- Title: Gabon targets 5000 women in fitness drive.
- Date: 27th July 2017
- Summary: VARIOUS OF WOMEN DOING LEG WORK ON THE GROUND INSTRUCTORS ON STAGE MORE OF WOMEN EXERCISING
- Embargoed: 10th August 2017 15:13
- Keywords: fitness exercise women challange LFT health
- Location: LIBREVILLE, GABON
- City: LIBREVILLE, GABON
- Country: Gabon
- Topics: Health/Medicine
- Reuters ID: LVA0036RHT9W7
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: The Libreville Fitness Tour (LFT) in Gabon is determined to roundup 5,000 women to encourage them to exercise in an effort to prevent cardiovascular diseases and strokes.
The events are exclusively for women and consist two-hour sessions led by professional coaches at the Nzeng-Ayong stadium.
Trainers want to introduce the women to easy exercise routines that can be done at home for those who cannot afford gyms or private classes.
They also hope to help women maintain good psychological and mental health through regular physical activity.
"The goal of organising the fitness tour was to take indoor sports outside for the average person. The second goal of organising this event is to fight ageing and cardiovascular diseases in women because women are the pillar of the world and especially our nation. Precisely, it's to allow these women to be much more fit and more fulfilled in everything they do," said Aristide Bourdes, a fitness instructor who also helped organize the LFT.
The workouts include exercises in bodybuilding, cardio-training, toning and sculpting based mostly on popular Zumba dance routines.
Although initially planned to last four weeks from May to June, high demand and enthusiasm from the women saw the organisers extend the popular sports caravan for two more months until the end of August.
Registration costs 2500 Central African Francs (less than 5 USD) and includes exercise kit and gear.
"Before the Libreville Fitness Tour, I wasn't really exercising. But ever since I started here, I feel in great shape physically. Exercise has always been good for the body," said participant, Eyang Assoko.
Diane Armelle Massounga says she has lost 7 kilogrammes after eight sessions. She has also started exercising three times on weekdays and eating healthier meals.
"This initiative is very, very interesting. I don't want it to stop so that it's continual because it is really beneficial. The women feel good after participating in these workout sessions," said Diane.
The Nzeng-Ayong stadium that seats 4,000 people in the capital's 6th district was built for the 2012 African Cup of Nations hosted by Gabon. Gabon once again hosted the tournament in February 2017.
This weekend fitness program is run by Gabon's Youth and Sport Ministry. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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