Zimbabwean Fitness Club Innovatively Transforms Cemetery into Workout Venue for Seniors
The Commandos Fitness Club in Zimbabwe has repurposed a cemetery into a training ground for older individuals seeking fitness and health improvement. Established by Joseph Nekati after his mother’s stroke, the club now serves approximately 20 members. In a context where traditional exercise facilities are limited and fast food is prevalent, this initiative provides a relevant solution to combat rising health issues.
In Zimbabwe, a unique initiative by the Commandos Fitness Club has transformed a cemetery in Harare into a fitness venue for the elderly seeking to improve their health and combat disease. Each morning, participants gather at the gravesite to engage in physical activities like walking and stretching, utilizing the cemetery’s expansive pathways for their exercise routines.
Founded by Joseph Nekati in response to his mother’s stroke in 2023, the club now boasts around 20 members, many of whom are older adults. These individuals report significant health benefits, such as better management of conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis, attributed to their commitment to regular exercise.
Finding suitable and affordable places for physical fitness has become increasingly difficult for many citizens in Zimbabwe. Gyms often present a financial burden, while the poor condition and congestion of public roads make outdoor workouts challenging. The cemetery, therefore, emerges as a favored alternative, offering a tranquil and safe environment for exercise.
Joseph Nekati emphasizes the importance of this initiative, aiming to prevent others from experiencing health problems like those faced by his mother. Health experts have raised alarms regarding the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases, including heart disease and diabetes, which account for 40% of annual deaths in Zimbabwe. Poor dietary habits, a sedentary lifestyle, and substance abuse exacerbate these health issues, affecting even younger individuals.
Despite government measures, such as a minor tax on fast food, the population continues to gravitate towards cheap and unhealthy meal options, contributing to the growing obesity epidemic. As fast food outlets proliferate in urban areas, older residents like Nelly Mutandwa, 65, depend on fitness clubs to remain active while hoping for improved local amenities that promote healthier lifestyles beyond exercising in cemeteries.
The Commandos Fitness Club in Zimbabwe exemplifies an innovative approach to fitness, effectively utilizing a cemetery as a training ground for elderly individuals aiming to improve their health amid limited options. While the initiative addresses immediate health needs, it underscores a broader public health challenge related to non-communicable diseases and the popularity of fast food in urban environments. Continued advocacy for better fitness infrastructure and healthier dietary choices is essential to enhance the health outcomes of Zimbabweans.
Original Source: globalsouthworld.com
