The temperature may have been low, but the energy levels were high as Region A residents gathered at Mayibuye Primary School for a morning of free aerobics.

50 residents braved the cold on September 19 to take part in the City of Johannesburg’s bi-weekly healthy lifestyle aerobics programme, which returned after its September 5 session at Rabie Ridge Stadium was postponed because of adverse weather conditions.

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Despite the chilly conditions yet again, residents gathered for an energetic workout as the programme continues to move from ward to ward across Region A, encouraging communities to embrace physical activity and healthier lifestyles.

In attendance was Ivory Park Ward 177 resident and local fitness coach and instructor Matlhatsi Masilela, who encouraged residents to join the programme and make exercise part of their daily routines. “What you should know about aerobics is that we have different groups around Ward 177 and Region A,” said Masilela.

“Aerobics is one of the healthiest things you can do. If you want to lose weight or just want to be active, be part of us and join us. You should enjoy it and come along.”

Masilela explained that she and fellow instructors, such as Bongani Bila, founder of BonganiFit, run additional training sessions during the week in Ivory Park, providing residents with opportunities to remain active beyond the city’s Saturday programme.

Also read: Region A residents brave cold for Johannesburg free aerobics session in Mayibuye

“I have my instructor here, Bongani. He is helping me throughout the journey. We train Monday to Thursday at a park in Ivory Park. He is the instructor, and I am an instructor as well,” Masilela said. “We train on Fridays at Mpumelelo Clinic. Residents should come and join us. We do it Monday to Friday, and on Saturday is the City of Johannesburg aerobics session. That means I go to the gym six days a week.”

Masilela also welcomed the city’s ongoing investment in community fitness initiatives, stating that more residents needed to be made aware of the programme. “You can come and be healthy like me. I’m glad that the city has introduced this programme. I know it has been going on for plus-minus eight years, but people don’t know about it. I hope that by explaining this, more people will know about it.”

The programme will continue across Region A in the coming months, with the next session scheduled for October 3 at Ya Rona Mall, followed by Riverside Mall on October 17, and Rabie Ridge Stadium on October 24. In November, residents can join the programme at Kaalfontein Primary School on November 14 and Diepsloot Mall on November 28.

The final session of the year is scheduled for December 5 at Busy Corner. Residents interested in participating and receiving programme updates can join the City of Johannesburg’s WhatsApp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C6IGH2mTU83GGyx0g9CHF1.

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