From Myvi to Ultra-marathoner – Cycling Everywhere For 1 Year.

My name is Renee, but online I go by Fit Aussie Sista, and you guessed it, I am Australian. I have pledged to not set foot inside a car for a full year for a charity called World Bicycle Relief. They gift bicycles to children and healthcare workers, including midwives that get around via foot. Owning a bike gifts them back their time. It also improves education rates and healthcare. Many of the people receiving bikes are girls and women, which is why I love them so much! I was also inspired to reduce my carbon footprint and do my bit for the planet.

Australia, particular the outer suburbs of Brisbane, is much like other car centric nations like Malaysia. Life is busy and cities are designed for cars to dominate. I am a teacher, a wife with two busy sons. I also love to run ultra-marathons and cross train with cycling and the gym. My life was full before this challenge, so you can imagine this has been a stretch so far! I have been car free so far for ten weeks, riding roughly 280-300 km’s a week, running about 40- 50km a week, and completing my regular gym sessions. Don’t forget the household, employment and my son’s sports activities as well. During the yearlong challenge, I hope to raise enough money for 100 bikes. At $195 AUD that is about $19 500, or roughly $55 000 Malay Ringgit.

What I do sounds exhausting just reading it aloud, but I wasn’t always this active. Although I was the sporty girl in high school and selected sports captain, life started to get in the way in my 20’s. I married and had two children and got on with work. In 2015 I got a job at an international school, and moved to Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia opened up a world of hot weekends spent in shopping malls, roti chanai and tea tarik along with every other delicious treat it had to offer. With the stress of work, highways, my trusted MyVi, and cheap delicious food on my doorstep my fitness faded and the kilograms started to pile on. Living near Bukit Jalil Park I spent many a Saturday morning watching joggers and walkers sweat it out as I casually meandered through.

In Australia I had used the lack of Muslimah or modest active wear as an excuse or barrier to not participate in activities, although I knew I had skill and drive from my youth if I could just activate it. But after spending time in the park I knew that Malaysia had an active wear brand, I just had to find it. Towards the end of my contract, and 2016 I found Nashata, packed it in my back and headed back home to Australia.

With nothing but our suitcases I knew I wanted to design a new life. I decided to buy a bike that I could use as a form of transportation rather than for fun. That is when I found cargo-bikes and my love of cycling evolved. I later fell pregnant and was excited, alhamdulliah. But after 14 weeks of a rough pregnancy I lost the baby. I started to get depressed, but a friend pulled me out of it by asking me to go for a jog with her. Running gave me something to focus on. I fixated on improving my times and it was from there I got addicted to the adrenaline of exercise again.

After everything, I am thankful that I found Nashata and my love of exercise again. It helps me to stay balanced and calm. I am a better mother, employee and Muslim because of it. Now, in 2020, I have taken on my biggest challenge yet in the hope of making a small change in the world. Practically, due to my busy schedule I am going through multiple outfit changes, but Nashata has my back! I particularly love their Amin Sports Hijab, Hooda Ellipse hijabs, and the Ultra and Azza tops. These products have got me through many a race, and hopefully the year of training and cycling. In the future I hope to head overseas, hopefully back to Malaysia for one of the amazing Ultra Races on offer!

I would really appreciate it if you could support me on my journey by checking out my weekly YouTube updates on my channel Fit Aussie Sista and @fit_aussie_sista on Instagram. It is through the power of social media we can show the world that we can be taken seriously as athletes and active, passionate members of society. Of course, I would also appreciate if you could support a fellow sister and donate at the following link.

Renee- Fit Aussie Sista

Tips untuk Larian UiTM Ultra 2020 – #HillsareMadeforToughLeg

Date : 1 -2 Feb 2020

Venue : Stadium UiTM Shah Alam

Distance : 52 km, 84 km, 104 km

Kategori : 52 km (Women Vateran)

 

This is the Vol. 4 for this event.  But it is the 1st time for me to join.  Dari vol. 2 nak cuba, sebab nak rasa lari di tempat saya ambil degree dulu, tapi keadaan tak mengizinkan. Actually, this year pun  tak dapat nak register sebab faktor masa. But last-minute, a week before the event one of my friends have an emergency issue, she can’t make it. Luckily It’s possible to transfer the bib, so I can change my name to the event system. 

