By Sharon Obi
Abuja – Some residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are taking advantage of the free open air gym to get physically fit as well as boost their self esteem.
The residents, who spoke with the News Agency of (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday, said that exercises enhance positive self-image.
According to them, exercising regularly also takes care of some ailments caused as a result of sedentary lifestyle.
NAN reports that open air gym has become popular as most residents look forward to every weekend.
Mr Goddy Gbaruko, the organiser of one of the open air gym, said he was prompted to start the programme in other to fill the vacuum the conventional gym had created.
“I started this open air gym to give opportunity for people that like to do exercises but don’t have the money to pay in conventional gyms.
“Going to a usual gym does not come cheap as we all know. There, you pay for registration, period of usage, and the equipment you intend to use and other necessary things that will make you a bonafide member of a gym.
“Here all you need to do is to come out ready to work out. We don’t have any register for members. Everyone is welcomed to take part in our exercises to keep fit,’’ Gbaruko said.
However, he said that some members, who have identified with his vision and mission of the programme, were assisting financially to ensure things go smoothly.
“Some members out of their own passion for the programme, now help financially to buy one thing or another.
“All the equipment we use are fabricated locally because we cannot afford the foreign ones. But they serve the same purpose, only that these ones are operated manually.
“We provide water and first aid as basic for everyone. So members now share in the responsibility of running the gym.
“Weekends are mostly when the place is filled to the brim. Though we open every day, but it’s in early hours and late evenings. All members cannot participate because of their work,’’ Gbaruko said.
Mr Ochang Bisong, a member of the open air gym described the programme as one of the best thing that happened to him and his family.
“My family has obesity problem, so I spend much money for us to use a conventional gym, since its prerequisite for the cure apart from dieting.
“Since I discovered this place, I have not spent much as I used to on gym. It is as if this one is more efficient than the other machines that are powered. Here you operate manually and burn more calories.
“Moreover, it is not only about calories, children who are physically active do better academically than students who are not. Gym class helps keep students active, which can avert unhealthy weight gains.
“This is because physical activity increases the flow of blood to the brain, which may increase growth in the brain’s learning and memory centre.
“Though physical education in schools is one of the most important ways to help fight childhood obesity,’’ Bisong said.
Mr Mohammed Zakari said he got a lot of relief from the days stress after a good work out at the gym.
“Because of the kind of job I do, I usually come down with a lot of stress after the day’s work. I come here every evening to work out.
“It helps me to reduce stress and boost the body’s ability to deal with existing mental tension. Labouring through a few miles on the mill can be tough, but it’s worth the effort.
According to a medical doctor, exercising releases endorphins, which create feelings of happiness and euphoria.
“For this reason, doctors recommend that people suffering from depression or anxiety should get involved in exercises.
“Exercising outdoors can increase self-esteem. So go ahead and get sweaty,’’ Zakari said