Lata Medang for first-timers

What is Lata Medang?

  • For the uninitiated (like me), Lata Medang is a popular trekking site in Selangor, about 1 hour away from the city. The waterfall is the main attraction. The track to the waterfall is about 5km of undulating but easy terrain. There is no technical ascending or descending. It is also the entry point to another famous hiking spot called Bukit Kutu.

Where is Lata Medang?

  • The nearest landmark will be Kampung Pertak. When you drive from Kuala Kubuh Bharu to Fraser’s Hill, you will see just after Selangor Reservoir, a side road leading to Kampung Pertak.

What do I need to pack?

  • A change of clothes. There is a small hut at the parking lot to change after swimming at the waterfall. But there are no toilet facilities.
  • Sufficient drinking water. Food is optional as the track is easy. But it will be nice to have some light refreshment after swimming.
  • Trail/hiking shoes is not required as the route is easy, but it will be helpful if you have one.

Last advise for first-timers?

  • Get here early. By getting here early you can avoid over-crowding the picnic site and swimming area too.
    • This place is very popular among hikers as the route is also connected to Bukit Kutu.
    • It is advisable to arrive at the parking lot before 8am to avoid the crowd. Most crowds will come after 10am.
  • Safety First.
    • The rocks at the waterfall are slippery and the water current can be strong at times. Look out and follow the warning signs.

Female Swimming Instructors

One is never too early or too late to learn how to swim. You can enjoy being in the water more when you know how to swim, breathing techniques and water confidence. Knowing how to swim in fact is a must-have, life-long skills for everyone. Knowing how to swim opens up a broader spectrum of water adventures like scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing and many more.

Although you burn lesser calorie for the same amount of time when you swim, as to compared to running, swimming is a better form of exercise as it a low impact sports. Therefore, make sure you know the proper swimming techniques – so that you make the best of your time in the pool.

There are more and more female swimming instructors at swimming centers and some are muslims. We reached out to nine of them from five different countries –  Canada, Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa and USA. Some of them have special skills like open water swimming and aquafit.

Swimming is a whole body workout.

Do reach out to them and do let us know if you know others who offer swimming lessons for ladies close to you. We would love to include them on this list as well.

CANADA

1. Carly, Ontario, Canada

  • Female swimming and aqua fit instructor since 2008 : Carly McEnaney
  • Areas covered : Mississauga Valley Community  Center, Ontario, Canada
  • Hours : 4:45-7:15 pm, every Saturday
  • Level : Preschool A-D, Swim4 Life 1 -11 Adult Level :1 -5+ and 2 Aquafit classes
  • Contact : mamaof4gems@gmail.com or +1 647 338 4051

Carly focuses on performance

 

MALAYSIA

2. Irenang_18, Bangi, Malaysia

    • Full time Female instructors : Sarimah and Bashtiah
    • Areas covered : Seksyen 9, Bandar Baru Bangi, Bangi area
    • Hours :  8 am – 10 am, 3 pm – 6 pm and 8 pm ( daily)
    • Duration :1 hour per session, maximum of 4 pax per class 
    • Level : Zero to basic swimming, basic to intermediate swimming lessons
    • Contact info :  +60198089101/ +60173547372
    • Instagram @Irenang_18

 

Bashtia wears Nashata Raazniq during her swimming sessions.

3 . Swim Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

    • Female instructor : Sakeenah
    • Areas covered  : Kuala Lumpur City Center ( KLCC, AMPANG, SETIAWANGSA, WANGSA MAJU, KERAMAT KAMPUNG BARU)
    • Hours : weekdays – 6pm to 9pm
      weekend – 8am to 6pm
    • Levels : baby from 6 months – 3 years // toddler 3 years old – 7 years old  // children- 7 years -17years // adult – 17 years and above
    • Whatsapp  : +60 0133509940

Sakeenah swims in  Nashata Hooda Sports Hijab

4. Iswim.academy, Cyberjaya, Malaysia

  • Full time Female instructors : Nurul Atiqah and Nurul Athirah
  • Areas covered : Cyberjaya (Kenwingston Square Garden, Lakefront Residence, Mirage by the Lake, Ceria Residence, Perdana Lake View)
  • Duration : 1 hour, once a week class. 
  • Level : beginner, intermediate, advanced 
  • Whatsapp : +6018-2488459  

