Region A Sport and Recreation’s healthy lifestyle aerobics programme returned to Rabie Ridge Stadium for the last time this year on October 24, with close to 100 residents gathering for the free City of Johannesburg fitness initiative.

Residents laced up their takkies to exercise together as the programme continued its mission to promote healthy living and encourage communities to make physical activity part of their daily routines.

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Now in its eighth year, the programme has become more than just a way to keep fit, with many participants embracing aerobics as a lifestyle and an opportunity to improve their physical and emotional well-being.

Local aerobics instructor Eazy Madonsela said the programme had made a significant difference in his life since he started participating in 2018.

“We have been doing this thing since 2018. It’s been a good run. When I started, I was bigger than this. I was weighing around 64kg; I am now at 41kg, and I am still losing weight,” he said.

Madonsela described the experience as a journey that had helped restore his mobility and confidence. “I can jump, I can move, I can paint. I can do anything, I can bend. I have been fully restored at my old age. It has been nice.”

Beyond the physical benefits, he highlighted how exercising in the morning helped him manage stress and approach the day with a positive mindset.

“Especially when you start in the morning, it calms your body and sets your mind at rest. You even get to respect people because it helps ease anger or frustration. You get to be received well by other people because you can live in harmony with others.”

Madonsela encouraged residents to join the programme, describing aerobics as a way of improving not only physical health but also one’s attitude towards life. “If you want to live a good, healthy lifestyle, join aerobics and you will be happy. This thing is happiness.”

As the programme approaches the end of its 2026 calendar, Region A Sport and Recreation Department assistant director Mandla Mahlangu thanked residents for their continued participation.

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Mahlangu said the programme had been well received by communities, with many residents appreciating the opportunity to begin their days with physical activity, and that it has not been easy running this programme for eight years.

Three sessions remain on the calendar this year, with Kaalfontein Primary School scheduled to host the next programme on November 14. Diepsloot Mall will host the November 28 session, before Busy Corner hosts the final event of the year on December 5.

The programme is expected to resume on January 16, next year, as the department continues to encourage residents to prioritise their health and remain physically active.

Residents are encouraged to join the aerobics sessions and become part of the programme’s community group chat to receive updates about upcoming activities.

City of Joburg Region A Sport and Recreation Department’s aerobics programme WhatsApp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C6IGH2mTU83GGyx0g9CHF1