Zimbabwe Cemetery Fitness Club: Defying Death Through Exercise
The Commandos Fitness Club in Harare is fostering community health among older adults by providing a unique workout space in a cemetery. Amid rising non-communicable diseases, members engage in daily exercise routines to improve their health and combat sedentary lifestyles, seeking alternatives amidst scarce resources. With a focus on community support and shared goals, the club promotes healthier living among seniors.
In Harare, Zimbabwe, the Commandos Fitness Club offers a unique solution for older adults seeking fitness amid limited resources. Nelly Mutandwa and other members, aged 65 and above, gather in a local cemetery for an hour-long workout featuring squats and lunges, all motivated by a desire to combat non-communicable diseases like diabetes. For these individuals, exercising in the cemetery symbolizes a commitment to better health and longevity.
Given the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases in Zimbabwe, where such conditions account for nearly 40% of annual deaths, community-led initiatives are becoming vital. With traditional gym facilities rare, older patients are turning to unconventional exercise venues. Dr. Johannes Marisa highlights a concerning trend: younger demographics are increasingly diagnosed with these diseases, driven by sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary habits fueled by urban fast-food access.
In response to urgent health concerns, Zimbabwe’s Finance Minister announced a modest tax on unhealthy foods to promote better dietary choices. Amid this backdrop, the Commandos Fitness Club emerges as a supportive environment where members not only enhance their physical health but also foster community ties. Under the guidance of trainer Joseph Nekati, club participants experience physical improvements that motivate them and others in their neighborhoods.
Participants like Susan Gomo have reported remarkable personal health transformations since joining the club. After a significant weight loss, Gomo finds that her involvement in group exercise inspires peers to consider active lifestyles. Nelly Mutandwa, seeking safer exercise options, found the cemetery to be a perfect environment—spacious, serene, and secure for workouts among peers.
Overall, the Commandos Fitness Club reflects a proactive community response to a burgeoning health crisis. The supportive environment helps older Zimbabweans engage in physical activity, fostering resilience against the challenges posed by both non-communicable diseases and lifestyle limitations. The club is a testament to the determination of its members to live smarter and healthier lives, even in unconventional circumstances.
The Commandos Fitness Club operates in response to a notable health crisis in Zimbabwe, where non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are on the rise, accounting for a substantial portion of annual deaths. NCDs include illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, which have become increasingly prevalent among younger populations. With traditional gyms limited and urban diets contributing to these health issues, alternative exercise options like the Commandos Fitness Club provide essential community support for older adults seeking healthier lifestyles amidst rising health concerns.
The emergence of the Commandos Fitness Club within a Harare cemetery highlights the innovative approaches that older Zimbabweans are taking to combat health issues. Through supportive community exercise, they are addressing the challenges posed by non-communicable diseases. As urban health crises grow, such initiatives could be crucial for improving public health, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Original Source: apnews.com
