Selebi-Phikwe residents embrace aerobics

CALISTUS KOLANTSHO
Correspondent | Friday June 11, 2010 00:00

 

Chairperson of the Fitness Aerobics Club at the Botswana Defence Force Eastern Military Garrison camp, Jacob Keipopele explained to The Monitor that the main goal of aerobics is to prevent illness and promote physical fitness.

'Formal aerobics classes are divided into different levels of intensity and complexity. Aerobics classes may allow participants to select their level of participation according to their fitness level. Many gyms offer a wide variety of aerobic classes for participants to take and each class is designed for a certain level of experience and taught by a certified instructor with a speciality area related to their particular class,' he said.

Keipopele said there are three clubs in Selebi-Phikwe at Makhubu Area Two, while another one was recently opened by town council employees. He said that his club recently hosted the national aerobathon that was attended by close to 200 participants. He explained that this number is low compared to last year's event due to transport problems.

He said aerobics is more popular with women as evidenced by their high numbers when compared to the male members. He said during wellness days his club is invited by both council and government departments to talk to employees about the importance of exercising.

Keipopele observed that most members of aerobics clubs are the youth and encouraged adults to enrol as well. 'Fitness is a continuous thing. Just look at me, I look younger because I train everyday. You also go an extra mile in everything that you decide to do when you are fit,' he remarked.

Ogomoditse Gaokgethelwe, a member of the Selebi-Phikwe Town Council aerobics club said they have close to 30 members in their club that was started a few months back. She however expressed disappointment at the low number of members and attributed this to the fees council employees are required to pay.

'Men should come forward and join as well. Aerobics does not require any talent. You just follow the instructor and you are fine. People must take into consideration that we are living in an era of many diseases and you become an easy target when you are not fit,' said Gaokgethelwe.

Makhubu Area Two club owner, Oratile Phemelo said she started her own club after realising that most people in Selebi-Phikwe had problems with the fitness club at the BDF camp due to transport problems.

'Ninety percent of the members at my club are females and I have realised that men are mostly into weight lifting. People must realise that aerobics is better when compared to weights or running because all muscles work.

Aerobics is also good for all ages, whether you are young or old,' she stressed.  

According to the internet, aerobics is a form of physical exercise that combines rhythmic aerobic exercise with stretching and strength training routines with the goal of improving all elements of fitness (flexibility, muscular strength and cardio-vascular fitness).

It is usually performed to music and may be practiced in a group setting, led by an instructor, although it can be done solo without musical accompaniment.