FAITH MTWANA and TAMMY FRAY
Many people are working hard to stick to their New Year’s resolutions.
Luckily, people like Thapelo Baipone and his team of trainers are ready to help Duncan Village residents stick to their fitness resolutions.
Fitnation gym classes focus on improved physical as well as mental health, with intricately designed training programmes aimed at helping members reach their fitness goals.
Baipone started Fitnation in January last year after working in the gym industry for five years.
“After working at a gym for five years, I gained knowledge and understanding of the benefits of group exercise.
“I joined my business partner, whose main focus was more on nutrition. We found a good balance between exercise and nutrition. We then looked for a place to rent. We wanted a big space which we eventually found in Arcadia,” said Baipone.
The gym initially started with group fitness classes but has since grown to include boxing, step classes, weight training and functional training.
While Fitnation has proved a success, there have been challenges.
“The biggest challenge we’ve faced is financial.
“Everything we need costs money but with the savings I’ve kept over the years, it’s been manageable,” said Baipone.
The efforts have paid off, with more people joining the gym every month.
Gugu Ndlovu enjoys being a part of Fitnation because she has seen a difference in herself and others since she started.
“I have seen the impact Fitnation brings to communities.
“There are members that have been with Fitnation since the first day and they are still going strong. This is because they have seen the results in their lives.
“As much as our goal is fitness, we want to give people a general healthy lifestyle. We want people to enjoy the gym.
“As long as we work hard at what we do, we will keep attracting people to what we do,” said Ndlovu.
Fitnation intends to take weekly one-hour fitness and wellness sessions to under-resourced communities this year.
The Duncan Village classes, which focus on low-impact cardio exercises, have been well-attended.
The classes are open to all, young and old.