5. Rsiyadanie , Klang Valley, Malaysia

  • Female instructor : Risyadinie Rasyiqah Razmi (Dinie)
  • Areas covered : Klang Valley
  • Duration : 1 hour session
  • Female adults (group/private one to one)
  • Contact : risyadinie@gmail.com

Canoeing with Risyadinie

6.  Nurul Ashira Azman, Shah Alam, Malaysia

  • Freelance female instructor : Nurul Ashira Azman
  • Areas covered : Shah Alam, Subang Jaya
  • Level : beginner and intermediate, open water
  • Contact : ashiraazman22@gmail.com

Nurul Ashira finishing the Putrajaya Aquathlon in Nashata Hooda Sports Hijab

SINGAPORE

7. Mudzalifah Anuar, Singapore

  • Female instructor: Mudzalifah Anuar
  • Areas covered : Punggol, Sengkang, Hougang, Yishun
  • Hours : Weekday mornings 8-11 am. Weekday Nights 8-9 pm
  • Level : Beginners and intermediate
  • Contact info : +65 81835954 and askpopwow@gmail.com

Swimming classes with friends can be therapeutic for ladies

SOUTH AFRICA

8. FR3KLS Aquatics (pronounced “freckles aquatics”)

  • Female swimming instructor  : Naadhirah Mukadam
  • Areas covered : Cape Town, South Africa
  • Hours : Monday to Wednesday as well as Saturday and Sunday.
  • Classes :
    • Squad Training (includes water safety and life saving training)
    • Learn-to-Swim for kids and ladies
    • Stroke Correction,
    • Aqua Bambinos (baby classes from 0-3 years old)
    • Aqua Aerobics for ladies
    • Hydro Therapy and Aqua Parties for birthdays and team building.
    • Special Swimming Classes for Underprivileged. In 2020 the focus is to empower and motivate young orphan girls to be strong and confident in everything that they do. Each child gets swimming kit, towel, sweater, sandal, travelling cost, 10 x 30 minute swimming lessons over 10 weeks and yummy nutritional meals after each session. At the end of 10 weeks, their achievements is celebrated at a swimming gala where every child gets a swimming certificate, medal and prize as well as a hearty meal.
  • Contact :

FR3KLS-AQUATICS rewarding children for their achievements

USA

9. BeFit4Akhirah

  • Female instructor: Ola Alghazzouli, an Americal Council on Exercise certified personal trainer, certified Red Cross Basic Swim Instructor
  • Areas covered : Chantilly, Virginia, USA
  • Level : Beginners and intermediate, for adults and children
  • Contact info : IG BeFit4Akhirah

Sign up for Ola’s free swimming classes  on her website BeFit4Akhirah

Lastly, checkout Nashata Aqua Wear at our store and just keep swimming

 

‘REAL FOOD. REAL PERFORMANCE’

Kuala Lumpur, November 5, 2019 – The potato may be small in size, but it is big in nutrition! Studies have shown that the difference between the athlete’s best performances come down to his or her nutrition intake. Potatoes provide the complex carbohydrates, potassium, fibre and vitamin C required to perform better than ever.  More energy-packed than any other popular vegetables, potatoes contain more potassium than a banana.

Potatoes USA today shared information about its “Real Food, Real Performance 2019” campaign at Menara KL (KL Tower). Besides featuring education on performance nutrition for a power-packed lifestyle, there were collaborative initiatives with several athletes for 2019/2020. Potatoes USA will also be participating in various performance-related athletic events including the upcoming Yayasan TM Tower Run on November 10, which has attracted thousands of runners – from local and abroad.  

In recent years, research conducted has shown that the potatoes are natural, functional, energy-packed foods with healthy goodness for sportsmen, and every day consumers  to perform at their best. Potatoes are easily digestible and more energy dense than any other popular vegetable and potatoes are also a good choice to fuel the demands of competition. Potatoes USA is now working closely with a community of recognized athletes in the U.S. as well as various countries in Asia like Japan, South Korea, China and now Malaysia.    