Terus terang, saya memang tak cukup training, millage collect past few months pun tak banyak. Paling jauh saya berlari bulan Januari itu pun 20km saja.  Cuma sepanjang Januari hingga ke hari event saya ada join BiiB challange, iaitu setiap hari tanpa miss walau sehari saya perlu berlari 2 km. Itu saja persediaan yang ada. The only I had is the spirit and confidence plus a few experience, sebelum ni saya pernah juga join event  50km.

Saya baca banyak review tentang event ni, and they said this event was well organized.  Patutlah event ni semakin besar dan ramai. Konsep larian ialah looping, 1 loop = 5.2km.  So untuk kategori saya, I have to run 10 loops within the cut of times 10 hours. Kalau ikut teori matematik, 1 loop berlari dalam masa 1 jam, itu memang cukup-cukup masa COT. 

Route :

picture credit UiTM Ultra, Runner’s Guide

 

Flag of untuk kategori 52km ialah pada 1 Februari jam 10 malam. Untuk loop yang pertama saya easy run belajar route, tengok jalan ada lubang or not, tengok keadaan jalan, tengok timing mat, cari di mana toilet dan sekeliling. Starting dari Padang Kawad terus ke Kolej Aggerik, Pusat Kesihatan,  Fakulti Engineering, dan sehingga di cabaran pertama bila di Bukit Tonggek dan waktu ni saya rasa kaki  saya melekat di jalan. It’s seriously  tonggek. This hill was killing me, how can I walk here for 10 loops?  Hahaha… Than, lepas azab di Bukit Tonggek, jalan terus menurun bukit sehinggalah jumpa cabaran berbukit kedua, di Kolej Seroja terus ke Fakulti Art & Design, Menara, dan PTAR.  Kira-kira 1km lebih juga laluan bukit disini. Laluan bukitnya yang agak panjang.  Terus ke Fakuti Sains Gunaan, Kolej Perindu, Pusat Sukan dan terus ke starting point semula.  

This is Bukit Tonggek. You can imagine the hills by just looking how they walk.  Picture by Pixel Asimo

Second challenge, Bukit Seroja. Picture credit Pixel Asimo

Water Station (WS) :

Sebab loop cuma 5.2km, jadi ada 2 saja WS.  WS1 di starting line dan WS2 lebih kurang dalam 2km di Bukit Tonggek, Konsep minuman kat sini you all kena bawa cawan/ botol sendiri / Bring Your Own Bottle (BYOB) bawa 2 bottles , satu letak di WS 1 dan  1 lagi di WS2. Bottle/ cup di marked guna number bib. So senang you all nak cari. 

Water Station & Rest area Picture credit Pixel Asimo

Baguslah konsep yang macam ni, kurangkan kos dan environment friendly. Food & drinks semua sangat mewah. Air coke, kopi ice, nescafe ice, sirap, 100 plus. Food pun banyak sangat, ada cekodok, sandwich, bubur dan sup dan banyak lagi sampai saya tak tau nak makan apa, saya cuma makan pisang dan watermelon sebab senang nak kunyah dan telan. 🙂

Di WS ni ada sediakan kerusi, boleh lah kalau you all nak rehat-rehat. Tapi kerusi ni juga boleh makan diri kalau tak ada sebab jangan duduk tau, bahaya!

My Strategy and tips

As i said before, saya  memang tak cukup millage untuk training game ni.  Dapat bib seminggu before event. Jadi apa yang saya buat ialah :

Seminggu sebelum game :

  • Saya berlari sehari 3km je, slow-slow layan angin pagi
  • Plank seminit 5 kali sehari
  • 90 x squart
  • 100 x 5kali sehari jumping jacks
  • 90 x burpess 
  • Makan minum macam biasa avoid yang pedas

Event day (tips macam mana nak kejar COT)

