Bodybuilder shares his fitness knowledge with community

Personal trainer Lefa Ramolotja, the founder and owner of Tembisa Fitness Club in Hospital View, is committed to promoting health and fitness in the community.

That is why he offers free exercise sessions to the staff members and schoolchildren at Arebaokeng Hospice.

The 23-year-old professional bodybuilder said many South Africans have adopted a sedentary and unhealthy lifestyle and ignore the consequences of not looking after their bodies.

“I loved gymming from a young age. I would exercise alone or sometimes with friends at home. I then joined professional gyms to gain more knowledge about exercising. Eventually I saw myself winning competitions as a bodybuilder. I am so proud of my body since I make an effort to take good care of it,” said Ramolotja.

He said promoting a healthy lifestyle is his way of giving back and making a difference in the Tembisa community.

“I saw fit to intervene and encourage our people to join fitness clubs in order to eliminate chronic diseases such as sugar diabetes, cholesterol and hypertension, among others, which are the main causes of stroke and heart disease.

“Even young people can be attacked by these dangerous illnesses, which sometimes do not have a cure. Because we are living in a new generation of technology, most young people spend their time networking on social media while eating unhealthy food that leads to obesity without exercising,” explained Ramolotja.

He said his primary goal is to break the cycle of unhealthy living by focusing on the younger generation because they are the future.

“It is our responsibility as members of the community to share our skills and teach others for the benefit of society. So many people in the township have great skills and ambitions, and they need the community to support them,” he added.

Ramolotja said Tembisa’s youth are affected by drugs and alcohol, which have a negative impact on their physical and emotional growth and social development.

“The very same substances have changed how well they make decisions and make it hard for them to control their actions,” he added.

He has great ambitions to be part of the health programmes of local charities.

“We would appreciate any donation or sponsorship so that we may reach out and give to others. I am working with a group of dedicated members, both males and females,” said Ramolotja.

For further information or to donate, contact Ramolotja on 061 001 3490.