晴或雨 Morning Laughter; the Best Medicine

晴或雨

文 / 王国福

不管是晴天或雨天，「音乐氧生操」总是吸引了不同年龄、种族或宗教的居民，天天聚集在一起快快乐乐的做晨运。从星期一到星期六，早上9点至10点，居民们随着悦耳的音乐做运动；久而久之，来参加的人数也在不断增加。

听旁人常说，「音乐氧生操」看似一套不起眼的运动，但我敢向您保证其实它一点也不简单。伴随各种音乐，氧生操和缓地带动您的心律起伏，它也透过筋肉运动锻炼手脚灵活度。

我们的居民，尤其是老年人活力四射地拍打、搓揉、摆动着身体，这些动作一点都难不倒他们。更奇妙的是，在短短45分钟的运动中，这些居民看起来心平气和，呼吸起来匀而稳，做起运动毫不吃力。

其中的伸展动作，在配合适当的调息之后能帮助老人舒缓头脑和身体。他们也运用响棒和毛巾来带动各种动作。可别小看这些小工具, 好好使用的话能帮助身体关节转动，更能达到手脑并用的目的。

更令我感到意外的是，不少坐在轮椅上的老年朋友也来凑热闹。他们用心地跟随早操的动作，偶尔我们还能看见一些温馨的画面，那就是健康老人协助坐在轮椅上的朋友做比较难的动作，从而建立友谊。

我们都知道，早睡早起身体好。一起做运动不但能联系大家的友情，而且医学也证明常做运动的人会变得年轻精神。

所以，如果您也想保持健康、年轻的话，就让我们的居民陪着您一起做运动吧！

Morning Laughter; the Best Medicine

Text by: Bryan Ong

Rain or shine, since our Neighbourhood Link in Bukit Batok started operations, elderly folks of all races and religions have been gathering outside the premises, every Monday to Saturday morning, waiting to start their day right with a good workout.

Morning Music Therapy Exercise has never ceased since the day it started in 2003, and the number of participants keeps growing. Everyday, our volunteers take turns to lead the morning workout.

As more and more elderly folks gather together, it is a common sight to see lots of smiles and laughter throughout the outdoor area where the exercise is being held. Furthermore, when someone arrives, everyone will exchange auspicious greetings with the newcomer.

The entire exercise routine seems effortless to many passersby, but I can assure you that it’s no walk in the park for the weak. Music with a variety of rhythms is played throughout the entire workout, bringing one’s heartbeat up and down. A series of movements is taught, where one needs to coordinate both hands and legs movements all at the same time.

You will be surprised how lively our elderly folks can get when the music starts rolling. Punches, kicks, squats, these are some of the common movements repeated in the exercise. And surprisingly, no one seems to be out of breath anytime during the routine.

Accompanying the vigorous exercises, the workout consist of yet another less tedious side. Proper stretches, together with appropriate breathing, calms the mind and body of the elderly folks. Simple items such as wooden sticks and towels are also being used in the exercise routine to help increase blood circulation.

Seeing such captivating exercise, our wheelchair bound elderly friends also join in the fun. They can be seen trying with utmost effort to follow closely the movements of the workout. Occasionally, we can also see some heart warming sights, when other elderly folks assist their wheelchair bound friends with the trickier movements.

It’s a well known fact that those who work together hand-in-hand will bond together. Medical evidence confirms the health benefits of daily morning exercise. Not only does it keep one healthy, it makes one look younger as well.

So, if you want to improve your health, look good and enjoy the company of our friendly elderly folks, do join us!