BFC celebrates five years
The fitness club has helped women of different ages fight off different illnesses through exercise.
Bophelong Fitness Club (BFC), a registered NPO, which was founded by Cathrine Mathebe in August 2016 in Hospital View, Thembisa.
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Mathebe was bedridden for more than 10 years with illnesses such as arthritis troubling her. She went to two doctors who told her she had to undergo an operation otherwise there is no hope for her.
Today she is the founder and leading captain of her troops on the exercise field, with over 100 women under the auspices of her NPO.
The fitness club has helped women of different ages fight off different illnesses through exercise.
“The club started in a garage with merely 10 members, and today it has more than 200 registered members. The instructor, which is me, uses a combination of aerobics and African dance moves to beat obesity and lifestyle illnesses, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure, arthritis,” said Mathebe.
“BFC’s vision is to become the best fitness club, which alleviates disease through exercises. BFC helps old people to exercise and stay healthy, even the youth are welcome to join us,” she said.
BFC recently celebrated five years of existence in a style which saw young and old people celebrate.
Women from the club shared their stories of how their medical statuses have improved since they joined the Thembisa-based fitness club.
Mercy Gutuxa said she was asked by a nurse whether or not she exercises and she said she walks.
“The nurse then advised me to exercise. It took me a month to think about it, but I finally joined the club and I have lost 8kg,” said Gutuxa.
Hluphi Sithole, another BFC member, said she was suffering from arthritis and was invited by her friend to come to BFC.
“I was unable to move much because my legs were weak. I am now able to dance and jump around. My family used to visit me at home and now I am the one who visits them,” she said.
She encouraged people to use small spaces they have to do their exercises, as it is important for everyone to take exercising seriously for health reasons.
Lina Ramoroka said when you get to a certain age, you have to take extra care of yourself and exercise.
“I am living proof that exercise does help,” said Ramoroka.
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