This month’s highlight:

February 14, 2010 Chinese New

Year / Valentines Day

House Rules

Who’s new?

Food for Thought

Popeye Powerhouse

Birthday Babies
Gong Xi Fa Chai… Ang Pau Na Lai
(Happy Chinese New Year…Ang Pau come)

There are just so many symbols when

relating to Chinese New Year. There are the
colour red, the lion dances, the ang pows, the
fire crackers and so on and so forth.

But what’s far more important than all

the above is the unity of the family. With this
said…I would like to wish everyone in the
family of True Fitness regardless of race and
religion, a very Happy and Prosperous
Chinese New Year.

Oh and Happy Valentines’ Day too. Love

is in the air this month…

With lots and lots of LOVE

Lorraine Kan
 February 14, 2010 Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year 2010, year of the Tiger Falls on February

14th and coincidently it coincides with Valentine's Day
Put together for your reading pleasure.
If you didn’t know, let’s read up. Some fairy tale stories u may or
may not know about Chinese New Year.

A Story about the 12 Chinese New Year Animals

The Chinese New Year Story - The Colour Red and Fireworks

The Story of Nian

A Story About The 12 Chinese New Year Animals

This is a story from China. It is about twelve animals of the zodiac: a dog, a pig, a rat,
an ox, a tiger, a hare, a dragon, a snake, a horse, a ram, a monkey and a cockerel.

One day the twelve animals were having an argument. They wanted every year to have
a name. 'I think that this year should be named after me,' barked the dog. 'It should
be called the year of the Dog.'

'No.' gibbered the monkey, 'I think this year should be named after me.' said the
monkey. 'It should be called the Year of the Monkey.'

'No, no,' breathed the dragon. 'This year should be named after me. It should be called
the Year of the Dragon.'

The gods were listening. They heard the animals arguing. 'Stop arguing,' demanded
one of the gods. The dog stopped arguing. The monkey stopped arguing. The dragon
stopped arguing. They all stopped arguing and listened. The gods boomed, 'Can you
see the big river? You must have a race across the big river. We will name this year
after the winner of the race.'

So, all the animals lined up on the bank of the river ready for the race. They're off! The
animals jumped into the water and swam as fast as they could towards the other side.

The ox was very strong and he could swim very fast. Soon he was in front of all the
other animals; but the rat was very clever. He grabbed the ox's tail and climbed onto his
back. The ox didn't know he was there.
 February 14, 2010 Chinese New Year

The ox thought he was going to win the race.

Just before the ox got to the other side, the rat
jumped off the ox's back onto the grass and
won the race.

'Yippee! Hoorah!' shouted the rat, 'I'm first.'

The ox was very surprised. 'How did you do

that?' he asked, but the rat only laughed.

The gods laughed too and said, 'The rat is the

winner. We will call this year the Year of the
Rat. The ox was second, so next year will be
called the year of the Ox.

All the other animals finished the race. The tiger was third, the hare was fourth, the
dragon was fifth, the snake was sixth, the horse was seventh, the ram was eighth, the
monkey was ninth, the cockerel was tenth, the dog was eleventh and the pig was last.

The gods decided that each year would be named after one of the animals in the race.
The animals didn't argue any more. They were very happy, especially the rat because
he had won the race.

The Story of Nian

Our friend, Chou told Will and Guy this story about the beast, that lives under the sea
or in the mountains, who often appears on New Year's eve to attack people, particularly
children - however, as luck may have it some things frighten him.

A long time ago during the age of great floods, and when the world was not a safe
place, there was a vicious monster named Nian. Whenever the thirtieth day of the last
lunar month arrived this monster would rise up out of the sea or he would come down
from the mountains killing people and wreaking havoc in their fields and gardens. The
people would bar their doors before dark and sit up all night, terrified. The next day
they would leave their homes to greet their neighbours and congratulate them on
surviving.
 February 14, 2010 Chinese New Year

Once on the last night of the last month, legend has it, Nian suddenly burst into a
small village devouring almost all the people who lived there. Only two families
emerged unscathed.

The first were a newlywed couple who avoided harm because their celebratory red
wedding clothes resembled fire to the monster, so it did not dare to approach them.

