Jakartans find sport essential

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