A fitness club in Zimbabwe utilizes a cemetery as a workout space for older adults seeking to improve their health. Established by Joseph Nekati after a personal health crisis, the Commandos Fitness Club has attracted around 20 members who benefit from regular exercise. This initiative meets the pressing need for safe and affordable fitness options in a country struggling with rising rates of chronic diseases.
In Zimbabwe, a fitness club has converted a cemetery into a workout area aimed at older individuals striving to maintain their health and combat chronic illnesses. Each morning, a group meets in the Harare graveyard to engage in various exercises, utilizing the spacious pathways for walking, stretching, and other activities. This initiative, established by Joseph Nekati following his mother’s stroke in 2023, has garnered approximately 20 members, including many seniors who report improvements in managing ailments such as diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis.
The members of the Commandos Fitness Club utilize the cemetery’s extensive routes as part of their regular exercise routines to promote their well-being. This initiative addresses a significant issue in Zimbabwe, where many citizens often grapple with finding safe and affordable venues for physical activity. High costs associated with gym memberships and the poor condition of public streets discourage exercise, prompting some individuals to work out along highways or abandoned railway tracks. Consequently, the cemetery has emerged as a preferred exercise location for this group.
Joseph Nekati, the fitness club’s owner, emphasizes his commitment to helping others avoid the health challenges faced by his mother. Health professionals have noted a rising incidence of non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, which account for approximately 40% of fatalities in Zimbabwe. Factors contributing to this health crisis include poor nutrition, insufficient physical activity, and substance abuse, which increasingly affect younger populations as well.
Despite the Zimbabwean government’s implementation of a minimal tax on fast-food items—such as hamburgers, fries, and pastries—to promote healthier dietary habits, many citizens continue to opt for fast food due to its affordability. The growing popularity of inexpensive, unhealthy meal options from both international chains and local vendors poses significant nutritional challenges for the populace. Currently, seniors such as 65-year-old Nelly Mutandwa are depending on fitness clubs for their physical activity while advocating for local authorities to invest in establishing proper fitness facilities as an alternative to exercising amid graves.
The establishment of a fitness club within a cemetery in Zimbabwe reflects innovative adaptations to public health challenges. The initiative addresses the pressing need for safe exercise spaces, especially for older adults, amidst rising rates of non-communicable diseases. While efforts to promote healthier living practices face barriers, the success of the Commandos Fitness Club showcases the potential of community-led health initiatives.
Original Source: globalsouthworld.com
