The community of Diepsloot in northern Johannesburg started their day with a sweat-inducing aerobics class on Saturday, 15 April to promote healthy lifestyle activities. The City’s Sport and Recreation (Region A) directorate had organised the calorie-burning session at the Chuma Mall in Diepsloot. Mandla Mahlangu, the assistant director for sport and recreation in Region A, said the City’s healthy lifestyle programme continues to be an immense success. “All credit goes to the Region A sport and recreation team for always delivering the programme in such a professional and well-coordinated manner,” said Mahlangu.
He added that the fast-growing outdoor aerobics sessions show that residents are eager to live a healthier lifestyle, as evidenced by the community’s participation.
The fun-filled session, which was organised in collaboration with local aerobics clubs, was open to community members of all ages and ran from 7am to 9am.
Mahlangu said aerobics is a popular activity for many reasons.
“Some people do it as a hobby, while others do it to accomplish certain body goals. For the Diepsloot community, participating in aerobics can help keep young people off the streets and away from drugs. A healthy lifestyle is what many people are leaning towards, and aerobics is a great way to achieve this,” he explained.
The day’s instructor from the local community said he was satisfied with the way the class was run and the large turnout of participants.
Health experts believe aerobics is one of the best ways to live a longer, healthier life.
During aerobic activity, participants repeatedly moved large muscles in their arms, legs, and hips, breathing faster and more deeply. This maximised the amount of oxygen in their blood, increasing flow to muscles and back to the lungs.
Dikeledi Chuene, from Diepsloot, was one of the participants and expressed her delight with the City’s efforts to promote healthy lifestyles among its residents.
“When I learned that the aerobics class will be held in Diepsloot, I became really pleased. Since we frequently see images and videos of this programme taking place at Busy Corner on social media, I had assumed that it was only intended for that side. I woke up early, and I brought my 13-year-old daughter with me. We really enjoyed the session, and I will continue with my morning run until we get another session,” Chuene said.
Mahlangu said Diepsloot’s engagement in the aerobics class was a fitting example of how a community can come together to promote healthy living. The City’s sport and recreation (Region A) directorate will continue to support the community’s efforts to live a healthier lifestyle.
Written by Luyanda Lunika
17/04/2023