my world!
Cultivating peace and focus with yoga at a young age
Baby Yoga in the 'Mom and Me Yoga' programme
Baby C enjoying the stretches in baby yoga
Ballet facility at RockStar Gym
6. Lose that energy in the name of fun!
My friend testified that he has a more blissful weekend when his kids' energy is drained. I believe they sleep better, think better and eat better after the classes. A child's never-ending energy channeled to something that he or she enjoys with lots of fun and laughter with friends of their own age range. When they move their body or simply run around they involve in cognitive learning that triggers creativity and that is already a winning child!

Warming up for gym class
Get them to move it move it!
A place where parents can bond with their kids
The Move and Groove class is a cheerful place to be!
RockStar Gym is currently keeping the children of Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines fit and skilled through 18 gyms with 3 of them being in Malaysia

RockStar Gym is now available in The Mines (Seri Kembangan), Tropicana City Mall (SS2) and SetiaWalk (Puchong)

For more information on classes, schedules and membership, do visit www.rockstar-gym.com/my


Wednesday, May 18, 2016

ATV and Archery at Bilut Extreme Park @ Bentong

As a swashbuckler, adventure has always been one of my favourite ways of appreciating life. This time, my weekend adventure comes in four wheels- the All Terrain Vehicle! I always wondered if the ATV is truely invincible on all terrains. The feeling of a conqueror, I must try, since the ATV rolls on almost any ground!
Me on an ATV
Yes conquering the Earth was not enough and I ended up being a warrior too! Archery was waiting as soon as I got off my ATV and it is all in Bilut Extreme Park at Bentong.
Me with the bow and arrow
Bilut Extreme Park is located at Felda Lurah Bilut, 18km away from Bentong town and approximately 11/2 hours drive from Petaling Jaya. This place is founded by a team of adventurous people who love nature and challenge in 2013.
Bilut Adventure Park in Bentong!
A rocking awesome weekend!
Rabbit compound at the Bilut
Bunnies to soothe the roughed up spirit

ATV
Of course the first thing that sparked the spirit was an ATV displayed at the entrance. We were then greeted by a row of four-wheelers parked neatly ready to be at our service. I chose a white one and wriggled with excitement before the engine was even turned on.
Marshal Nazri giving briefing
Be clear that an ATV is NOT a motorcycle. Always remember to keep your feet inside and do not use them to balance or touch the ground. And motorcyclists who think they can tame the ATV like their two-wheelers at home should come and try it first!

I am glad that there are only 3 gears that govern this machine- Front, Neutral and Reverse. Easy!
There are only 3 gears- front, neutral and reverse
For first timers, here are a few things you should bring when going for an ATV adventure:

1. Backpack cos a sling bag will not do much good for your balance
2. Water to keep hydrated for continuous fun! You don't have to worry about toilets in nature anyway
3. Sunblock and cap cos it won't be shaded all the way
4. Handphone/ camera to capture all the beautiful sceneries on the way but do find a way to secure it cos you will be in motion most of the time
5. Comfortable and rugged clothes and shoes cos the last thing you want to worry about is whether your expensive clothes are soiled
6. A change of clothes just in case
7. Gloves are provided but you are most welcomed to bring your own sweet-smelling pair. Required to protect your delicate hands from peeling from twisting the handle.
Remember to bring gloves
Then we were brought to a small track among the palm trees but this is not the real deal yet. Here is where the Marshall will make sure that all are warmed up till our ears and the sound of the engines are one.
The basic track among palm trees
After 15 min, the ATV graduates knuckled down for some extreme fun out in the estate. Rivers, slopes and bumpy roads were defied. This is the only time I enjoyed being off balanced. The more unbalanced, the better! See a long stretch of even road? Ramp up on the accelerator!
Roaring on my  ATV
Admiring nature while on
Terrains at the palm oil estate are challenging yet beautiful. It is a great way to spend a weekend either in a group or just by yourself.

PRICE PACKAGES FOR ATV

ATV Route A RM 70
Approximately 30 minutes ride
5 min learning & test ride
15 min palm trees track
10 min off road ride 
Stream crossing + uneven off road
*easy & suitable for beginner 

ATV Route B RM 120
Approximately 60 minutes
5 min learning & test ride
15 min palm oil track
40 min off road ride
Stream crossing + challenging Hills + Hilltop viewing point
*moderate = suitable for good skills’ rider 

ATV Route C RM180
Approximately 90 minutes
5 min learning and test ride
15 min palm oil track
70 min off road ride
Stream crossing + riding on the stream + Challenging Hills + 2 hilltops + rubber estate ride
*hard = suitable for experienced rider 

ATV Route D RM 200
Approximately 90 minutes
5 min learning + test ride
15 min palm oil tree ride
50 min off road ride
20 min riding on the stream
Challenging uphill road + Hilltop viewing point + Rubber estate road
*very hard = suitable for experienced rider with good skills

Family Route RM120
Approximately 60 minutes
5 min learning + test ride
15 min palm oil track
40 min off road ride
Stream crossing + small uphill
*easy = suitable for 1st timer, family with children or family with elderly

Archery
The excitement continues with bows and arrows at the archery field. Although I am no expert, there is something about archery that gives pleasure and releases tension. The trick is to perhaps imagine the target board to be your bosses head =P Just kidding.
Isabelle, park manager, strapping on safety gear for me
Isabelle giving briefing of how to be the archery should be played
Unlike indoor archery, archery at Bilut will not pamper its players. The field is exposed to nature and its trying circumstances that will only make you pull one arrow after another. Birds, wind and rain will be testing your archery skills while honing them.
Aiming at the boss...oops I mean bulls eye
Pleased
Hawk eye wannabe

PRICE PACKAGES FOR SPORT ARCHERY

12 Arrows
24 Arrows
36 Arrows
60 Arrows
120 Arrows
Per person
Max 2 person
Max 3 person
Max 4 person
Max 5 person
RM 10.00
RM 18.00
RM 27.00
RM 40.00
RM 72

Save RM 2.00
Save RM 3.00
Save RM 10.00
Save RM 28.00


Free 8 arrows
Free 18 Arrows
Free 28 Arrows

COMING SOON
Two new games is lining up to entertain in Bilut Extreme Park- Viper Runner and Archery Tag.

The Viper Runner is set up on a steep landscape. Runner have to go through over 14 obstacles on the track. Crawling through mud, scaling heights with a Fear Factor environment sounds like players will have an unforgettable experience. The set up is Viper Challenge standard, for those who want to train for the event. 

Archery Tag will arrive end of 2016. Played similarly like dodge ball but with bows and foam-tipped arrows, this action-packed activity will shoot lots fun in you. It is a family-friendly game that engages all players.
A great area for outdoor and sports
So time to get our of your couch or put that turn off that video game! You'll discover more precious experiences once you mount that revving ATM and hitting that bulls eye.

Bilut Extreme Park
Lot 6776 Jalan Bilut – Raub, Lurah Bilut, 28800 Bentong, Pahang

Call for booking: 
+60146088803
+60179770884

Operating hours: 
Monday to Sunday (closed on Wednesdays)
9:30am to 6:00pm