The Commandos Fitness Club in Zimbabwe has converted a cemetery into a workout area for the elderly to enhance their health and combat diseases. Founded by Joseph Nekati, the club now serves around 20 members who have benefitted from regular exercise in an environment where safe, affordable fitness options are scarce. This approach aims to address the rise in non-communicable diseases in Zimbabwe, while also calling attention to the need for proper fitness facilities.
In Zimbabwe, a fitness club has transformed a cemetery in Harare into a workout venue, catering specifically to older adults aiming to maintain their health and combat disease. Each morning, a dedicated group utilizes the cemetery’s spacious paths for exercises such as walking and stretching. Joseph Nekati, who founded the Commandos Fitness Club following his mother’s stroke in 2023, now serves approximately 20 community members, many of whom report improvements in managing chronic health issues like diabetes and high blood pressure.
The members have adopted the lengthy routes around the graves for their routine physical activity, a necessity given the limited availability of safe and affordable exercise options in Zimbabwe. Traditionally, gyms impose high fees, and public streets tend to be overcrowded or poorly maintained. Consequently, some individuals resort to performing workouts near highways or derelict train tracks, making the cemetery a preferred alternative.
Joseph Nekati emphasizes that his initiative aims to prevent others from experiencing health declines similar to his mother’s. Health officials have identified a significant rise in non-communicable diseases across Africa, which are responsible for 40% of annual fatalities in Zimbabwe. Factors such as poor nutrition, insufficient physical activity, and substance misuse have exacerbated these health challenges, affecting even younger populations.
In response to the rising health concerns, Zimbabwe’s government has enacted a minor tax on fast food items to promote healthier dietary choices. Despite this effort, many individuals continue to rely on fast food as an expedient source of sustenance. The prevalence of inexpensive and unhealthy meal options from both international chains and local vendors has surged in urban areas.
At present, older citizens like 65-year-old Nelly Mutandwa depend on fitness clubs to remain active. They express hope that local government will take steps to create proper fitness facilities, thus providing alternatives to exercising in a cemetery.
In summary, the innovative approach adopted by the Commandos Fitness Club highlights a community-driven solution to health challenges faced by the elderly in Zimbabwe. By utilizing a cemetery as a workout venue, the club addresses the need for accessible exercise facilities amidst rising non-communicable diseases. The initiative not only promotes physical health but also fosters a sense of community among older adults striving to lead healthier lives.
Original Source: globalsouthworld.com
