In Harare, Zimbabwe, an unconventional fitness initiative is taking root, transforming a space of remembrance into a hub of health and wellness. The Commandos Fitness Club has found an unlikely home in a local cemetery, where members gather daily to combat the rising threat of non-communicable diseases through exercise.
An Unconventional Gym
Nelly Mutandwa, a 65-year-old resident of Harare, begins her day not with a somber visit to the cemetery, but with an energetic workout. She joins fellow members of the Commandos Fitness Club amidst the gravestones, participating in an hour-long session of squats, lunges, and stretches set to the rhythm of upbeat music.
For Mutandwa, this routine is more than just exercise; it’s a lifeline in managing her diabetes. “They are resting,” she says, gesturing towards the graves. “I just don’t want to join them yet. That means I have to do the hard work here.”
Addressing a Growing Health Crisis
The fitness club’s unique location highlights a pressing issue in Zimbabwe and across sub-Saharan Africa: the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). These diseases, including heart problems, high blood pressure, and diabetes, are rapidly becoming the leading cause of death and illness, surpassing communicable diseases like HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, and cholera.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), NCDs are predicted to be the primary cause of mortality in sub-Saharan Africa by 2030. In Zimbabwe, the Ministry of Health and Child Care reports that NCDs currently account for approximately 40% of annual deaths.
A Community Response
The Commandos Fitness Club represents a grassroots effort to address this growing health crisis. With limited access to traditional fitness facilities like gyms, many Zimbabweans, particularly older adults, are finding creative ways to incorporate exercise into their daily lives. Some exercise along highways or disused railway lines, while others, like Mutandwa, have found a welcoming space in the cemetery.
The Genesis of Commandos Fitness Club
Joseph Nekati, the coach of the Commandos Fitness Club, was inspired to start the group after his mother suffered a stroke in 2023. Witnessing the impact of NCDs firsthand motivated him to create a free fitness club accessible to everyone in the community.
The club has become a sanctuary for fitness enthusiasts of all ages, with a significant number of older adults among its roughly 20 members. Nekati’s initiative provides a supportive environment where people can prioritize their health and well-being.
From the UK to Zimbabwe: A Personal Journey
Nelly Mutandwa’s journey to the Commandos Fitness Club began during a visit to her daughter in the United Kingdom in 2022. While there, she developed a habit of power walking. Upon returning to Zimbabwe, she sought to continue her exercise routine but faced challenges such as potholed roads and crowded streets.
She initially opted for solo walks on a nearby hill but felt unsafe. It was last year that she discovered the fitness club operating in the cemetery, where a well-maintained path offered a safe and convenient workout space. Together with three of her neighbors, she approached Nekati and was welcomed into the group.
More Than Just Exercise
The Commandos Fitness Club offers more than just physical exercise; it provides a sense of community and purpose. For many members, the daily workout is a social activity that combats isolation and promotes mental well-being.
Defying Death, One Step at a Time
The cemetery, a place typically associated with death and mourning, has been transformed into a symbol of life and vitality. For Mutandwa and other members of the Commandos Fitness Club, it represents their determination to live healthier, longer lives.
The act of exercising amidst the graves serves as a constant reminder of their mortality, motivating them to prioritize their health and make the most of each day. As Mutandwa aptly puts it, the workouts are about outpacing death, one step at a time.
The Rise of Non-Communicable Diseases in Africa
The story of the Commandos Fitness Club is a microcosm of a larger trend unfolding across Africa. Once primarily associated with older populations in developed countries, NCDs are increasingly affecting younger generations in developing nations.
Factors Contributing to the Surge
Several factors contribute to the rise of NCDs in Africa, including:
- Lifestyle changes: Increased urbanization and globalization have led to shifts in dietary habits, with many people consuming more processed foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats.
- Tobacco and alcohol use: The marketing and availability of tobacco and alcohol products have contributed to increased consumption, particularly among young people.
- Physical inactivity: Sedentary lifestyles, driven by factors such as increased screen time and reliance on motorized transportation, have reduced physical activity levels.
Implications for the Future
The growing burden of NCDs poses a significant threat to public health and economic development in Africa. These diseases strain healthcare systems, reduce productivity, and contribute to premature mortality.
Addressing this challenge requires a multi-faceted approach involving governments, healthcare providers, communities, and individuals. Key strategies include:
- Promoting healthy lifestyles: Encouraging healthy diets, regular physical activity, and avoidance of tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption through public health campaigns and education programs.
- Strengthening healthcare systems: Improving access to affordable and quality healthcare services for the prevention, early detection, and management of NCDs.
- Implementing policy measures: Enacting policies to regulate the marketing of unhealthy products, create supportive environments for physical activity, and promote healthy food choices.
A Beacon of Hope
The Commandos Fitness Club, with its unconventional location and inspiring story, offers a beacon of hope in the face of this growing health crisis. It demonstrates the power of community-based initiatives to promote health and well-being, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Lessons Learned
The success of the Commandos Fitness Club provides valuable lessons for other communities seeking to address the rise of NCDs:
- Embrace creativity: Think outside the box and find innovative ways to utilize existing resources and spaces for health promotion.
- Empower communities: Support grassroots initiatives that are tailored to local needs and contexts.
- Promote inclusivity: Ensure that programs are accessible to people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
- Foster collaboration: Work in partnership with governments, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to create a comprehensive approach to NCD prevention and control.
The Future of Fitness in Zimbabwe
As the sun rises over the Warren Hills cemetery, the members of the Commandos Fitness Club continue their daily routine, defying mortality with each squat, lunge, and stretch. Their story serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of death, life can thrive, and that even in the most unconventional of places, health and well-being can be cultivated. The Commandos Fitness Club is not just about exercise; it’s about resilience, community, and the unwavering pursuit of a healthier future for Zimbabwe.