 

Today at KL Tower, three champion runners were enlisted to bring to life the community message of active sports in relations to natural performance nutrition. They were World’s no. 2 & Asia’s no. 1 towerrunner champion, Soh Wai Ching, Malaysia’s no. 1 veteran runner Jeffrey Ross and ultra-marathon champion, Tahira Najmunisaa.  

The three runners took U.S. Potato Flex Energy Bars to fuel them throughout the run up the strenuous and endless 2,058 steps of the tower in a bid to best their   own personal run up time. They drank U.S Potato Smoothies after the run up to replenish their depleted glycogen levels. In a sharing session afterwards, each revealed their sports regime and how nutrition plays a crucial part to their successes.

 

Jeff Ross, Tahira & Soh Wai Ching

Soh said that towerrunning is an extremely intensive sport requiring a lot  of energy in such a short period of time. “The total calories burned for a 10-minute walk up the stairs are equivalent to 20-30 minutes of brisk walking horizontally. As such, I require large amounts of carbs to provide high levels of energy. In fact, due to my active sports regime, my diet consists of 70% carbohydrates. I will opt for good carbs, nutrient-dense and natural foods to help me. U. S potatoes fit the bill, “enthused Soh.

Soh is also the President of Malaysia Towerrunning Association (MTA), formed in August 2019 to govern and regulate Towerrunning Sport in Malaysia.  Present today is the association secretary, Mr. Low Keng Yik, a towerrunner himself. “We are happy to have Potatoes USA’s support to raise the awareness of towerrunning sports which is “half the time, double the benefits” and potatoes as “half the size, multiple dense nutrients food”, quipped Soh.

Well-known Sport Dietitian / Nutritionist and an avid runner herself, Adele Wong and Chef Janice Lee went on to showcase several delicious recipes suitable to fuel the performances of competitive sportsmen.

Adele Wong – Sport Dietitian / Nutritionist

Adele explained, Carbohydrates are one of the key nutrients in performance nutrition. Athletes engaged in high volume and high intensity training require adequate amounts of carbohydrates for energy. Based on current research, my experience working with athletes as well as being an athlete myself, it is clear that performance suffers when insufficient carbohydrates are consumed. Specific amounts will depend on the context of the athlete.”  Meanwhile another sport science expert also recommends that the daily carbohydrate intake for athletes range from 6-10 g/kg body weight.

“U.S. potatoes are an example of an excellent source of carbohydrates. They are rich in vitamin B6 and C, potassium, folate, fibre and antioxidants. They are extremely versatile and filling, making it a convenient source for athletes” she elaborated.

U.S. potatoes are recognised for its high quality.  This is due to the ideal growing temperatures, rich soil, state-of-the-art processing and generations of expertise.  All these factors make U.S. potatoes the finest in the world. Moreover, stringent U.S. industry standards that meet all the Food and Drug Administration and USDA specifications, ensure US Potatoes are safe and are of top-quality.

Cost-wise, U.S. potatoes can provide key nutrients at an affordable price.  A serving of potatoes (5.3 ounces) will only set you back around RM1.50.  In fact, potatoes have the highest score per ringgit on providing potassium, fibre, protein, vitamins C and E, calcium, iron and magnesium, beating out other vegetables like sweet potatoes and carrots.  Potatoes continue to be one of the greatest values in the produce department.

-End-

Some quick facts about the potato power:

  • 620 Milligrams of Potassium: With more potassium than a medium-size banana, potatoes are perfect for aiding muscle, cardiovascular and nervous system function during long endurance events.
  • 26 grams of carbohydrate – Potatoes are a nutrient-dense quality carbohydrate, important for optimal physical and mental performance as the primary fuel for your brain and a key source of energy for muscles. And, because your body’s own stores of carbohydrate are limited and may be depleted – even in a single session of intense and/or prolonged exercise– it’s important to replenish them.
  • 110 Calories for Energy: Easily digestible and more energy-dense than any other popular vegetables, potatoes are a good choice to fuel the demands of racing a marathon.
  • Check out these recipe ideas: https://www.potatogoodness.com/recipe-category/performance/

