FITNESS FANATICS PARTICIPATED IN THE MASS AEROBICS EVENT

FITNESS FANATICS PARTICIPATED IN THE MASS AEROBICS EVENT

By Thato Matshidiso

 Aerobics enthusiasts across the province gather for mass aerobics in Mahikeng,Mmabatho Stadium. Photo : Kabelo Selebogo. 

The mood was very high at Mmabatho Stadium when fitness fanatics from across the North West Province came in full force to attend and participate in the Mass Aerobics event held over the past weekend.

As part of the mandate of the Department of Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation to promote and develop sport and recreation in the North West Province, children as young as 5 years old also took part in the aerobics sessions which also included young and old people.  

Mass Aerobics is a recreational activity with objective of keeping people active. Regular physical activity has health benefits such as potent stress buster, keep weight balance and lowers the risk of developing major chronic diseases. Additional benefits includes increased energy, stronger bones and muscles and improves sleep.

They are a form of physical exercise that combines with stretching and strength training routines with the goal of improving all elements of fitness which is flexibility, muscular strength and cardio-vascular fitness.

The Mass Aerobics was coupled with Vooma Vaccination campaign, where people were able to receive their vaccination and other activities included testing and screening by the Department of Health.

          More action captured during mass aerobics on Saturday, 05 January 2022 in                     Mahikeng, Mmabatho Stadium. Photo : Kabelo Selebogo.

The Director of Recreation Management Mr Wessels Morweng said that “Physical exercise and activity promotes strong muscles and bones. It is important that we stay active so that we can maintain a healthy living lifestyle.”

“The aim of Sport and Recreation is to maximise access, development and excellence at all levels of participation in order to improve social cohesion, nation building and the quality of life for all South Africans” said Mr Morweng

“We arranged a Mass Aerobics Event, to bring the Fitness Instructors and participants in one ground where they are able to exercise together. We are happy that the event was a success, as the fitness people headed our call. This is to ensure that we promote healthy lifestyle” said Mr Morweng

Mr Jackie Motshabi who is a participant from Dr Kenneth Kaunda District “I am very happy to be part of the Mass Aerobics Event as I am a fitness fanatic myself. I was 150 kg before I joined the aerobics club and had health aliments. I am now at 78 kg and very strong and healthy at the age of 68 years. I would like to encourage older people to be active every day, this will reduce diseases like high blood pressure, cholesterol and other health related illnesses.”

A fitness instructor Ms Nomhle Mbambane said “We are all busy as people but we need a fitness solution that will work for our time-strapped lifestyles. We are able to tailor make the fitness programme to fit and individual’s needs and requirements. We do not only do a one fit all programme.” “ Our Club also train young children as well to reduce obesity and to instil positive living in them, since the current children are no longer as active as  the previous generation.” Further said Ms Mbambane 

The SATMA Award winning Nomtiti Cultural Ensemble from Mafikeng also attended the event to entertain the attendees. “Cultural dance and fitness is one and the same thing. I am happy that the participants are able to experience what we do on daily basis. Fitness is not easy, it requires commitment” said Mr Mothusi Taupedi Manager of Nomititi Cultural Ensemble.