Sexagenarians share their experiences of “Keep Fit Lagos”

The Monthly Aerobics Programme ‘Keep Fit Lagos’ organised by the Lagos State Government is now making a mark in the lives of residents, as more people are joining the bandwagon.

It was reported that the monthly aerobics/wellness programme, which holds from 7.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. on slated Saturdays, is designed to improve the physical and mental wellbeing of residents.

However, nine months since the maiden ‘Keep Fit Lagos’ was held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, scores of Lagos residents have benefited immensely from the programme.

The monthly aerobics exercise has now gained more popularity not only among youths, but the elderly have also joined the train and often look forward to it.

In one of the recent programmes, the attendance was over 500 participants, underscoring how residents appreciated the wellness programme initiated by the Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.

The convener of the monthly aerobics wellness programme, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports, Damilare Orimoloye, said the idea was in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda of the Sanwo-Olu administration.

However, Orimoloye, in collaboration with the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), had ensured the sustenance of the programme since the inaugural edition.

Orimoloye said that “Keep-fit Lagos” monthly Aerobics Programme was designed to improve the physical and mental wellbeing of residents of Lagos.

Also, the former Director-General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Oluwatoyin Gafaar, stated that the LSSC was concerned about the fitness and wellness of the people of Lagos.

He also said it was to ensure that residents lived healthy lifestyles, adding that every nook and cranny of the state will feel the impact of the exercise.

The former LSSC boss then assured that the commission would do everything within its powers to ensure that the ‘Keep Fit Lagos’ is an enduring legacy.

The participants took turns to commend the initiative by the Lagos State Government, which created a platform to promote physical and mental health.

As part of benefits of the programme, participants had their vitals checked by medical professionals and providers, who were on standby to conduct tests for people to know their health status.

Also, light refreshments such as fruits, water and also medicals were also provided for participants to ensure smooth sail activities.

The gym instructors at the programme were also first class with right instructions and gym exercises, to the delight of the participants, while refreshing music in line with the exercises were also played.

What made the programme unique is the increasing presence of the elderly in a programme thought to be appreciated more by youths.

Some of the elderly participants shared their experiences with NAN on the benefits of the programme and how excited they were looking forward to the next edition.

A former U.S-based 68-year old Mulikat Oshodi, said the programme had positive impact on her health, adding that the exercise had become part of her daily routine.

“I lived in America for over 44 years, where I worked and retired and now am back home to have my deserved rest.

“Over the years, I have not had enough time to exercise my body due to the nature of my work in the U.S but coming home after years of service, I know I need such.

“Working out has been part of my routine since I retired and I love doing it a lot because it keeps me healthy and active.

“I have worked for years and what I need now is to take care of my body by making sure that I keep fit,” she said.

Oshodi also said that with her advancing age, she needed more exercises to keep a healthy lifestyle.

“I am very much in love with exercises and that suggests the reason I am here for the second time after my first attendance.

“I was at a party on Friday where I had a good time, and so on Saturday, I need to keep fit because the atmosphere here in Nigeria is different from that of the U.S.

“I am really feeling well with the instructions from the gym instructors and right from the first day, the sessions have been impressive.

“We need to commend the Lagos State Government on this lofty initiative because the programme has improved our health a lot,” she said.

Another Sectogenarian, Mrs Chinwe Emordi, said the sessions had kept her fit.

“I have been having workouts for a long time now because I love a trimmed body, I want to keep fit and not store fat.

“I started workouts about 10 years ago when I retired from active service and I have been consistent in ensuring a 10km walk everyday.

“I also make sure that I attend any programme that can keep me fit. I like workouts because of my health to activate all my organs.

“I had to come inspite of the slight rain that fell, because it cannot stop me from attending the Saturday session, and Lagos State deserves a special thank you,” she said.

A 62-year-old retired Secondary School teacher, Oriyomi Adenuga, said the “Lagos Keep Fit” should be more focused on the elderly.

“I think we need this programme more than the youth because of the immense benefits.

“I am happy to attend this programme, which was made free of charge and that is the reason I said that the elderly ones should be given more priority.

“For those in active service, they can afford to pay for their gym sessions to keep fit but for us, we can only rely on government benevolence for our wellbeing.

“I thank the Lagos State Government for this programme because it will go a long way to help us and keep us healthy,” he said.