  • Masa 1st loop saya  lari untuk  tengok route, tengok jalan kalau ada berlubang berbatu, tengok part mana bukit, turun bukit yang flat, kat mana toilet, timing mat dan segala nya yang boleh nampak.
  • Bila dah tau, saya  atur strategy 🙂 naik bukit fast walk, turun bukit dan flat kena lari.  Jangan rehat terlalu lama di WS, minum dan sambung lari. My aimed, 1 loop mesti lari dalam masa 40-50 minute, so that saya ada buffer time, If anything happened, saya masih boleh kejar COT.  Bila dah loop ke 5, saya stop makan energy bar dan ambil Natura shot. Alhamdulillah, kenyang dan sangat berkesan.
  • Jangan duduk! Kalau kaki cramp streching, kalau penat berlari, jalan.  Mengantuk? Memang akan rasa mengantuk sebab waktu tidur kan, ambil coffee, makan gula2 kopiko. Jangan tidur! sebab  game ni you all yang pilih, so kena lah berkorban waktu tidur, tak mau rasa susah, jangan sign up event ni.. your choice! 
  • Listen to your body! Badan kita semua tak sama, you control your mind and body.  Kalau rasa tak sihat, stop dan jumpa medic!

Alhamdulillah, strategy saya ni berjaya untuk saya dapat habiskan game ni dalam masa 8jam 17 minit dan dapat no 7 kategori Women Vateran.  My personal best so far. Yeayy!!! Bangga sangat dengan diri sendiri! 

e-certificate

Overall  event ni sangat baik.  Semua cukup, medical, marshall, peronda Uitm pun selalu round, air dan makanan cukup, ada tempat massage, surau, toilet, dan bagagge area, tempat rehat, parking space pun besar.  Nak pacak khemah, bentang tikar semua boleh. Seronok dapat jumpa kawan-kawan yang datang support, ramai juga yang bawa family “berkampung” .  

 

Special award for top 10

 

Medal for all categories

Terbaik event ni walau route sangat mencabar, mungkin saya akan kembali beraksi di lain kategori. Who knows.. :). Good job & well done kepada organizer & crew!

I am running in Hooda Ellipse Sports Hijab, non-flipping, and secure hijab.  With Ultra Top I, breathable, fast dry and super comfy. Leggings – High Waist Fitness, soft and stretchable. All you can get at nashata.com

 

 

 

 

Larian Hari Keputeraan Sultan Nazrin Shah 2019 – “Raya Runners”

Assalamualaikum

Hari Ahad lepas (17/11/2019) saya berlari di acara Larian Hari Keputeraan Sultan Nazrin Shah (LHKSNS) Kuala Kangsar, Perak.  Acara ini edisi ke 5 LHKSNS dan untuk saya ini adalah tahun ke 3 berturut saya sertai.  Acara yang ditunggu-tunggu oleh runners, sebabnya ia ibarat hari raya bagi kami semua. Apabila pendaftaran dibuka, hanya mengambil masa 2  jam sahaja dan slot telah ‘sold out’, walaupun pada tahun ini penyertaan untuk semua kategori ditambah dengan total keseluruhan 6000 slot.  Macam goreng pisang panas! Kenapa? Sebab ia ada tarikannya tersendiri! Memang seronok!

Waktu ambil race kit di Dewan Jubli Perak, jam 6.30 petang masih ramai, rata-rata yang datang dari luar Kuala Kangsar.

Gambar kenangan selepas ambil race kit. Depan saya ramai lagi yang beratur untuk ambil gambar disini.

Waktu saya beratur, Tuanku Zara juga berada di dewan. Cantiknya Tuanku Zara!

Pagi itu saya terus ke starting line, sangat mudah bagi saya sebab Masjid berdepan dengan Dewan Jubli Perak, mudah nak solat subuh.

Saya dalam kategori 15km wanita vateran, starting point di Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Kangsar pada jam 7.00 pagi.  Penyertaan pada tahun ini sangat meriah kerana ramai runners datang dengan berbagai jenis pakaian, termasuk saya sendiri.

Flag of 15km oleh Sultan Nazrin Shah

Larian pada hari tu, saya cuma nak berlari santai, jumpa kawan-kawan, dan bergambar saja.  Kami berlari di kawasan kampung, seronok bila berlari dapat jumpa dengan orang kampung yang bersorak, di jamu dengan kuih tradisional.  Selain itu kami boleh berhenti untuk sama-sama main congkak, batu seremban, ada live band untuk hiburan kami semua.  Orang kg Kuala Kangsar sangat awesome! Ini bukan race! Ini larian hari raya!

Photoshoot di tengah jalan pun boleh!