The other family was unharmed because their children were playing outside setting off
noisy firecrackers and the noise scared the monster away.

Ever since then Chinese people have worn red clothes, set off firecrackers and put up
red decorations on New Year's Eve to keep the vicious monster Nian away.

The Chinese New Year Story - The Colour Red and Fireworks

At the Chinese New Year red is important. People wear red clothes, they write poems
on red paper, and give children 'luck money' in red envelopes. The symbolism
behind the red colour is fire, and fire burns off bad luck. As for fireworks one belief
is that the cracker jacks and sparks frighten away evil spirits.

After the fireworks at the beginning of the celebration of the Chinese new year,
comes the more tranquil Lantern Festival on the last day of the festivities. Most
Lantern parades feature a dragon made of silk and bamboo. The dancers hold the
monstrous dragon aloft on sticks. Their coordination skills make the dragon appear
to dance.
 February 14, 2010 Valentines’ Day

Roses are red

Violets are blue
Sugar is sweet
And so are you…..
Love is in the air. Come Valentines Day, where love is in the air… let’s check out one of
the most sought after flower, THE ROSE. Read all about the colours and meaning

rose color symbolism

While every flower has a wonderful story to tell, the rose stands alone in its

abundant history and color meaning. So much so that we couldn’t resist giving it

a little preferential treatment and dedicating a separate space to its rich

symbolism.

Used for hundreds of years to convey messages without words, roses have long

been a symbol of confidentiality - the Latin expression sub rosa (literally "under
the rose") means something told in secret.

Regardless of color, their unique beauty and subtle fragrance convey a message
guaranteed to elicit delight from the recipient and envy from others. If you’re
looking for a way to add a little extra sentiment to your silent message of
affection, HERE is a list of the meanings associated with the different colours of
roses
 February 14, 2010 Valentines’ Day

Red Representing true love stronger than thorns, the red rose is

known universally as the lover’s rose. There’s nothing secret about the red

rose’s symbolism of love. Valentine’s Day would hardly exist without this

bold and dramatic bloom. Red roses are the traditional symbol for love

and romance, and a time-honored way to say "I love you." A bouquet of

red roses is the perfect way to express your deep feelings for someone

special.

White Representing, humility, purity and innocence, the white

rose - often referred to as the bridal rose - is associated with young love.

In Scotland, when the white rose bloomed in autumn, it was seen as a

token of early marriage. Also symbolizing truth and reverence, it sends a

message of loyalty and says "I am worthy of you."

Yellow While in Victorian times, the yellow rose symbolized

jealousy, today it represents friendship, joy and caring. A bouquet of

these sun-filled blossoms conveys warmth, gladness and affection.

Yellow with Red Tip - Falling in Love

pink Symbolizing gentility, femininity, elegance and refinement, the

pink rose also carries additional meanings depending on its hue. A deep

pink conveys gratitude and appreciation, while pale shades connote grace
and gentleness, admiration and happiness.

orange With their warm, vibrant tones, orange roses symbolize

enthusiasm and desire. If you’re looking for a way to express admiration

and attraction - with an underlying message of passion and excitement -

then send a bouquet filled with these fiery blooms.
 February 14, 2010 Valentines’ Day

lilac & purple Thought to be almost mystical in

nature, with symbolism tied to enchantment, desire and even

proceeding cautiously, it’s not surprising that lilac and purple roses
send a message of love at first sight,

A great Valentine flower.

multi-colored roses
In some instances - usually when mixing red with another color rose -

you can send additional messages with your choice of bouquet. For

example, a combination of red and yellow roses conveys gaiety and

happiness, while a mix of red and white roses symbolizes unity

Still more rose symbolism

As if color weren’t enough to express your innermost thoughts, there
are still more ways that roses can convey your message. For

example, while fresh flowers in a bouquet - like roses in full bloom-

express deep gratitude, a single rose says “I still love you.” A bouquet

of rosebuds - representing innocent love - says “you are forever

young and beautiful.” And a thornless rose says “love at first sight,”
while the tea rose says “I’ll remember you always.”

