Twice a week, the senior citizens in Manenberg get the opportunity to release their stress in a fitness class.
Every Tuesday and Thursday Mary Louw, the founder of the non-profit organisation No Fear Fitness Team, puts the seniors through their paces at the People Centre.
She started the NPO two years ago to promote a healthy lifestyle and to make a difference in the community.
“I started the NPO No Fear Fitness Team two years ago and we are six members who are demonstrating and participating in all the exercises. Senior citizens need to exercise as it helps the brain, joints and wrists to remain healthy. Doing exercises also helps the immune system, fights against diseases and helps them not to get sick quickly and for long periods,” she says.
Louw, who is a marathon runner, says the idea is to get the pensioners active instead of just sitting in one place throughout the day.
“I love what I do and share my experiences with our seniors. I am a runner and sharing my preparation when I am training to participate in a marathon or whatever race with them is rewarding. I also help them to make better life choices. So, instead of sitting at home and doing nothing, they can come to the centre, meet up with other seniors and enjoy the two days of exercises,” Louw says.
She would love to take her classes into the wider community as residents in Manenberg face a lot of social challenges.
“We face challenges like gender-based violence, gangsterism, substance abuse, unemployment, school drop-outs and teenage pregnancies. Even walking from one street to another is unsafe and also a challenge.
“We make do with the equipment I have, but it is not sufficient and we mostly use chairs to do the exercises. We need yoga mats, different kinds of dumbbells, balls, skipping ropes and financial assistance to give the seniors something to eat and drink after the exercise sessions,” she says.
- For more information, contact Mary Louw on 078 782 7902.
