From run clubs to pickleball: FitVibes 2.0 reflects Malaysia's growing appetite for community-led wellness
Increasingly, Malaysians are turning to community-based activities that combine movement with social connection.
GONE are the days when staying fit meant a solo gym session and not much else. Increasingly, Malaysians are turning to community-based activities — run clubs, pickleball leagues, mobility classes, recovery workshops — that combine movement with social connection.
That shift was visible at FitVibes 2.0 organised by LAC, held recently at The Parc, Subang. The event's second edition saw ticket sales grow by nearly 50 per cent from its 2025 debut, while a pickleball championship held alongside it drew more than 300 participants.
The day's programme leaned into variety over intensity. A 5km community run by Turbo Run Club kicked things off, followed by a dance fitness session from Groove Society and strength and mobility training led by PJ Collective. For those after something slower, there was sunrise yoga and a breathwork and sound bath session by Savy Ho.
Wellness wasn't limited to movement either. Participants could try a personalised aromastone workshop, a facial meridian session, and even an acrylic sand painting workshop — activities less about fitness in the traditional sense and more about the broader idea of feeling good.
Recovery, in particular, stood out as a theme. Where wellness culture once centred almost entirely on pushing harder, more people are now paying equal attention to rest, stress management and sustainability — treating recovery as part of the routine rather than an afterthought.
Supporting the event were partners and communities including BAM & CO, Footer, Hub Hub, Skincovery, Montigo, Lab.it, Riasu and Dao Desserts.
The pickleball side of the event reflected a trend that's been building for a while. Malaysia is reportedly the second-fastest growing pickleball market in the world right now, with player numbers climbing nearly 60 per cent over a recent 90-day stretch and more than 400 clubs now active across the country.
At the championship, open to players aged 28 and above across novice and intermediate brackets, the prize pool topped RM37,000 including LAC products.
LAC Malaysia general manager Patrick Fam said consumers are no longer approaching wellness through a single activity or routine.
"Someone who joins a run club may also be exploring mobility training, recovery practices, social sports like pickleball and nutritional support as part of their overall wellbeing journey.
"As wellness becomes increasingly community-driven, we see an opportunity to create platforms that bring together different communities, making it easier for people to discover new experiences, learn from one another and build sustainable habits that fit naturally into their lifestyles," he said.
LAC Malaysia said the response to FitVibes 2.0 reinforces its commitment to community-driven wellness experiences.
Through LAC Community, its newly launched wellness platform, the brand plans to continue bringing together wellness experts, community partners and consumers, with further activations planned for the year ahead.
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