Route yang mendamaikan 🙂

Kita stop main batu seremban dulu 🙂

 

Geng afro – photo by Zul Ramly

Geng pajamas – photo by Kin K Yum

Kami berlari di kawasan bendang.  Untuk saya yang duduk KL ni, nak tengok sawah bendang ni memang setahun sekali je. Ya Allah! dah jakun sangant rupanya. Masa hari tu sawah bendang jadi tempat photoshoot.  Meriah!

Saya berpakaian baju melayu, bergambar di bendang. 🙂

Di km10 saat yang paling kami tunggu,trademark LHKSNS ialah dapat minum air kelapa free!!! #satukepalasatukelapa, seronokkan, bila penat berlari, dengan hari yang semakin panas dapat basahkan tekak dengan air kelapa muda.

 

Sisterhood is powerful, minum air kelapa bersama-sama. Photo by Fieza Ahmad.

Di Dataran Lembah pula, seperti berpesta, kami dihiburkan dengan lagu joget, ada kumpulan tarian dan sesiapa boleh menari bersama.  Kami juga di jamu dengan air dan kuih muih, makanlah seberapa banyak.

Kuih muih yang dijamu untuk peserta. Photo by As_Ayub

4km ke Finish Line, berlari santai-santai, suasana di bandar yang agak sibuk dengan kenderaaan, namun keselamatan kami semua masih di jaga dengan baik. Polis dan Rela sangat-sangat memebantu dan sportingnya orang Kuala Kangsar!

Farhati & Farhani with finisher medal.

Finisher Medal. Cantik!

Suasana berlari yang macam ni, memang saya tak pernah dapat rasai dimana-mana, cuma di sini.  Dengan yuran penyertaan cuma RM35, berbaloi dengan rasa kepuasan berlarii disini! Sebab itu, saya tak akan ketinggalan untuk sertai setiap tahun.  Jumpa lagi LHKSNS 2020.

I LEFT MY LEG ON THE HIGHWAY – SUNDAY NIGHT AT BESRAYA HIGHWAY CHALLENGE

This was my first attempt running the Besraya Highway Challenge. I was unable to join  the first and second edition (2017 & 2018), because I made prior commitments for other races. The 3rd edition was different from the first two because it was held at night (1st and 2nd was held in the morning)

It was easy for participants to get to the event side as they can take the LRT. However, I went by car and parked at the VIVA shopping mall. Soon after I parked my car, I followed the crowd heading for the highway that lead us to the starting point.

walking to the race site..freedom to walk without any cars..nak baring tengah jalan pun boleh.. 🙂

There were three categories at the race 26 km, 13 km and relay. All categories started at the Loke Yew Toll Plaza. The 26 km participants were flagged off at 9.15 pm and the 13 km category participants were flag off at 9.40 pm. Due to technical problems, there was a slight delay from the original schedule.

Flag off 26km categories

I’m familiar with this highway because I used to drive on it to get to my previous office. I had never realized that the easy drive was much challenging when I run on it.  The road was a bit hilly, up and down and I had to run through several bends and u-turns. I was mentally challenged when I had to go through the u-turn because I had to see other runners passing by. It made me feel a bit depressed.  I started talking to myself –  “Where is the turning point and how far is it?”
As I passed the turning point, I smiled at the runner on the side and thought if they had the same thought as I did earlier. Hahahah! 🙂

How far to turning point? (mental epidermic) :)))

Dragging the feet, at KM8

There were 3 U-turns that I had to deal with. At the 6th kilometer, the 1st runner of the 26km men’s race passed me for his 2nd loop. Just imagine how cool he was. And here I was – running around dragging my feet, thinking 13km was too far. Haha!

Signage was placed at every kilometer. Every water stations served chilled mineral water and isotonic drinks.  There was ample paramedics throughout the run and they were very helpful.

big signage, visible from far. I was lucky I meet the signage once ..hehe..

 

Many water stations with mineral water and isotonic drink

I felt grateful as I was reaching back to Loke Yew Toll Plaza to finish the run; without any cars and not to pay the toll fees!!!!  I was thankful for running the 13km category only. As for the 26k runners, they needed to run another loop. Yeyy habis lari!!!