Want to know more check out this web page :

http://www.proflowers.com/flowerguide/rosemeanings
 House Rules

This message is from the management

PROHIBITION ON TAKING OF VIDEOS OR PICTURES

IN ANY TRUE FITNESS ESTABLISHMENTS

Dear Instructors,

It has been brought to my attention by members that an

Instructor recorded videos and took pictures during classes were
being conducted.

Please be instructed that you are STRICTLY PROHIBITED

FROM TAKING VIDEOS OR PICTURES during classes unless
for launches, theme classes and video certifications that
have been approved by the management.

The management will not hesitate to take action against you up

to dismissal without giving you notice.

Thank you for your co operation.

The Management
Who’s New

Who’s this Tai Ko….

Oh…it’s DANIEL LEO.
Please welcome Daniel into True
Fitness as our GXC Pavillion with
effect 1st February 2010

As we all welcome our new GXC

Daniel, let’s not forget to wish our
Taipan GXC Annie Liew farewell as
she continues her journey. We wish
her well…

R2 who’s our GXC in Pavillion will be taking over the Taipan club
with effective 1st February 2010.
 Food for Thought

Popeye’s Powerhouse
For those who grew up in the 1960s and 1970s, a cartoon character by the name of Popeye
encouraged kids to eat their vegetables. Popeye grew stronger every time he ate spinach from a
can. The cartoon character actually made his debut in 1919 and was a popular feature in the 1930s,
long before the television cartoon series aired 50 years ago.

Popeye popularized the notion that spinach contains lots of iron and eating it will make you
stronger.

Nonetheless, spinach still is a high iron food, providing about 35% of the daily value in a single half-
cup serving. Spinach is truly an understated nutritional powerhouse vegetable, because iron is just
one of the many vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and antioxidants in a mere half cup of this
vegetable. It is no wonder spinach is often referred to as a Superfood.

If spinach had an ingredient label, you would find listed:

Iron -- builds hemoglobin which transports oxygen through our blood to the brain. Red meat
contains more iron, but calorie count per gram of iron is much higher.

Manganese needed for enzymatic reactions and healthy bone and cartilage.

Vitamin K -- important to bone formation and blood clotting. A single serving contains 200
percent of the recommended daily value. Those on blood thinning medications (warfarin
specifically) should limit intake to no more than 1/2 cup per day to assure the medication works
optimally.

Beta carotene -- antioxidant has cardiovascular health benefits, reduces risk of cancer, may
reduce risk of cataracts and improves immune function.
Food for Thought

More Benefits of Spinach:-

Neoxanthine and neochromes -- carotenoid compounds with antioxidant

activity that target and promote destruction of prostate cancer cells.

Lutein and zeanthine -- carotenoids that protect the eyes from ultra-violet
light and reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration. Lutein is fat-
soluble, so adding a little olive oil to a spinach salad or sauted spinach
improves the bodys ability to use it.

Methlenedioxyflavonol glucoronides -- flavonoids with antioxidant activity

slow the division of cancer cells such as stomach, breast and skin cancers.

Kaempferol -- flavanoid linked to reduced ovarian cancer risk.

Glutathione -- acts as an antioxidant, antitoxin and an enzyme cofactor to

enhance immune function.

Folate and betane - both lower homocysteine, a blood chemical that can
damage arteries and increase risk of heart disease.

Calcium and magnesium -- both help build bone. Magnesium also can lower
blood pressure and is linked to better blood sugar control for people with
diabetes.

Vitamin C important to wound healing and healthy tissue, works as

antioxidant that may help prevent colon cancer and is widely believed, but
not proven, to help prevent chronic disease. Must be replenished daily, is
highest is fresh spinach greens and reduced somewhat when cooked.

Protein peptides -- isolated in the Robisco variety of spinach; may help lower
blood pressure like an ACE inhibitor.

Riboflavin along with magnesium has been linked to reduced migraine

incidence.

Vitamin E -- reduces risk of cognitive decline.

Co-enzyme Q -- acts like Vitamins E and K in our body and is usually is

derived from meats. Spinach and broccoli are the only two vegetables
known to contain Co-enzyme Q.
 Birthday Babies

WITH LOVE…Happy Birthday