Finding Life in Unlikely Places: Fitness in a Cemetery

A New Dawn for Fitness in Zimbabwe

In the quiet hours of dawn, 65-year-old Nelly Mutandwa prepares for her daily workout, not in a conventional gym, but in a cemetery in Harare, Zimbabwe. Alongside other members of the Commandos Fitness Club, she engages in squats, lunges, and stretches, all while upbeat music fills the air. For Mutandwa, this routine is more than just exercise—it’s a vital part of managing her diabetes. The cemetery, with its serene environment and well-maintained paths, has become an unconventional sanctuary for older adults seeking to stay healthy in a country where fitness facilities are scarce.

The Growing Threat of Non-Communicable Diseases

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as heart problems, high blood pressure, and diabetes, are becoming a significant health challenge in Zimbabwe and across Africa. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), NCDs account for 74% of global deaths annually, with Zimbabwe witnessing about 40% of its deaths attributed to such conditions. Once primarily associated with older populations, NCDs are now increasingly affecting younger people due to factors like smoking, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, and sedentary lifestyles. This shift has raised alarms among health experts and governments, especially as Africa experiences rapid population growth and a youthful demographic.

The Rise of Urban Fast Food and Its Impact

Urban areas in Zimbabwe, such as Harare, are seeing a surge in fast-food options, from international franchises like KFC to local roadside stalls offering affordable fried foods. This trend has been linked to rising obesity rates and the spread of NCDs. In response, the Zimbabwean government has introduced a 0.5% tax on sales of unhealthy foods like burgers, fries, and doughnuts, aiming to encourage healthier dietary choices. While this measure is a step toward addressing the issue, it remains to be seen how effective it will be in curbing the popularity of fast food in urban areas.

A Community’s Quest for Health

For Mutandwa and her fellow Commandos Fitness Club members, the cemetery has become a symbol of their determination to live healthier lives. The club, led by coach Joseph Nekati, offers free workouts to its members, many of whom are older adults. Susan Gomo, a 64-year-old grandmother, credits the club with helping her lose weight and manage her high blood pressure and arthritis. "I weighed 86 kilograms and struggled to stand up," she says. "Now, I’m down to 76 kilograms and I can walk long distances." The club’s success stories are not only transforming lives but also inspiring others to take control of their health.

The Power of Community and Inspiration

Mutandwa’s journey into fitness began during a visit to her daughter in the UK, where she adopted the habit of power walking. Upon returning to Zimbabwe, she found her local roads unsafe and poorly maintained, leading her to explore alternative spaces. Discovering the cemetery’s well-maintained paths, she joined the Commandos Fitness Club along with three of her neighbors. Today, the group’s presence in the cemetery serves as a beacon of hope for older adults who may feel hesitant to start their own fitness journeys. "Some of my age mates are reluctant," Gomo says. "They end up just eating and sitting at home. They might change their minds when they see me in great shape."

Beyond the Cemetery: A Symbol of Resilience

The cemetery, with its rows of graves, has ironically become a place where life and vitality thrive. For Mutandwa and her fellow club members, it represents a commitment to defying death and embracing a healthier future. "They are resting," Mutandwa says, pointing to the graves. "I just don’t want to join them yet. That means I have to do the hard work here." As they continue their daily routines, the group hopes that their efforts will inspire others and perhaps prompt local authorities to build proper fitness facilities for the community. Until then, the cemetery remains a testament to their resilience and determination to live life to the fullest.