Details of 3 runner champions

  • Soh Wai Ching is the Fastest Towerrunner in Malaysia, 1st in Asia and 2nd in the World according to the Tower Running World Association.  He is an elite athlete with Sport Science Degree background and recently emerged the 10km champion in KL Standard Chartered Malaysia 2019.
  • Jeffrey Ross, a Scottish living in Malaysia is a Certified Revolution Running Coach, ranked number 1 Veteran Runner in Malaysia and the latest KL Standard Chartered Malaysia 2019 – 21km run champion. 
  • Tahira Najmunisaa M.Zaid is an ultra-marathon runner, Athlete and Champion of the Lumut Eco-challenge 2019

 

 

 

 

 

Nashata Modest Swim Wear In Action

Hello there ladies,

My name is Nura, I am a physical education and swimming teacher. It is a little hard for me to find the perfect swim wear but Nashata’s swim wear has helped me do my job with less hassle.

I work with kids and my work is very sensitive, I have to be vigilant at all times and I have to be prepared for anything that might happen in the swimming pool. My swim wear needs to be light but covering. It also needs to be heavy duty but not something that will be uncomfortable. This swim wear have given me everything I need. I have not had issues with feeling that something is dragging me in the water.

I owned this swim wear for about a year and it is still holding up well. I am in the swimming pool at least 3 days a week with my students.

I really like the concept of having a body suit under the top, it feels nice. It can be problematic at times. If I have more than one swimming lesson in a row then bathroom trips can be a problem (it is not easy to change with the body suite under). Other than that, I am happy with my modest swim wear from Nashata 😀

Here is a little clip of me swimming 🙂

 

Virtual Race – A Choice without Borders

Have you ever wondered if the world is truly borderless? With the spirit of sportsmanship and technology, races are definitely without borders. Virtual running and races connect like-minded people regardless of location, level of fitness or time. What’s important is having the same goals and motivation.

What is a Virtual Race?

When you join a virtual race, you get to run, swim, cycle or walk anywhere, at your own pace, in a team or solo, within a specific time or period, depending on the type of virtual race you sign up for. There are many types of virtual races – charity, for specific causes, challenges, group challenge and many more. More and more virtual races have charity element to them, making participation more rewarding!

Benefits of Virtual Races

  1. You won’t miss the races, because they give you more time flexibility.
    You get to finish your race within a longer period of time or at times that suits your schedule. Usually virtual races are offered for at least a few days or even months to achieve certain mileages or goals. This gives you more time to plan, achieve fitness goals and finish your run! After all, you can race ANYWHERE as long as it is safe.

    Yanetherunner from Brunei updates on BiiB App

  2. More choices, more affordable – by medal, cause, anywhere
    You can be apart of any virtual races. You need not travel, pick up race kits and spend time to be a part of something you like.  Join virtual race of your choice and get finishers reward delivered to you virtually or physically.
  3. You get to be a part of a team and make new friends
    Your friends and teammates can be anywhere and be a part of your journey or be supporters. You get to make new friends without borders.
    According to BiiB, their Run To Give Virtual Race had 100% finishing rate for all the runners who formed a team to run. In fact, in Feb – April 2017, through Nashata Virtual Run for Charity, four #NashataRunners and twelve other running sisters from different parts of the world ran virtually a combined mileage of 1,941 km and raised more than RM4,000 for three charity groups in Brunei, South Africa and Singapore. We got to make new friends and support a cause of a runner.
  4. Suitable for beginners and tech-savvy ones
    Virtual races are backed by technologies that give you several types of privacy choices without impeding goals. You can compete with yourself or support a charity of your choice better at virtual runs. If you are shy, virtual race is a good option for you.
  5. Inculcate continuous fitness habits
    Virtual races give you better privacy control – you can choose to celebrate with those concerned or publicly and Be The Achiever! It instills the motivation to continuously run, bike or swim as a habit.

    Virtual Races help inculcate continuous fitness habits. Testimonial of BiiB’s runners

How to get started?

