Jakarta, IO – For years, exercise has always been associated with losing weight or achieving a more attractive physique. Today, health experts are emphasizing on a much bigger goal: maintaining and building muscle mass for long-term health.
Muscle health has become the new focus as sedentary lifestyles continue to increase. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly one-third of the world’s adults, around 1.8 billion people, do not get enough physical activity, increasing their risk of heart disease, diabetes, dementia, and several types of cancer.
A lack of regular exercise also accelerates age-related muscle loss, a natural decline in muscle mass that occurs as people get older. Beyond affecting appearance, muscle loss can reduce strength, weaken posture and balance, slow metabolism, compromise bone health, and make everyday activities more difficult over time.
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) identifies strength training as one of the most effective ways to preserve muscle mass, maintain physical function, and support healthy aging. As awareness grows, the conversation is shifting away from simply building bigger muscles toward improving muscle quality, often referred to as lean muscle.
Lean muscle is not about looking bulky. Instead, it describes strong, healthy muscles with a balanced body composition that helps the body move more efficiently, supports the joints, improves posture, and enhances overall quality of life.
The benefits of strength training also go well beyond physical appearance. Resistance training is proven to boost mood, reduce symptoms of stress and depression, and improve overall psychological well-being. Longevity physician and health expert Peter Attia has also highlighted muscle strength and muscle mass as important factors in maintaining health, physical function, and independence as people age.
This shift has fueled the rapid growth of the global wellness industry. According to the Global Wellness Institute, the global wellness economy was valued at US$6.3 trillion in 2023 and is projected to approach US$9 trillion by 2028. The growth is driven by increasing public interest in preventive healthcare, healthy aging, and long-term quality of life.
Reflecting this trend, Bodyform, a new fitness studio in Senopati, South Jakarta, has introduced a Pilates-inspired strength training concept that combines the precision, alignment, and body awareness of Pilates with controlled resistance training to build lean muscle and develop a stronger body.
Recovery is equally important for maintaining long-term health. According to dr. Angela Dalimarta, Sp.GK from CellScience, the body needs the right balance between exercise and recovery to function optimally over the years.
“People often focus solely on weight loss, when maintaining muscle strength and supporting the body’s recovery are just as important for preserving quality of life as we age,” she said.
Two Signature Classes: Bodyformer and Inferno
Bodyform’s signature Bodyformer class is based on Slow Resistance Training (SRT), a workout method that first gained popularity in Los Angeles. Designed to improve strength and movement quality through precise, controlled exercises, the class uses special equipment and applies the concept of time under tension to build lean muscle, strengthen the core, and improve balance, posture, and overall movement.
As Indonesia’s first Pilates-inspired studio to integrate real-time heart rate monitoring into every workout, Bodyform provides a more personalized, data-based training experience. During each Bodyformer session, participants can track key workout metrics, including heart rate, estimated calories burned, training zones, and exercise intensity.
Complementing its strength program, Bodyform also offers Inferno, a low-impact mat-based class held in a studio equipped with infrared heating technology. The infrared heat not only enhances the workout but also supports the body’s recovery process.
According to dr. Angela, infrared heat may help improve blood circulation, allowing oxygen and nutrients to be delivered more efficiently throughout the body while promoting energy levels and recovery. Combined with functional movement and strength exercises, Inferno offers a workout that is both effective and restorative.
As the first studio in Indonesia to offer both Slow Resistance Training and infrared hot mat classes, Bodyform provides a convenient fitness destination where members can enjoy both training methods in a single location.
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Bodyform Founder Stefanny Tam said the studio is designed to deliver effective workouts while remaining gentle on the joints. Each class is created to complement the other, providing a well-rounded training experience that helps maximize body sculpting results.
“At Bodyform, we want to change the way people think about exercise. Working out isn’t just about how we look today; it’s about how well we can move, function, and enjoy life for decades to come. Building strength is an investment in long-term quality of life,” Stefanny said.
With the vision of helping people achieve their healthiest, strongest bodies, Bodyform offers a premium fitness environment featuring professional instructors, smaller class sizes for more personalized guidance, and thoughtfully designed facilities that make every workout both comfortable and sustainable. (est)