Hands On Foundation expands aerobics and boot camps in Thembisa

Hands On Foundation has expanded its community activities beyond its much-loved fun walks, introducing aerobics and boot camps to promote physical and mental well-being in Thembisa.

The foundation said the decision came from a desire to offer activities that provide a more complete workout while responding to the community’s growing love for aerobics and boot camps.

While fun walks remain an important part of the foundation’s work, aerobics combine physical exercise, dancing and mental stimulation.

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Participants are taught different dance styles and combinations, requiring them to remember routines while staying active.

The foundation believes these activities also provide an opportunity for people to relieve stress, socialise and find a sense of unity within the community.

“Aerobics and boot camp activations engage every bone and muscle in the body. The body gets properly prepared by our coaches during these unifying activities, unlocking a level of peace before the energising aerobics and boot camp activities,” said Hands On Foundation secretary Njabulo Sibeko.

“Dancing, laughter and teamwork are a common sight when our community gets together. The mind stays sharp and occupied with goodness. This foundational pillar is fundamental to our community’s mental and physical well-being.”

Sibeko said the foundation deliberately chooses themes for its activities, but all are guided by a long-term vision for the community.

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“We are intentional with setting the theme for all the work we do for our community. The themes change from time to time; however, the core source of the theme, the future, persists in every theme,” he said.

“The future where our community members are healthy, aligned with their visions and life goals. We love being Hands On to that future.”

He said the community’s response had been encouraging, with the foundation often having to prepare for larger-than-expected turnouts.

“Our expectations are always, ‘Will we be able to manage the number of people who come through?’ and never the latter. What a phenomenal community we serve.”

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Although the fun walks remain an important part of Hands On’s work, Sibeko said they also provide opportunities for deeper conversations, particularly during the foundation’s bonfire dialogues.

The foundation’s activities require considerable planning, from sourcing venues to co-ordinating equipment and coaches. However, Sibeko said the effort was worthwhile when participants left with smiles and asked for more events.

Kelvin Essien, deputy and treasurer of the foundation, said the energy generated by the activities continued to motivate the team to plan more events.

“The energy and pace are always fun and free. Words can only describe so much; instead, we call on the whole of Thembisa to experience these liberating events,” said Essien.

“One always leaves knowing they have a great community of friends that encourages them to get better and be Hands On with their lives.”

Essien said the foundation’s strong online presence, combined with word-of-mouth support, had helped it reach more residents.

“Our coaches are well-seasoned and know the limits of the body as they also participate actively in the sessions. Time flies when we are all having fun,” he said.

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He said the foundation’s activities had expanded beyond aerobics and boot camps to include hiking, sporting community events and competitive games.

“All of our events are tuned to achieve one goal, that is a healthier, happier and grounded community. We are planning endlessly to make these realities the norm in our communities.”

Hands On aims to serve the entire Thembisa community, including children, young people, parents and elders.

The foundation said it intends to continue creating accessible activities that bring residents together while encouraging them to take a more active role in their physical and mental well-being.

“We need to move beyond simply talking about healthier communities and create spaces where people can connect, exercise, have fun and support one another,” Sibeko said.