City promotes healthy lifestyles
The first municipal gym launched in the West Rand District aims to promote healthy lifestyles and positive socialisation among employees.
Whoever coined the proverb “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”, must be given a tap on his or her shoulder because the maxim turned out to be a promotion of healthy lifestyles for Mogale City employees.
The proverb found its worth when the first ever municipal gym in the West Rand District was launched under the stewardship of Municipal Manager Dan Mashitisho in partnership with LA Health Discovery.
The gym, which seeks to promote a healthy lifestyle and ongoing positive socialisation among employees, is the first step towards a fitness journey for employees and will provide ultra-modern aerobic classes.
At the launch, which was held at the Centenary Hall, Mashitisho says although the gym is temporary, employee wellness is critical. “We are grateful to be launching this facility. Though it is still temporary, we are looking forward to turning it into a permanent facility to address wellness issues.
“A happy workforce is a productive workforce. Work-related stress is a growing problem among employees but exercise can alleviate stress and increase productivity levels,” says Mashitisho.
Mfanafuthi Mlungwana, the National Sales Manager at LA Health Discovery, says a healthy body helps to lower stress and studies show that the benefits extend to a person’s values and actions.
In a bid to add flare to the launch, a group of employees performed aerobic drills, much to the delight of the audience.
Excitement and eagerness drew the attention of executive managers, including the municipal manager, who was also part of the exercise led by Mario Papadopoulos.
Mogale City LA Health Discovery Aerobics was made possible through Employees Wellness Services (EWS) housed within the Human Capital Department.
According to Human Capital Manager, Monamodi Matsapola the gym is aimed at encouraging employees to practice healthy lifestyles through regular physical activity.
“The Employee Wellness Services office has realised that many employees have work-related stress and aerobics will assist in reducing the stress and contribute to the improvement of their general health and well-being.”
Gym classes will be held every Wednesday and Thursday from 4pm until 5pm at the Market Hall.
