ABC Day 2019: Fight Fats Fearlessly!

Image 1 ABC Run 2019 Group Photo taken at the main entrance of UCSI University.

Active & Burning Calories (ABC) Day 2019 organized by UCSI University Pharmacy Student Association (UPSA) was warmly received by more than 160 participants from both on-campus and off-campus.

Even before the brilliant beams of the sun could give its splendid shading to the mists and knolls around Connaught area, the ABC organising team made up of 54 members was all geared up, ready and waiting to kick start the day of 12 May. In collaboration with UCSI University Alumni Association, UCSI UPSA presented us its annual ABC Day by bringing us a new challenge - High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) without leaving out its customary ABC run.

Image 2 ABC Run participants warming up before the start of the run. 

As little chunks of light nudged its way through the dark sky, the run saw men and ladies turning up at UCSI University KL campus with high spirits and much vigorous, not only to get a good workout but also raise funds for the charity, specifically the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM). With that said, RM2 from every registration for the ABC Day 2019 will be donated to NCSM in supporting NCSM's effort to 'Giving Hope, Celebrating Life'. Mr. Yeoh Khai Xiang, the Organising Chairperson of ABC Day 2019 believes the contribution would definitely help the needy and if the society continues to care for the less fortunate, positive changes will certainly be made for a better tomorrow.

Image 3 Runners were released separately according to their categories. 

Seven o'clock sharp in the morning, the first category of ABC run - Buddy Run was flagged off by the lecturer from Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ms. Hee Mei Qi. It then followed by another two individual categories that were available by reference to gender: female and male. Participants formed a sea of pastel blue and purple along the 7-kilometer route around Connaught area, making the most of the morning's blushing magnificence.

Image 4  Participant receiving band and mineral water at the checkpoint.

Somewhat later, men and ladies in the sparkling crown were seen arriving at the finishing line. Late risers had definitely missed the magnificence of the dawn. It is an uncommon delight to be awake at dawn, feeling exhilarated upon being caressed by the balmy morning breeze. Besides being able to enjoy the gift from nature, the top ten finishers of each category were awarded medals and certificates. To make things sweeter, 100 Vision had sponsored 5 pairs of sunglasses for the lucky draw. Not to mention, all runners who completed their respective races took home with them goodie bags and certificate of participation.

Image 5 Top ten finishers for Buddy Run (1), Female Individual Run (2) and Male Individual Run (3).

Image 6 Two of the lucky draw winners for sunglasses sponsored by 100 Vision. 

Later in the second session, Ms. Tharah was invited as the instructor of HIIT. Long story short, HIIT is currently becoming a popular cardio workout among the working adults due to its quick session but with a greater result as compared to usual gym training. Appealing enough, not only does HIIT require shorter time to burn a massive amount of calories, the process of fats burning continues even after the HIIT session eventually.

Image 7 Participants doing the workout steps such as Russian Twist (1), Basic Squat (2) and Extended Arm Plank (3). 

With her sensitive and friendly approach, Ms. Tharah managed to motivate all participants to respond with the same enthusiasm and go hands-on with the HIIT routine. Sometimes, we just need a little push in achieving our limits and slowly go beyond. As participants familiarised themselves with the sets of workout, a song with regular rhythmic patterns was incorporated to trigger strength and tempo training because of its 'fast, rhythmical, bass'.

Image 8 Instructor, Ms. Tharah, correcting participant's plank posture. 

Laughter and music were blaring from the UCSI Multi-Purpose Hall (MPH) as the participants tried to push themselves to their limits while following the sets in an encouraging ambiance and environment. The event then ended on a high note with the presentation of a token of appreciation to Ms. Tharah.

Image 9 Participants and crews taking group photo with the HIIT instructor after the completion of session.  

As a participant of ABC HIIT myself, HIIT session was a brand new challenge to me and it was pretty interesting. The workout routine is exactly what I would normally do but the way HIIT organize it and compact it makes a huge difference in the amount of calories burning. First time trying HIIT out and what I have to say about this workout is that it was really tiring but the soreness only pays its visit on my second day after the event. What an experience! I would undoubtedly go for HIIT again next time.

"Overall it was a pretty smooth event with only minor hiccups," Yeoh concluded. "I hope that participants have gained something from today, either directly from today's activities or the encouragement of an active lifestyle." He added, "We eagerly look forward to organising this ABC Day every year to continue the positive spirit and the spread of awareness."

Ailynn, one of the committee members shared that "it is an eye-opening experience one could have as a crew". She then made a sigh of relief, "So glad to see how the participants enjoyed themselves during the event and how Organising Chairperson finally showed his smile after months of stress for ABC Day preparation."

Image 10 Crews of ABC Day 2019 signing off. 

Let's "Stay active and burn more calories!", quoted from Yeoh.