Semangat merdeka! We were wearing Malaysia Hijab. I was (right) wearing Hooda Ellipse Malaysia by nashata.com

Finisher 13KM medal

Congratulations to all finishers!

Caving (Artifical) – Challenge Cubes

GEMS 5: CAVING 27 July 2019
Challenge Cubes at HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok

The Survivors

We all came with no expectations but with many questions, fears and uncertainties. It was something unknown even to me. The last i did something like this was 24yrs ago in OBS. I have dealt with darkness and is comfortable with solitute but not yet in confined spaces. I wont say im claustrophobic, i just dont like being in a room without windows. But we brought them today to try, to see, to learn… Together.

A million things went through our minds as we manoeuvre the tunnels in total darkness with no clue where to go and what lies ahead. All we had was each other and faith in His guidance . We had to listen, give clear instructions and stay calm amidst the uncertain darkness. We had to learn to use our other senses and heighten our sense of awareness as we keep tabs of each other, overcome obstacles and find our way through.

I have to admit that there were moments of panic when the sudden silence and stillness engulfed me, when i couldnt feel the person behind and at the front. I imagined the blind and how it was for the Thailand boys. I imagined that would probably be how it feels like at our final destination in this life. Alone, in the darkness, below the ground… As we hear the last footsteps leave and then the impending silence before THEY come… I was ready to crumble.. And then someone speaks “I found a way!” Awoken from that short scary reverie with a sound of hope, I knew i had to stay composed to play my part in this team. We were in a situatuon where we cannot control any of the elements except ourselves. We were all forced to lead at some point and i am proud that everyone led well. Like life itself. We sometimes find ourselves in a position to lead amidst chaos. How will we fare?

The light at the end of the tunnel….
Omgeee there was never another time where we were so glad to see light! Like finally! At the end of the day, we learnt to appreciate more and be grateful for every single thing we took for granted… Light, air, space.. 30mins without these was an enough wake up call esp for ADHD me! We grasped new respect for those who embraced what we took for granted. We learnt how important it is to stay calm in any situation, be alert, listen and give clear instructions.

Finally… Team 1 cleared

Team 2 reaches the Light

Awesome effort by Team 3+4

Not all of us completed the mission sadly but they are determined to try again!

I felt like crying… I was so scared! It was dark, I can’t see my hands and it was too squeezy. I started to feel breatheless but hearing the sound of my teams’ voices and their guiding hands puts me at ease. Their calmness helped me regained my composure and I told myself to be brave and complete this mission. Although i was very tired, I tried my best. Im so grateful that I didn’tgive up – Sumi

A powerful reflection from our participants was that we all will go through darkness and difficulty at some point of our lives… Know that with faith in Him, sincere effort and determination, He will guide us to the light and bless us with helping hands and the means to overcome the challenges. Nothing last forever because that is the nature of this life.

Love

Efah

Hiking @ Bukit Batu Lebah Recreational Forest, Melaka

If you are in Jasin, there is a lovely hiking spot 20 minutes drive away from the city. You get to experience rainforest wilderness, huge rocks, caves and rich biodiverdity at Bukit Batu Lebah, Melaka. You would drive through beautiful kampung sites decorated with durian, rambutan and fruit trees by the roads.

Once you arrive, you need to register with the rangers at the Eko-Rimba Park. There are a few chalets and huts for rent and you can plan to stay for a night if you want to check out the area more. When I arrive at the park, there is no guide at the office and I presume they are out with a group  hiking. I plan to take my 14 and 17 year old teenagers for an hour hike or a walk around the area. So we walk around.

In Gua Kelambu with Ranger Nik

There are three trails at Bukit Batu Lebah. However, there are no trail maps and detail information about hiking trails around the area. We just walk pass a gate that we see from afar, presuming it is the start point of the trail. We hear a few motorbikes passing by a couple of times not far from us and we just walk towards the sound. As we walk along the trail, we have to decide to either take a left or right turn. We take two left steeper turns, hoping they would lead us to the peak. The pathway is about 2 meters wide and as we hike, it gets smaller and smaller. More butterflies fly around us until we reach a transmission tower.

