TIMES MALAYSIA, JAKARTA – Wafaq, a student at the State Polytechnic of Malang from Blitar, has a different view on an active lifestyle. Not just doing regular exercise, Wafaq chooses extreme activities such as marathons and mountain climbing to maintain her physical and mental health.

For her, these activities are not just routines but also a health investment for old age. She admits that her interest in marathons initially came unexpectedly.

"At first, it was just a light run, just to move," she recalled. However, when she saw his friends covering longer distances, curiosity triggered him to try. "It turned out to be fun, now I'm addicted," she added. Mountain climbing also has its appeal for Wafaq.

"Climbing is my way to refresh from the hustle and bustle of the city and pollution. Fresh air and green scenery make the mind more relaxed," she said.

Overcoming Personal Challenges to Stay Consistent

Maintaining consistency takes work for Wafaq. She admits that the biggest challenge comes from within himself. "Laziness and boredom often arise, but the key is consistency," she said.

This 21 years-old often reminds himself of the long-term benefits of exercise in staying motivated. "I want to stay healthy until I'm old and be able to live a more productive life," she said.

Other inspirations come from figures he meets at various events. Wafaq once saw a 63-year-old grandmother running and an elderly couple still enthusiastic about climbing mountains.

"If those who are old can do it, why should we who are still young be lazy to move?" she said. This experience motivated him to maintain his enthusiasm for exercising.

Physical and Mental Preparation Before Climbing

Wafaq emphasizes the importance of thorough physical preparation for mountain climbing or marathons. According to her, a marathon is only an activity that can be done with training.

"There are many news stories about people experiencing health problems during marathons. Some even died. This may be due to lack of physical preparation or pushing themselves too hard," she explained.

Therefore, she constantly undergoes routine training to ensure her body is ready to face physical challenges.

In addition to physical, mental preparation is no less critical. According to Wafaq, mountain climbing is not just a physical journey but also a test of mental endurance.

He usually climbs with the "Tiktok" system—going up and down without spending the night—which requires time efficiency. "If you can go down faster, that's better. So, you must be mentally strong to face all conditions," she explained.

Wafaq's Mountain Climbing Tips

1. Routine Physical Exercise

Before climbing, Wafaq always trains her body. "It's important to have sufficient stamina and muscle strength," he said. She often jogs and does strength training to prepare her body for challenging terrain.

2. Bring the Right Logistics

Wafaq uses a minimalist approach to her belongings. Because she climbs with a TikTok system, she doesn't need to bring a tent. However, necessities such as water, snacks, and clothing that suit the weather remain a priority. "Excessive loads will only make you tired quickly," he added.

3. Study the Trail and Weather

Before climbing, she continuously checks the trail conditions and weather forecast. "The trail conditions and clear weather can make climbing safer," she said. He can postpone the trip if the weather is not supportive.

4. Strong Mentality

According to Wafaq, climbing a mountain requires mental resilience. "In the middle of the journey, there will be moments when we feel tired or bored. That's when our mentality is tested," she said. She emphasized the importance of maintaining a time target so that the trip runs smoothly.

5. Take Advantage of Technology

Wafaq uses an application to track steps and a smartwatch to monitor his body condition. This technology helps her understand her physical limits and maintain her climbing pace. "With technology, we can know when to rest and when to continue," she explained.

Maintaining Physical Activity for a Healthy Future

Wafaq believes that an active lifestyle at a young age is the best investment for the future. With regular exercise, she feels positive changes in her physical health. "I rarely get sick and am more positive in living my day," she said. Usually, the girl makes time to exercise for 1-2 hours a day, either in the morning or evening.

Despite her busy schedule, the girl continues to set new targets. She plans to take part in more marathon events, even abroad. "Indonesia also has many mountains that I haven't visited. I hope to be able to climb them all one by one," she said enthusiastically.

Wafaq's story teaches us that exercise benefits the body, increases happiness, and enriches experiences. Suppose you are interested in starting to exercise or trying new activities in small steps. (*)