  1. Search for a race that suits your fitness appetite
    1. Download an app like BiiB – Make Running a Habit that has choices of virtual runs and running tips built in, OR
    2. Follow updates on virtual race organisers like The Virtual Running Club and Virtual Runner UK
  2. Sign up with the organiser
  3. Race and keep updates digitally
    Store or keep proof of your runs, biking, swimming or walking on GPS watch, running devices, running apps or screenshots on the treadmill
  4. Update the organiser
    Send proofs of your achievements to the organiser
  5. Get rewarded

What are you waiting for? Race Without Borders, Start Plan and Sign Up your Virtual Race! Want to get motivated for the whole year? Check out what Run 365 has to offer for you.

 

Weight Loss – Muscles vs Fat Mass

If you are trying to lose weight and you are not sure about what to exercise for, cardio or muscles, then this video is for you.
This quick video will help you determine how much cardio and how much strength training your body needs according to your body type. It gives a quick insight into what you should do to help your body with the weight loss process.

Good luck,
Nura

Product Review: Sibaha Swimwear (Bodysuit) for Water Polo

Everyone knows that Nashata’s swimwear is designed with performance in mind, tested by active women who are serious about sports yet still want to remain modest. It has proven to be great for swimming in the pool, and also for the open sea. So for this week, I tested the swimwear for a different water sport: Water Polo.

This review written is entirely my own experience based on my beginner’s knowledge on water polo. I am not an experienced water polo athlete, but I do swim regularly.

If you have no experience in water polo, the easiest way for me to explain is that it is like a game of netball in the water, but the only difference was that you are allowed to move with the ball as long as you are swimming. Therefore, besides swimming, it involves a lot of quick movements such as jumping, diving, passing or blocking the ball.

Here’s how to body suit looks like without my top on top of it:

How the body suit looks like. To cover up, I used my own long sleeve swimming top

The body suit from the front

So how did the body suit fare? I have listed down 3 points on what I think about the body suit:

  • Black is a universally flattering colour and it is easy to match

The body suit comes in black only (However, the Sibaha swim wear sold separately comes in a variety of colours). Black is a slimming colour. I feel less self-conscious walking around in a tight suit especially when I walk out of the water and everything clings to your wet clothes. Black is also easy to match. If you prefer wearing your own top (like I did), you can mix and match with the body suit and have endless of options

Plus point: It has chest and crotch lining so your underwear is not visible despite having those areas stretched out. It is also best worn with a sports bra.

I am at the most left. The body suit is underneath my top, and goes down to my ankles. The top and swimming cap is my own.

  • I am more focused on the game

I am not distracted about any potential wardrobe mishaps that might happen. Through out the game I have witnessed a few unfortunate incidents of ladies tugging or adjusting their clothes to keep their modesty, or having their clothes get in the way of giving their 100% performance. I did not have to stop playing to tuck in my top  or were unable to raise my hands as high as I needed to to catch a ball for fearing my swim wear might float up (which was the case for most modest swim wear).

The body suit in action. Unlike most modest swim wear, I am not worried is the top floats up when I swim or jump or dive because I am covered underneath. No wardrobe mishaps!

  • Stretchable and streamlined

Despite being tight, it is very stretchable. Swim wears are meant to be body-hugging anyways, because that will allow for fast movements in the water. However, for a more modest look, you can always buy the Sibaha swim wear (sold separately) and use it on top of the body suit.

Unlike other modest swim wear that came with unnecessary piping or seams, or skirts that did not serve any function, this swim wear is streamlined. As it was designed with the athlete’s performance in mind, it does not include “frills” or decorative designs that might add weight to the swim wear, which will affect the swimmer’s speed or strokes. I love that it is a single piece with only a zipper at the top, so water can smoothly glide over my arms and legs without any hindrance.

Ready to make my sprinting swim to make sure I get first possession of the ball. Thanks to it’s streamlined design, I can swim as fast as I could.

In conclusion, thanks to this body suit, women who would like to remain modest have no excuses or hindrance to swim and enjoy the water. So, what other water-based activities should I try in this swim wear?

My Inspirations

Assalaamualaikum… I am feeling exceptionally grateful today so I decided to write about my Inspirations.