We walk pass the tower towards a flight of steps going uphill. The climb after that is quite difficult. The hiking path is not clearly defined and covered by dead leaves. It is a hot and dry day and the dirt is powdery and dry. It is important to wear hiking boots when you hike here as the trail is quite slippery. We keep climbing up until we see two big rocks, called the Ikan Paus (Whale Rocks). At this point, we are showered by gliding javan cucumber seeds. Many are already covering the ground and they look like papery version of bulls eye eggs.

[huge_it_slider id=”44″]

From there, we hear sounds of a group cheering and laughing. So, the three of us continue climbing  to get closer to the group. The passage is not clear, so you really need a guide if you want to be safe. We take our chances and keep climbing and luckily a few minutes later, we reach a huge rock hosting dozens of climbers, taking pictures of the view.

A group of hikers at the peak

A few of them are shockrd to see us. There are six ranger accompanying the group, and one of them volunteers to descend with us. Ranger Nik is knowledgeable and kind. He takes us to a big rock resembling an elephant and Gua Kelambu that resembles a bed covered with a mosquito net. We descend pretty quick and completed the hike of about 2km within 1 hour and 15 mins.

The area has rich wilderness. Unlike the other hiking trails that I have been to, the Bukit Batu Lebah gives a more adventurous experience – there are many interesting rocks and caves to explore. There are no directional signs on the trail and you can easily get lost. Be warned – you are not supposed to hike at Batu Lebah without a guide. The trail is not straight forward and many have lost their way.

If you plan to explore Bukit Batu Lebah, allocate at least 6 hours to go through a full trail.  They have a 6 hours open hiking trips scheduled end of this month and on the weekend of Merdeka Day.

You can find out more at their facebook page, official page or contact Nik Zaiman at 0189189102.

Walking in nature increases my sense of curiosity

 

 

Legs/Hips stretch – Good for Acheiving Splits

Salam Sisters,

This is a quick 9 min stretch for the legs and hips.
Take advantage during Ramadan and do it when you can. It will help kick away any stagnant feelings in your muscles.
If you want better results, try to hold each pose for 30 sec to one minute. 

Let me know if you have any questions or if you want any specific workout videos.

Peace and Love
Nura

Use Code “Nura” for a 10% discount on any Nashata products <3 

FullBody Workout – 4 Sets – NO Equipment Needed

Salam Sisters,

Here is a new video in the NO Equipment Series.
Today it No Equipment FULLBODY Workout.
All you need is your energy and some space.

How to use this video?
I have 4 sets of full body workout out. Pick which ones you want to do and repeat each move 10-15 times. Then repeat them 3 times.

Workout Outfits Details: 

Sports Hijab:
– Hooda Ellipse in Black

Modest Sports Tops: 
– Ultra Top II in Pink
– Ultra Hoodie Gen in Gold and White
– Zipper Hoodie in Grey

Leggings: 
– Riada Training Pants II
– Riada Sweat Pants II

Use Code “NURA’ for 10% discount from Nashata.com 

Keep It Healthy,
Nura

S T R O N G E R

“Life at its best is a series of challenges. A big enough challenge will bring out strength and abilities you never knew you had. Take on challenges and you will bring yourself to life.”

Physical Courage is bravery in the face of physical pain, hardship, death or threat of death while moral courage is the ability to act rightly in the face of popular opposition, shame, scandal, discouragement or personal loss.

Mental strength is the ability to regulate your emotions, manage your thoughts and behave in a positive manner despite your circumstances. Developing mental strength is about finding the courage to live according to your values and being bold enough to create your own definition of success. Mental strength involves more than willpower; it requires hard work and commitment. It’s about establishing healthy habits and choosing to devote your time and energy to self-improvement. Although it’s easier to feel mentally strong when life seems simple, often, true mental strength becomes most apparent in the midst of tragedy. Choosing to develop skills that increases your mental strength is the best way to prepare for life’s inevitable obstacles.

Although it’s easier to feel mentally strong when life seems simple, often, true mental strength becomes most apparent in the midst of tragedy.

