| Lyna Mohamad |
WITH positive reviews for its preview classes, Shine Cycle Studio is poised to be a place where everyone is like one big family, regardless of who you are.
Owned by Her Royal Highness Princess ‘Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah, the studio located in Sumbangsih Bahagia was officially opened to the public yesterday afternoon.
The opening was graced with the presence of Her Royal Highness Princess ‘Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah and Her Royal Highness Princess Fadzilah Lubabul Bolkiah as well as other members of the royal family who also joined in the afternoon spinning class.
In an interview with the Bulletin, Her Royal Highness Princess ‘Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah said that the idea came from a boutique studio in London called the Cycle.
“We thought that it would be a great idea to bring to Brunei. It is not just a gym, but it kind of blends into your lifestyle. It also gives people a choice too, making it another place to stop by,” said Her Royal Highness Princess ‘Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah.
“I think the energy that we received over the last two days for the preview classes was amazing. Everybody emerged from the classes, interacting and encouraging each other, so that was really positive and great to see,” Her Royal Highness Princess ‘Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah added.
Her business partner, Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Muda Bahar, said that they were really eager to introduce the concept to Brunei, after witnessing it for themselves in London, the United States and Thailand.
“We wanted to bring that kind of boutique back to Brunei, so that it could help raise fitness awareness through something people could do a bit differently,” he added.
Her Royal Highness Princess ‘Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah also pointed out that those actively involved in competitive sports have to keep fit by incorporating a fitness regimen into their daily lives.
Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Muda Bahar added that they trained very hard for their participation in the 2017 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, where he and Her Royal Highness Princess ‘Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah were members of the Brunei Polo Team.
“It was great to be part of that big team, and hopefully it will influence a lot of the younger people to take up competitive sports, while always striving to be fitter and healthier. Not only does this improve fitness, but also discipline. You travel the world, you train with the best, you compete against the best and that’s how you improve as a person as well,” he said.
Meanwhile, Barbara Chancey, the owner of Indoor Cycle Design, who was appointed as the consultant for the setting up of Shine Cycle, said that the studio is basically a second home for everyone, regardless of their age and background.
“Whether you are – that little tiny glow stack or a beautiful fireworks explosion – when you walk in the door, you are valued, you are respected, and there is no judgement. So when you walked into the door, you are immediately greeted and accepted,” Chancey said.
The Shine Cycle etiquette also comes with a digital detox, where members can recharge their mind and rediscover the art of human interaction. This is why the lockers are paired with USB chargers, so that members can put the phone up and understand how what it feels like to be actually engaged.
Chancey also said that the studio embodies Her Royal Highness Princess ‘Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah’s goal of helping Bruneians do away with depression, anxiety and disappointment through natural endorphins and the power of positivity.
“The sun is always shining in some part of your life, so no matter what you have going on, no matter how bad life is, there is some part of your life that is shining. We don’t care what you wear, we don’t care what you look like, we just want you to join our happy family with no judgement,” Chancey said.
“From the friendly front desk staff at Shine Cycle, all the way to the amazing janitorial team, your life gets better the minute you walk in that door; and with its mission, goal and philosophy, it can make one hour of your life a little better.”