“Your ONLY limit is YOU”

Like every other souls in this temporary platform, the journey of life has presented itself with trials and challenges as promised. Each with its own uniqueness and timing. And like many others, I am bestowed with gifts at every pitfalls and crossroads (as promised!) and often, it comes in the form of a human being who came to shine light to my darkness. Because sometimes, we only need a little nudge or a hand to hold, to get back up on own feet and continue the run. Someone who inspires you. In my fitness journey, they are my inspirations…

First and foremost, meet mummy dearest. Mdm Mahlia, 62, homemaker, mother of 3 beautiful girls (ahem.. me being the middle child thank you) 41, 37 and 32. As a young girl, i don’t remember Mak ever being involved in sports but she was always busy helping my auntie, baking cakes or at home sewing curtains, clothes and bedsheets and making hand-crafted flowers to decorate our home. Our home is always beautiful and bright. Although not sporty, Mak is very sporting! She loves thrill rides like the Triple Looper @ Genting and banana boat rides (unlike Abah who will graciously decline to participate and volunteer to “jaga” our belongings instead). I know who i inherited my fearlessness from!

As the years passed, Mak put on quite a lot of weight (which she blames me for). When she was diagnosed with Diabetes and Hypertension a few years back, she took it upon herself to opt for a lifestyle change. She did not complain nor lament at her plight. She religiously followed the doctor’s advise, took care of her food intake, put in effort to reduce her weight and started to exercise. She did not really plan a workout schedule but incorporated them in her daily routine. She would sometimes cycle to my sister’s place (10km to and fro) or stop by the Fitness Corner at her neighbourhood for a 20-30mins workout before heading home to continue her duties.

Mak overcame her fear of swimming and joined me for class!

Today, Mak is actively involved in fitness activities organised by the mosques and community centres. She continues her daily routine and has loss nearly 15kg since she started. Her blood pressure and blood sugar level has also improved tremendously. When she got injured and tore a tendon in her right foot, she did not let that injury deter her one bit. We were slightly worried about her safety but I am amazed by her tenacity and determination to recover and get back in shape. I see that in her, all my life. That stubborness and never give up attitude. And it is that strength that got me through adversities and life’s worst moments especially during my time in the armed forces.

Mak… you are always my inspiration!

 

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Our favourite past time – Chilling by the beach. Mak never wasted any opportunity to get wet and enjoy the waves

Meet Mdm Hayati, 52, homemaker, mother of 3 (23, 22 and 16). I love her bubbly-ness! There was never a dull moment when16807477_10155023304164680_982816217414646884_n she is around. Kak B, as we lovingly call her, did not like any sports before. She hates getting sweaty she said but when she sustained a slipped disc and was immobilized for a month, she knew she had to do something.

“I do not want to die like this”.

Upon recovery, Kak B tried slow jogging but found it too strenuous for her due to her health condition. So she tried swimming as recommended by a friend. But she did not know how to swim. I met Kak B at the pool during one of my lessons in 2015. She approached us and requested to join our class. Allah definitely is the Best Planner! I think I learnt more from her than she did, ma shaa Allah. It’s always interesting and beneficial to hear these veterans talk about life and sharing their motherhood experiences. Makes one feel so humble yet excited for what more lies ahead.

“I feel more alive, healthier mentally and physically. Don’t let age be an obstacle for you to be active again. It is never too late to start.”

Today, Kak B swims 30 laps every week. She continues to amaze me with her constant cheerfulness and is always keen to learn more. She diligently listens to my instructions and continues to improve her strokes weekly. She can tread water for more than 5mins without breaking a sweat! I’m dying after just 2mins! Sometimes we had to pull her out of the water because while the rest is pancit after 20 laps, she is still smiling through 30… AMAZING!

Last but certainly not the least, meet my Iron ladies! They say “Friends who work out together, stays together”. And they prove it right. These ladies not only work out together but they eat together, attend religious classes and bakes together.