“The Brave is not one who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”

Developing mental strength is a work in progress. It may even take a lifetime of learning. At times it will seem more difficult than other times. How do the toughest people summon the will to keep going? In the book Resilience: The Science of Mastering Life’s Greatest Challenges, the authors studied resilient people for over 20 years. They spoke with Vietnam prisoner of war, Special Forces instructors and civilian who dealt with terrible experiences like medical problems, abuse and trauma. This is a few pointers of what they learnt…

  1. Be Optimistic. Truly resilient people who need to survive the harshest situations and still accomplish goals, balance a positive outlook with a realistic view of the world. But what about when your optimism gets tested and things gets scary
  2. Face your Fears. Neuroscience says there’s only one real way to deal with fear: you need to face it, head on. This is what most resilient people do. When we avoid scary things we become more scared. When you face your fears, they become less frightening. To extinguish a fear-conditioned memory, one must be exposed to the fear-inducing stimulus in a safe environment and this exposure needs to last long enough for the brain to form a new memory which conveys that the fear-conditioned stimulus is no longer dangerous in the present environment.
  3. Have a Moral Compass. They found that the emotional resilient people all had a strong sense of right and wrong. Despite being in situations that could threaten their lives, they always thought about others, not just themselves. They possessed a keen sense of right and wrong that strengthened them during periods of extreme stress and afterward, as they adjusted to life following trauma. Altruism often stood as a pillar of their value system.
  4. Practice Spirituality. This was the #1 thing that one researcher found when studying people who overcame tragedy. He found that religious belief among survivors to be the single most powerful force in explaining the tragedy and in explaining survival.
  5. Social Support. Our brains need social support to function optimally. Connection with others releases oxytocin which calms your mind and reduces stress.
  6. Have Resilient Role Models. Resilient individuals have role models whose beliefs, attitudes and behaviours inspire them. However, often enough, they have bad role models instead – people who provide an example of what they don’t want to be.
  7. Maintain Physical Fitness. Those who are resilient believe that staying fit has helped them both during their traumatic ordeal and during their recovery. The stress of exercise helps us adapt to the stress we will feel when life challenges us. Researchers believe that during vigorous exercise, the “anxiety-sensitive” person is forced to tolerate many of the symptoms (rapid heart rate, sweating, rapid breathing) that frighten them during periods of anxiety. Over time, the “anxiety-sensitive” individuals who continues to exercise vigorously can learn that these symptoms of arousal are typically not dangerous and the fear that these symptoms trigger gradually decreases in intensity (Salmon, 2001).
  8. Keep your Brain Strong. Resilient people are very often lifelong learners. They keep growing their mind, learning to learn and adapting to new information about the world. They continually seek opportunities to become more mentally fit.

“The Brave may not live forever but the cautious do not live at all. For now, you are travelling the road between who you think you are and who you can be”

What is GEMS: Grundy + POPWOW Empower ME Series?

GEMS is a series of fun and easy challenges across different elements, especially tailored to simulate life’s obstacles. GEMS hopes to EMPOWER participants with essential life skills, help to identify and remove any mental obstacles, bring clarity and complete with renewed confidence in themselves and their ability to make decisions and conquer life’s challenges. Participants will learn to enhance their spiritual practice, develop a heightened self-awareness and expand their comfort zone. All they have to do is participate in the activities and collect as many Gems as possible. The more Gems they collect, the more skills they will attain and more confidence garnered. All activities will be conducted as a group to foster social support with command opportunities to develop leadership skills. Don’t worry, no creepy crawlies in included in this series!

GEMS is brought to you by Nashata Active Singapore. Register here : https://shop.nashata.com/en/134-active

20 Legs Workout – No Equipment Needed (Indoors or Outdoors)

Salam Sisters,

Here is a new video in the NO Equipment Series.
Today it No Equipment Legs Workout.
You can do som of these just sitting infront of the TV, literally!
All you need is your energy and some space.

How to use this video?
Pick 5 of the workouts in the video, repeat each move 10 to 15 times, then do 3 sets of all.

Workout Outfits Details: 

Sports Hijab:
– Hooda Hijab in Beige
– Raazglove in Black
– Mumtaz Lite sports Hijab in Maroon
– Amin Extended Sports Hijab in Maroon

Modest Sports Tops: 
– Ultra Top Galaxy Collection II in Beige
– Azza Topletic in Navy
– Azza Topletic in Black
– Azza Topletic in White

Leggings: 
– Fitness Leggings
– Dual Colored stirrup high waist
– High waist fitness in maroon
– Stirrup high Waist in Black

Use Code “NURA’ for 10% discount from Nashata.com 

Keep It Healthy
Nura