Lai Jenn Yuan is currently the fitness manager at Fitness First. He has been working for the organization for four years. He holds a Degree in Sport Science from University Malaya.
Interviewer: What is Fitness First main motive and goal?
Lai Jenn Yuan: Fitness First’s motive is to help members reach their ultimate goals. We try to change their lifestyle into having one that is healthier. Majority of people who come here wants to lose weight. There are some that joins the gym to gain weight. Therefore, depending on what they want, we try to customize each exercise according to the individual.
Interviewer: We know Malaysia has the highest Obesity rate in South East Asia, how has fitness first contributed to helping out and trying to lessen the rate of obesity?
Lai Jenn Yuan: We have launched programs such as Lose Big and Biggest Loser. Biggest Loser is a well-known television reality show that helps obese and overweight people lose weight. From there we give the people who are obese hope to lose weight, work hard and be healthy. It is quite a rigorous program but the results are real.
Interviewer: In your opinion, why do you think Malaysia has such a high rate of obesity?
Lai Jenn Yuan: Well, Malaysia is known for the culture of food. We have a variety of food especially compared to other countries. People here enjoy eating. Malaysians also have late dinners and it is usually heavy as well so that’s not good for the body. I think majority of Malaysians are not healthy and do not exercise enough.
Interviewer: Does Fitness First have rallies or open events to teach (educate) the public on the importance of keeping fit and leading a healthy lifestyle?
Lai Jenn Yuan: Yes, we do. Every year, Fitness First celebrates International Fitness Week. We put on programs and activities to promote a healthy lifestyle. For the week, the gym is open to the public, not only for members. This is our way of letting people give working out a try, if they haven’t. We also have Fitness First Charity and Committee program. The aim for this charity is to raise money and increase awareness. We earn money by getting donations externally, as well as internally by having activities. For example, members can challenge trainers with a round of Muay Thai or cycling and pay afterwards.
Interviewer: Is it often for members to quit halfway through training?
Lai Jenn Yuan: Yes very often. Sometimes, members do not come frequently because of other priorities and some do not see the benefit in working out. The main reason members quit halfway is from their lack of knowledge about exercising. Most obese and overweight people go for personal trainers and do not quit halfway.
Interviewer: Do your trainers have motivational strategies for people who start training and quit halfway? Explain how?
Lai Jenn Yuan: We always remind them what their goal is and their underline motivation, which is the reason why they want to lose weight in the first place. Give them a visual of how it’ll be like when they lose the weight and achieve their goals.
Interviewer: When the trainers have clients, what are their main goals and targets for the individuals?
Lai Jenn Yuan: Some members have no goal but they know the importance of working out therefore we set goals for them.
Interviewer: Is one on one training an effective way of losing weight?
Lai Jenn Yuan: Yes it is. A large number of overweight people are able to shed the weight off. There are some who tend to gain the weight back after losing it if they do not continue to be discipline.
Interviewer: Do you advise those who are overweight/obese about having a healthier diet?
Lai Jenn Yuan: We do inform them that not only exercise is important, but their diet has to change as well. We advise them on what to eat and what not to eat. Body First is an introductory package we offer to new members. Body First consist of 3 sessions with personal trainer, an induction about exercising and how to use the gym so the members can get familiar and comfortable. Body First also includes a recipe book, exercise booklet and a body journal. The journal is meant to record down the exercise that has been done and the food that has been consumed. Around 75% of new members purchase the Body First package.
Interviewer: What is Fitness First main motive and goal?
Lai Jenn Yuan: Fitness First’s motive is to help members reach their ultimate goals. We try to change their lifestyle into having one that is healthier. Majority of people who come here wants to lose weight. There are some that joins the gym to gain weight. Therefore, depending on what they want, we try to customize each exercise according to the individual.
Interviewer: We know Malaysia has the highest Obesity rate in South East Asia, how has fitness first contributed to helping out and trying to lessen the rate of obesity?
Lai Jenn Yuan: We have launched programs such as Lose Big and Biggest Loser. Biggest Loser is a well-known television reality show that helps obese and overweight people lose weight. From there we give the people who are obese hope to lose weight, work hard and be healthy. It is quite a rigorous program but the results are real.
Interviewer: In your opinion, why do you think Malaysia has such a high rate of obesity?
Lai Jenn Yuan: Well, Malaysia is known for the culture of food. We have a variety of food especially compared to other countries. People here enjoy eating. Malaysians also have late dinners and it is usually heavy as well so that’s not good for the body. I think majority of Malaysians are not healthy and do not exercise enough.
Interviewer: Does Fitness First have rallies or open events to teach (educate) the public on the importance of keeping fit and leading a healthy lifestyle?
Lai Jenn Yuan: Yes, we do. Every year, Fitness First celebrates International Fitness Week. We put on programs and activities to promote a healthy lifestyle. For the week, the gym is open to the public, not only for members. This is our way of letting people give working out a try, if they haven’t. We also have Fitness First Charity and Committee program. The aim for this charity is to raise money and increase awareness. We earn money by getting donations externally, as well as internally by having activities. For example, members can challenge trainers with a round of Muay Thai or cycling and pay afterwards.
Interviewer: Is it often for members to quit halfway through training?
Lai Jenn Yuan: Yes very often. Sometimes, members do not come frequently because of other priorities and some do not see the benefit in working out. The main reason members quit halfway is from their lack of knowledge about exercising. Most obese and overweight people go for personal trainers and do not quit halfway.
Interviewer: Do your trainers have motivational strategies for people who start training and quit halfway? Explain how?
Lai Jenn Yuan: We always remind them what their goal is and their underline motivation, which is the reason why they want to lose weight in the first place. Give them a visual of how it’ll be like when they lose the weight and achieve their goals.
Interviewer: When the trainers have clients, what are their main goals and targets for the individuals?
Lai Jenn Yuan: Some members have no goal but they know the importance of working out therefore we set goals for them.
Interviewer: Is one on one training an effective way of losing weight?
Lai Jenn Yuan: Yes it is. A large number of overweight people are able to shed the weight off. There are some who tend to gain the weight back after losing it if they do not continue to be discipline.
Interviewer: Do you advise those who are overweight/obese about having a healthier diet?
Lai Jenn Yuan: We do inform them that not only exercise is important, but their diet has to change as well. We advise them on what to eat and what not to eat. Body First is an introductory package we offer to new members. Body First consist of 3 sessions with personal trainer, an induction about exercising and how to use the gym so the members can get familiar and comfortable. Body First also includes a recipe book, exercise booklet and a body journal. The journal is meant to record down the exercise that has been done and the food that has been consumed. Around 75% of new members purchase the Body First package.
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