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Kak Has and Kak Normah were both part of their school’s athletic club (donkey years ago)  but sheepishly admitted that they stopped being active after marriage and having children. By 40, both commented that they became overweight and started to feel the strains due to the weight and inactivity. It was Kak Has who took up the challenge and participated in a “Lose to Win” programme organised by the Health Promotion Board (Singapore). She definitely loss weight but she also rediscovered the zeal of an active life again. Since then, Kak Has remains active with weekly programmes and participating in races. She completed Swissotel Vertical Marathon tau! Something I myself malas nak attempt hehehe… She then encouraged Kak Normah and Kak Mus to join her weekly activities. Kak Mus who has always been active ( you can tell by her sturdy posture and strong look) represented her school in hockey, badminton and softball. She continued being active doing brisk walking during her stint as a bus driver. She says she needs to do this because she wants to be able to keep up with her 11 -year-old daughter.

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Now these iron ladies swims every Tuesdays/ Fridays. They also have Aquarobics on Thursdays and group training on Sundays. POWER kan! Of course, while being active, they never neglect their duties. They attend religious class on every other day and they are wonderful cooks and terrific mums+wives. They are always up and about attending new classes and searching for new makan places. Who dare says that we women cannot do everything?? All 3 agrees that being active makes them feel more energetic unlike their comrades who leads a more sedentary lifestyle. They say they are able to perform their ibadah and daily routines much better with a healthy body and mind.

“People sometimes laugh at us. Maybe they think its funny that we makcik-makcik is exercising. Tak pe…

Instead of talking so much or laughing at us, I think they should join us”  – Kak Mustakizah

These 5 gems have definitely created a great impact in my life. Not only am I inspired to continue this fitness journey till I’m wrinkled and old, I learnt so much from them in other aspects of life  as well, as a mothers, daughter, wife and friend. May Allah bless them with strength and perseverance to continues this journey.

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Sunday Group Training @ Sengkang Park with Coach Hayya (FitFab)

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Swim Modestly! Performance with Nashata Sibaha

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Nashata’s modest performance swimwear is finally here after more than a year working on it. This is very close to my heart as I love swimming and I wanted my sisters to be able to enjoy swimming for performance. My love for swimming started at 10 years old, when my cousins, brother and I went for swimming lessons with Mr. Wong at the Ipoh City Council Swimming Pool Complex. Years after that, while at the university, I continued swimming frequently. I would take time off to lap swim either in between classes or when I get stuck with my projects. I always got out of the pool with a clearer mind. That was also when I started to improve swimming performance. When you are in a pool with swimmers segregated by slow, medium, fast lanes, you just do not want to be in the slow lane. What I thought was fast, wasn’t fast enough. I was wearing conventional swimwear back then and when I started to wear hijab, the only swimwear I could feel good swimming in was a full body suit. This is because the modest swimwear I tried gave me anti-laminar flow and dragging effect. It is unpleasant and difficult to improve swimming performance when there is a drag.

Nashata Sibaha for Performance

Sarah feels the difference swimming in Nashata’s Sibaha that now she wants to swim even more!

1. Why improving swimming performance is important?

  • Swimming is a good low-impact, full-body exercise. You get to move your full body with little ‘pounding’ on your body as to compared to running and jumping. This reduces risk of injury, especially the joints. As you get older, low-impact exercise like swimming is more gentle on your body.
  • Improves heart and lung function. The rhythm you get into when you swim improves your breathing and lung capacity.
  • Swimming frequently improves endurance. Your body just gets stronger and stronger.
  • It is good for your brains. Repetitive movement like swimming improves blood flow to brain. Perhaps this explains why I always get out of the pool with a clearer mind.

However, I was not able to get the same swimming experience in modest swimwear available in the market. I needed a modest performance swimwear that maintains laminar flow and lesser dragging effect so that I could focus to swim faster and longer.

Nashata Sibaha for Performance gives freedom to swim swiftly and modestly, so that I can reach my full potential.

Together with Ida Bakar, we design and test Nashata Sibaha for performance and introduce key concepts in modest swimwear that are aesthetic and athletic.  The concept of our swimwear is to wear Nashata’s body suit and pair it up with Nashata’s Sibaha tops on the outside.

