Residents of Ratanda gathered in large numbers on April 11 as the Lesedi Aerobics Movement hosted a vibrant pre-winter bootcamp to promote health, fitness, and overall community wellness.

The early morning session, held at the municipal yard parking area next to Ratanda Police Station, brought together participants of all ages for a series of high-energy workouts despite chilly conditions.

The programme featured core strengthening exercises, box routines, yoga, pilates, and high-intensity interval training, catering to a wide range of fitness levels.

Treasurer and yoga instructor Modise Mekoa said the initiative is designed not only to encourage healthier lifestyles, but also to strengthen community unity and consistency in physical and mental well-being.

“The aim of these sessions is to promote a healthy lifestyle and encourage people to stay active, especially during the winter season when many tend to slow down or become less active. Beyond fitness, we also want to create a safe, positive space where people can come together regularly, support one another, and improve their physical and mental well-being. It is about building discipline, consistency, and a sense of community through wellness activities that benefit everyone involved,” he said.

Mekoa also highlighted ongoing challenges regarding the training venue, noting that outdoor conditions often disrupt consistency and participation, particularly during extreme weather.

“One of the main challenges we face is the venue. When it is too cold, raining, or even extremely hot, it becomes difficult for participants to train comfortably and consistently, and this sometimes affects turnout and the quality of the sessions. We therefore appeal to the municipality to assist us in securing access to a community hall so that we can continue our programmes in a more stable environment, regardless of weather conditions. Having an indoor space would make a big difference in ensuring that our members remain committed and that our programmes are inclusive and sustainable throughout the year,” he said.

Mekoa added that the organisation is currently selling branded T-shirts as part of a fundraising drive for its upcoming Youth Day event on June 16.

“We are selling T-shirts to raise funds for our June 16 event, and this initiative is very important for us as it will help us create a bigger, more structured, and more impactful programme for the youth.

“The support from the community will go a long way in helping us reach our goals, and we are encouraging everyone to contribute in any way they can, whether by purchasing a T-shirt or assisting in spreading the word about the event,” he said.

Anyone interested in joining or supporting the initiative can contact Modise Mekoa on 073 364 6943.