Jakartans find sport essential
The ongoing 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan has boosted people's spirit to practice various sports, not only soccer. The quadrennial event has also motivated people to maintain their health by exercising in their neighborhood. Some shared with The Jakarta Post how the World Cup has led to an interest in sport.
Helena Simatupang was born in Medan, North Sumatra, 34 years ago. She moved to Jakarta in 1978 and now is working at a foreign bank on Jl. M.H. Thamrin, Central Jakarta.
I do four different types of exercise in a week as I need to stay healthy and, of course, slim. I do aerobics with my colleagues at the office using an unused room. Sometimes I do body language training or Taebo.
Besides that, I attend a yoga class, at the Indian Cultural Center. I also go swimming once a week. During weekends, I jog in the neighborhood.
Yuliana Primastuti, 32, is an employee of a noted education foundation who resides in Salemba, Central Jakarta. She moved to Jakarta from Yogyakarta four years ago.
Sport is very important for making my life more harmonious. I exercise three times a week. Each session lasts for an hour or so in the morning before I go to work.
I spend most of my time sitting behind my desk with a pile of work to do. It's really stressful if I only focus on work without any other healthy activities.
I go to an open air area from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. for group exercises with elderly people. I find it great to be with them as I learn a lot from them.
They care about their health despite their age. They are so motivated to do it. Their enthusiasm has encouraged me to think about my own health.
Indeed, it works well in my life. I find myself stronger both physically and mentally. I love sport.
Tire, 49, a security guard, in Serpong, Tangerang.
As a security guard, I have to maintain my health. I jog either in the mornings or evenings although not for a very long distance.
I used to play soccer when I was a teenager. It's a pleasure to play with my friends. Now I don't play any more but soccer is still my favorite sport.
I just watch soccer on television now, especially during the World Cup.
Vina P., 29, is an employee of the Jakarta Stock Exchange on Jl. Jend. Sudirman, Central Jakarta. She resides in the Kuningan area in South Jakarta.
I actually like outdoor sports as I can exercise and enjoy the scenery at the same time. It's more fun than doing indoor sports. I like bike riding and jogging.
However, it's not easy to exercise comfortably as it is difficult to find a proper location to do my favorite sports. I now take aerobics classes in a sports club here. I don't really like it but at least I keep exercising.
Twice a month, my family and I go to Puncak. I can ride my bike or jog there while enjoying the scenery. I feel rejuvenated afterwards as it refreshes my mind as well. -- JP