Elderly and retired women from Thohoyandou Block F and the surrounding area enjoyed a health and fitness day, on Monday, 15 May. The event, which formed part of Mother's Day this past Sunday, was organised by Ma-Aerobics, a non-governmental organisation, with Ms Adelaide Mashila as the coach and instructor.
The participants were taken on a fun walk, did some aerobics and received valuable tips on a healthy lifestyle by local doctors and specialists. The 5km fun walk started and ended at Block F's CTM Sports Centre, on to Block G, and all the way back to the sports centre. More than 50 women took part in this health exercise.
"We have found that retired people often develop illnesses because their bodies are no longer active. A 58-year-old, non-active retiree will look older than a 66-year-old pensioner. Exercising makes you feel fitter and can reduce some of these illnesses and diseases, like high blood pressure (BP) and diabetes, among others."
Mashila said that Monday's campaign was their first, and they were proud to say that it turned out to be a successful event. "We were not sure whether everyone would be able to complete the whole 5km walk, but all of them, including those walking on crutches, made it," she said.
Granny Judith Mphephu (74) from Thohoyandou Block F, who also attended the event, said that, after joining Ma-Aerobics at the CTM Sports Centre in the beginning of April this year, her health had been improving every day. "Before joining Ma-Aerobics, my right leg was swollen, but after just one month I am able to walk from one point to another," she said proudly.
Mashila invites more elderly women, unemployed women and pensioners, to join Ma-Aerobics at the CTM Sports Centre. For more information, call Mashila on 082 370 0033 or Dr Murovhi on 079 968 3706.