Zimbabwean Fitness Club Transforms Cemetery into Empowering Workout Space
A fitness club in Harare, Zimbabwe, known as Commandos Fitness Club, utilizes a cemetery as a workout venue for older adults to combat health issues. Founded by Joseph Nekati after his mother’s health crisis, the club promotes regular exercise among its members facing chronic conditions. With limited access to traditional gyms, the cemetery provides a safe, affordable space to help reduce the risks associated with non-communicable diseases prevalent in the region.
In Zimbabwe, a unique fitness initiative has emerged at a cemetery in Harare, where older individuals gather to engage in physical exercise. The Commandos Fitness Club, founded by Joseph Nekati, provides a space for participants to use the cemetery’s expansive paths for walking, stretching, and other workouts. This initiative seeks to improve the health of its approximately 20 members, many of whom face chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Joseph Nekati established the fitness club after firsthand experience with the health challenges faced by his mother, who suffered a stroke in 2023. Members utilize the cemetery not only for its spaciousness but also as a safer alternative to overcrowded streets or costly gym facilities. As many residents struggle to find affordable exercise options, this graveyard has become a vital refuge for those wishing to maintain their health.
Health experts have raised concerns over the increase in non-communicable diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes, attributed largely to poor diet and inadequate physical activity. Zimbabwe reports these diseases are responsible for roughly 40% of annual fatalities. Despite governmental efforts to promote healthier eating through a small tax on fast foods, many citizens still rely on inexpensive, unhealthy meal options.
Elderly Zimbabweans, such as 65-year-old Nelly Mutandwa, depend on the fitness club to remain active as they await the development of more suitable exercise facilities from local authorities. This innovative use of a gravesite highlights both the creativity and urgency faced by communities in addressing public health challenges.
The establishment of the Commandos Fitness Club in Harare reflects the pressing need for accessible health solutions in Zimbabwe. As various health issues escalate, especially among older populations, this initiative showcases a resourceful approach to fitness amid challenging circumstances. It underscores the importance of community engagement in coping with health crises, while simultaneously advocating for improved infrastructure for public fitness.
Original Source: globalsouthworld.com
