16 Feb 2021

Temporary closure of Selebi Phikwe outdoor gym is a precautionary measure to curb the spread of COVID-19 that is overwhelming the town and its surrounding villages.   

Selebi Phikwe deputy mayor, Mr Macdonald Sebego said in an interview that the move to prohibit the public from using the gym should not be misunderstood, especially that physical fitness remained a priority to keep fit to fight off a pestilence that continued to claim lives.

He advised residents of Selebi Phikwe not to be deterred by the setback, saying there were other safe alternatives to keep fit.

He explained that exercising was not only confined to the gym, adding that people should utilise whatever they could to keep exercising, citing that leaving cars at home to walk to work and climbing up and down the stairs at work were easy and practical ways to keep their fitness on point.

For his part, Mr Abang Lekgotla, a fitness fanatic explained that he had embraced the temporary closure of the outdoor gym as a smart move to protect the public from a fatal pestilence.

He regretted that the gym had to close despite all benefits linked with physical fitness.

He said although he was a mere fitness enthusiast, he had learned that physical exercise improved cardiovascular and respiratory health, regulation of blood sugar, helped in strengthening and maintaining the immune system,  adding that most importantly, frequent exercising made the body less susceptible to infections. 

“I usually tag along with a few gym partners on a walking, running, jogging exercises along the road.

Sometimes I do squats, push-ups and more at home,” said Mr Lekgotla.

Furthermore, he explained that sometimes he did not necessarily need to leave his yard for a fulfilling physical exercise session, explaining that running around his house and using household items as weights were quite effective. Ends