A diverse mix of all races and ages, they chat and laugh animatedly among themselves. Many are women, and there are a considerable number of senior citizens.
Leading them is Eriko Choon, a 60-year old with a spring in her step. She’s the founder of Eriko’s Healthy Lifestyle, a grassroots aerobics group devoted to spreading the joy of exercise to all Malaysians.
Helpers set up a small sound system, and a catchy Malay song fills the air. Choon soon snaps into action, leading the group with her strong energetic movements.
“I like to keep fit and make friends! If I exercise at home by myself, it feels boring. So I encourage anyone to come join us, especially senior citizens. When you exercise, you feel good,” Choon told FMT Lifestyle.
Choon, who used to be in the direct-selling business but is now retired, has always been a fan of fitness. She inherited a love of exercise from her father, who would dance to music around the house.
Choon started Eriko’s Healthy Lifestyle in 2020, during the days of the movement control order. Restless, she started a workout session on Facebook Live and invited others to join.
Her spirited sessions soon attracted a following: her sister from Germany began attending, as did friends from Penang, Singapore and Taiping. These friends invited their friends, and soon, Choon found herself the leader of a movement.
Once the lockdowns were lifted, Choon went from Facebook Live to live workouts. These days, she conducts exercise sessions five days a week. Choon estimates they have about 200 members now.
You can usually find them working up a sweat at Taman Tasik Danau Kota on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and at the Taman Melawati MPAJ convention centre on Wednesdays and Fridays. Sessions usually run from 7am to 8.30am.
Even bad weather cannot dampen the group’s enthusiasm: when it rains, Choon and her group simply move to another spot, such as a nearby covered car park.
For many of its members, the group is not just about improving physical wellbeing – it is a great way to expand social circles. Many firm friendships have been formed during these sessions.
Eriko’s Healthy Lifestyle also visits hospitals, hospices and charity homes to spread cheer. Most recently, they conducted a session at the Sang Riang senior citizens home in Teriang, Pahang.
One of the best things about this group, its members say, is how inclusive it is: no matter your race, age or background, everyone is welcome.
“I look forward to coming for exercise and meeting the people here, who are very loving and caring. Exercising with Eriko and her music makes me happy,” retired teacher Fong Yew Foon, 67, told FMT Lifestyle.
“I’ve been with Eriko’s Healthy Lifestyle for about a year, and it’s been the best time of my life. It makes me feel young and energetic,” added Noraidah Mohd Nor, 61.
“I saw Eriko exercising in the park one day. I joined her and still join her until today! This is a great way to keep happy and healthy,” added tuition teacher Padma Devi, 48.
Indeed, Eriko’s Healthy Lifestyle is forged in the spirit of harmony and unity in diversity – values the group hopes will continue to flourish in the nation.
Choon and her helpers have even prepared a special workout routine to the anthems “Tanggal 31” and “Malaysia Boleh”, which they plan to perform on Merdeka Day at Taman Tasik Danau Kota.
“This Merdeka, we hope everyone will enjoy peace and happiness. We hope everyone will love each other like we are all family,” Choon concluded with a smile.