I was browsing a bunch of local Malaysian online forums this afternoon (lowyat.net, malaysiabrides, PJnet, etc), and though I was pleased to see that most of them have a dedicated Health & Fitness category, it is most disheartening to see you’ll hardly find exercise being discussed.
All I came across was slimming centres, Herbalife, fad diets (‘special’ juices, slimming teas) and more Herbalife.
It is evident that most people want the easy way out – but sadly, the easy way is not the right way when it comes to your health. There is no shortcut – and I’ve said it too many times on my site, that the ONLY answer to PERMANENT weight loss is lifestyle change and exercise. One component without the other would mean a failure – both are needed.
Many of you may disagree with me, but I stand firm in saying that there are NO BENEFITS to visiting slimming centres, relying on fad diets, or on MLM schemes that push their weight loss products. The only ‘benefits’ you’ll reap is a shrinking bank account, high chances of relapse and rebound weight gain – and possibly jeopardize your health. Ask around, and you’ll realize that most people who have tried any of the above have actually regained their weight back over time, if not more than what they were before.
Exercise however, is a whole different story. There are many established benefits of being physically active – with new research being published every day showing that even most major diseases can be prevented and treated. Not only that, PROVEN benefits of regular exercise are improved cardiovascular function, decreased body weight/fat mass, lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure, improved glucose control, decreased anxiety and depression, decreased incidence of several cancers, decreased incidence of osteoporosis and enhanced feelings of well-being.
Research has also found that people who exercise regularly LIVE TWO TO FOUR YEARS LONGER than sedentary individuals. I seriously doubt you can buy these in a slimming centre or from a Herbalife agent.
In fact, it’s been said that if only exercise can be packed into a pill – it WILL BE the most widely prescribed drug in the world. Until that happens… we’ll just have to rely on good old exercise and lifestyle change.
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Noel Chelliah, ACE-CPT, ACE-LWMC, has been recognized as one of the Top Transformation Experts in Malaysia. No stranger to being overweight himself, Noel has gone through a life-changing transformation himself, from fat, to fit. In 2010, Noel founded the DailyMuscle Body Transformation Camp, which today helps hundreds of individuals exercise and practice healthier habits. In his spare time, Noel serves the community with various programs that promote a healthier lifestyle, and enjoys playing with his dogs.
My name is Noel Chelliah, and I’m a Transformation Specialist and founder of the 
