Zimbabwean Fitness Club Transforms Cemetery Into Lifesaving Workout Space

A fitness club in Zimbabwe has created a workout space at a cemetery, addressing the need for safe exercise options among older adults. Founded by Joseph Nekati after his mother experienced health issues, the club encourages exercise as a means to combat diseases. With rising health concerns and limited access to affordable gyms, this initiative seeks to promote fitness and health among seniors in Harare.

In Zimbabwe, a fitness club has innovatively transformed a cemetery into a workout space for older individuals seeking to maintain their fitness and combat illness. Each morning, members convene at a Harare graveyard, utilizing the ample pathways for walking, stretching, and various exercise routines. This unique initiative, started by Joseph Nekati following his mother’s stroke in 2023, has gathered around 20 members, including numerous seniors who attribute their improved health to regular exercise.

The Commandos Fitness Club aims to provide routine opportunities for exercise, especially as many Zimbabweans face challenges in finding safe and cost-effective places to work out. High gym fees and inadequate street conditions often compel individuals to resort to exercising in unsafe environments, such as alongside highways or near abandoned railway lines. Consequently, the cemetery has become a favored venue for this community.

Joseph Nekati, the club’s founder, emphasizes his commitment to aiding others in avoiding health issues similar to his mother’s experience. As the prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as heart disease and diabetes rises in Africa, these ailments account for roughly 40% of annual deaths in Zimbabwe. Experts highlight the detrimental impact of unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and substance abuse on public health, particularly among the youth.

Although the Zimbabwean government has initiated a minor tax on fast food items to promote healthier dietary choices, many citizens continue to prefer fast food for convenience and affordability. The increasing popularity of inexpensive and unhealthy meals, both from international chains and local vendors, further complicates the health landscape.

For the time being, older Zimbabweans, such as 65-year-old Nelly Mutandwa, depend on fitness clubs like Commandos to remain active. These individuals express hope that local authorities will eventually develop proper fitness facilities, providing healthier alternatives to exercising in graveyards.

In conclusion, the innovative approach by the Commandos Fitness Club to utilize a cemetery as a workout space represents a creative solution to the challenges of exercising safely and affordably in Zimbabwe. With the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases urging communities to adopt healthier lifestyles, this initiative highlights the dedication to improving health outcomes among older adults. The ongoing hope for improved fitness facilities indicates a pressing need for resources and support for public health in the region.

Original Source: globalsouthworld.com