Nashata Swimwear

Nashata Sibaha for Performance & Body Suit

2. Why Nashata’s sleeveless body suit?

  1. The tight body suit gives good support and comfort
    Other than easy movement, the tight body suit gives good upper-body support and comfort
  2. No additional innerwear required
    With the body suit, you need not wear additional sports bra or undies. No bra is required because the body suit is very tight. You can insert removable bra pads provided if you like. For hygienic reason, the body suit comes with built-in crotch lining.
  3. You can swim, turn or dive with a peace of mind in the body suit. Your key body parts are covered & secured at all times! Your top on the outside would slide accordingly to maintain a good laminar flow.
  4. No strings or tying up is required and you can just focus on your swim. You get to reduce turbulence flow at different pressure and water condition.

Nashata Sibaha for Performance

3. What’s so special about Nashata’s Sibaha for Performance?
Aesthetic & Athletic

  1. Aesthetic in the water
    • Be it by the pool or in the water, Nashata Sibaha looks just great.
    • Visual slimming effect is achieved from the design and separate side panels
    • Aesthetic color combination that looks good underwater. The colors was tested for diving and under water.
    • A sporty design with safety in mind
      • Colored sleeves that enhances your hand movements in the water. It is nice to see when you swim in any strokes and visible when you wave your hands
      • Vest-like design on upper body, making you visible both on the surface and underwater.
  2. Athletic design for performance yet modest
    • Long loose top that maintains laminar flow of water and lesser dragging effect
    • Hijab attached to the top for a swift swimming experience
Nashata Modest Performance Swimwear

Aqilah loves the seamless design of the hijab and swimming top.

4. Sizes, Measurements, Prices
A. Nashata Body Suit

  • Price : RM149 / SG50 / USD37
  • Fabric : Spandex and Polyester
  • Color : Black
  • Sizes : M/L/XL/2XL
Nashata Body Suit Size Charts

Nashata Body Suit Size Charts

B. Nashata Sibaha

  • Price : RM139 / SG46 / USD35
  • Fabric : Spandex and Polyester
  • Color Options :
    • Purple / Orange
    • Teal / Pale Yellow
  • Sizes : M/L/XL/2XL/3XL
Nashata Sibaha for Performance Size Chart

Nashata Sibaha for Performance Size Chart

Wait no more ladies,

Now, you can just keep swimming and enjoy all sorts of formation and performance in the water.  Available at nashata.com and we ship internationally for all our sisters.

Get RM30 OFF for Nashata Body Suit when you purchase Nashata Sibaha Swimwear. Vouchercode SIBAHA is valid till 28 Nov ’16 only at nashata.com. Not valid for use together with other vouchers or promotions. 

Thank you for reading!

Pool WOD with my Iman Hijab

I am a big fan of the Iman hijab. I have it in almost every colour available, and at least 4 pairs in black. I wear my Iman hijab at almost every active activity, be it running, at the gym, exploring the outdoors, and many more. One of the most frequent questions that I get for my hijab is “Can I use it for swimming?”. Before I could decide, I put my hijab to the test at Fuel Athletics last Friday when we had our WOD (Work Out of the Day) in the pool.

Never without my Iman hijab. Unfortunately, no photos were taken during the work out as it was too dark outside.

Never without my Iman hijab. Unfortunately, no photos were taken during the work out as it was too dark outside.

Swimming

We swam for less than 200m to warm up. It wasn’t complicated as I already know how to swim. Thanks to the elastic band that is built into the hijab, it stays put wonderfully on my head. As no under cap was required, the goggles can go comfortably around my head without feeling too tight.

It is not suitable for diving. The pool is not very deep, but due to the elastic band that holds the hijab in place it will result in pressure and discomfort in the ear.

I can also imagine that this hijab will also be suitable for activities that will require you to get wet, but not too vigorous, such as taking a dip by the beach.

WOD

We did thrusters and muscle up in the pool. These were very rapid and quick movement, transitioning from inside the pool to the surface of the pool. Due to the fabric around my head, it captured a lot of water and I felt that there was a lot of water rushing down my face. But it did not hinder my performance, I just could not see very well and it felt slightly uncomfortable.

Conclusion

If you are planning to go light on your wet activities, then this the right hijab for you. It is also suitable for a leisurely swim. However, if you want to go competitively in an event, or activities that require fast movement, it is better to stick to a conventional swimming cap or a head cover that is lighter and more suitable.

So ladies, I hope my honest review helps!

Until next week,

The Weekend Runner