Uphill fitness craze

Source : Kutlwano

Author : Kopano Olesitse

Location : Francistown

Event : Interview

 

 

Today is Monday, a typical working day, and since it is late afternoon, the Francistown roads are already swelling with workers and students returning home after a long day’s work.

Among them is Motshegi Kedumetse, whose pre-occupation is not with the usual domestic chores after work or school.  Kedumetse, an Information Technology student at the Francistown branch of NIIT, will soon be sweating it out up the Nyangabgwe Hill. Climbing up and down a hill very often can be quite a daunting experience, particularly when the hill has steep inclines like the Nyangabgwe Hill in Francistown.

However, for 24-year old Kedumetse, vaulting up and down the Nyangagbwe Hill has become so much a part of her life she cannot imagine skipping a single scheduled day. Readying herself to start the uphill battle, and with a large sweat towel hanging over her shoulders, she says the hill is an ideal place for her because it is just close to her residence. 

“Uphill walking is cost effective because one does not have to pay the monthly subscriptions otherwise asked by gym operators,” she says in an interview with Kutlwano recently. Stretching her legs as far as possible, the Palapye-born says her only hope is to become physically fit and healthier.

Whereas down south in the capital city of Gaborone, Kgale Hill is the site for uphill endurance, in the northern capital of Francistown, Nyangabgwe Hill has become the most convenient ‘fitness center.’  Named after Daniel Francis, one of the founders of the renowned Tati Company, Nyangabgwe Hill, which towers the city of Francistown, is the highest in the area.

Situated on the northern fringes of the city, near the Botswana-Zimbabwe railway line, the hill is one of the greatest land marks of the city of Francistown. On any given day there are, not only ordinary people like Kedumetse, but also professional gym teams such as members of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) and different school sporting clubs, who come here regularly to train. 

“Climbing the hill is better compared to running on a flat surface; obviously we build more strength and power by walking uphill,” says Kedumetse, as she now walks up with one of the Kutlwano journalists. Another fitness enthusiast, Michael Mosarwe, says he climbs the hill on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, because on other days he has to attend to other commitments and responsibilities. 

The 38-year old IT specialist recommends the uphill task to all the residents of Francistown, saying it is important for their health.  He says there is a paved route specifically designed for trainers, which makes walking less cumbersome. “I started taking running as an exercise seriously while I was still at university, and since then running has become more than a hobby for me,” says the married father of two.

 He adds that it is a passion to die for because one feels refreshed and energised after each and every endeavor. An employee of Francistown-based Group Consults company, Mosarwe says he tries as much as possible to balance training with family and professional expectations, although he says sometimes it is quite difficult.

Meanwhile, Clementine Khumalo, a local General Practitioner, asserts that both uphill walking and surface running offer valuable benefits. Khumalo says an obvious benefit is that the heart and the cardiovascular system are kept healthy, while at the same time body weight loss is ensured, particularly for women.

“Anyone who runs as part of exercising will have reduced blood pressure, low chances of acquiring diabetes due to reduced fats in the body,” assures the doctor She adds that people who do not exercise have increased chances of a heart attack as well as insulin resistance which leads to diabetes.

While uphill and surface efforts may both be valuable, the doctor reckons climbing offers more benefits since it means an increased effort, hence more energy as compared to running or walking on a flat surface. Khumalo says people with high cholesterol and high blood pressure must consult medical practitioners for advice before climbing any hill. “On the whole, running is good because it is dynamic as it works on the heart, opens blood vessels and ensures regular supply of blood to all areas of the body including the brain,” she notes.

She says people must know that there are some physiological changes associated with running such as the pumping of blood and the fact that the heart will start working harder than normal, and the respiratory effort increases with training. 

She advises those climbing the hill to warm up first before going up, as well as ensure that they have sufficient water provision. As darkness gradually sets in more and more up-Nyangagbwe hill enthusiasts start trickling down the hill signaling that the day’s endurance is over.

Interestingly, Kedumetse is not bothered by the gathering darkness and the delay caused by the interview as she insists on finishing the uphill task; for her health is of paramount importance. 

Teaser:

 

In this day and era it appears people have become so health conscious that it is common to see individuals or groups of different races, ages, gender, or colours, jogging along road sides, or  walking up hills, or working out at gyms after working hours, all in the name  of fitness.