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A busy corporate life need not be a deterrent to a fitter and healthier life, it could also be a way to shape up.
Leading the way are female employees of the Gulf Petrochemicals Industries Company (GPIC) in Sitra who are collaborating on a first-time initiative to tackle their health and fitness issues over the next three months.
Along with medical experts, company nutritionist and a fitness instructor, 35 ladies have undergone a health check, been measured, provided nutritional guidance and have set personal goals and targets with an aim to tone up and win a number of prizes.
The programme is led by Michelle Deaville-Davies, executive office administrator in the general manager's office, who was a former fitness trainer in the UK. Michelle, 42, said that underpinning the entire exercise was the desire to socialise while getting fit.
She said: "I wanted to get fit again and I thought this was a good way to get back into a regime and it could also be a great team effort.
"While I benefit from the group energy others can also gain from the routine that I used to practice years ago.
"We are women of all ages. Some of the group members have never exercised before while some others have simply never been on a proper fitness routine.
"We are focussing on encouraging a healthier lifestyle for all GPIC ladies and will cover as many areas as possible.
"This includes information on what we eat and the nutritional value gained from healthier foods, along with an achievable fitness routine for today's modern woman."
Fun is also part of the schedule and the enterprising women have been on a Hummer ride and a VIP tour of Bahrain International Circuit and are also planning healthy buffets and barbecues and a trip to the Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park.
Every Wednesday the ladies get together at the well-equipped GPIC Club in Eker where they do a mix of step circuit training exercises using hand weights for a complete lower and upper body workout, stomach and waist workout to achieve weight loss or gain, build stamina, strengthening and toning.
Further encouraging the ladies are prizes for 'best achiever', 'best attendance', 'dedication and commitment', 'best effort and enthusiasm' and 'best team player'.
GPIC has also been generous enough to include a guest, the mother of a former GPIC colleague who passed away.
A grateful Fatima Ali Thomas said that it has been a great opportunity for her to de-stress, socialise and be happy.
Hanan Hassan Al Maskati, training and development superintendent, who has been part of the company for more than 27 years, said: "Fitness is only one part of the entire exercise. It is more for our staff to socialise and interact with each other. Very often they are in different buildings and departments and only communicate professionally through phone calls and e-mails. This programme has helped the ladies to meet and get to know each other better.
"It helps them improve their relationships at work while also getting them to take the lessons and practises back home to their families and their children.
"Most importantly, I believe it is helping the women in our company to gain confidence in expressing themselves, looking and feeling better and this is reflected in their work environment."
GPIC employs around 40 women in the administrative, financial and IT departments. The programme included an invitation to part-time female employees.
