Physical fitness: New Year's resolution for women

BY AGNES KYOTALENGERIRE

By 5:15pm, Lugogo Hockey Ground was filled with women of different sizes and age stretching to warm up before the Fitness Bazaar could kick off. The men were also not left out. Thanks to Her Vision, Flair Magazine and Fresh Dairy, who sponsored the bazaar organised by Hotkyana, an online company.

“The turn-up is good and we have kicked off in gear five, an indicator that everybody is striving to keep fit,” said Audrey Lang, a regular participant and the masters of ceremony.

Unlike in previous bazaars, for the just-concluded one, participants were treated to another fitness drill; the yoga. For about 40 minutes, instructor Susanne took the participants through the relaxation and mild stretch techniques of yoga.

Helle Thonsom, another yoga instructor, explained that yoga was incorporated into the activities because it is a holistic approach exercise that is calms, soothes, tones and strengthens the body while enhancing flexibility.

“I did not know that yoga, being a stationary activity, can make someone sweat,” commented Sylvia Tugume, who attended for the first time, adding that she felt relaxed and more energised.

Participants were later taken through the benefits of Kegel exercises before the bazaar gained momentum with Mathew Bwamiki, the aerobics instructor taking charge. The enthusiasm with which the women jumped struggling to keep pace with the instructor revealed that they enjoyed what they were doing.

“This is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I love aerobics and I wish we could have the bazaar twice a month,” said Hope Babigumira, another participant.

However, Bwamika urged the participants to exercise regularly so as to realise results.

John Odyek, another instructor, noted that the objective of the bazaar was to help build good character and encourage team work in addition to providing a networking platform.

He added that engaging in sports was also preventive measure against diseases, especially of the heart.

Tina Byaruhanga, the director of Hotkyana, urged participants to adhere to the physical fitness resolution.

The bazaar was punctuated by a dance that caused a lot of excitement and by this time, all the participants were sweating.