POLOKWANE – The fitness hour was suggested by the general manager Sammy Mokele, who wants to motivate his staff to make fitness a part of their daily routines, and they kicked off with their first session on September 6.
The employees gathered on the casino’s lawn for a session that covered a broad range of physical activities designed to improve mobility and their overall well-being.
“The entire country felt the impact of Covid-19 on deeply personal levels as we have seen the huge reduction in physical activity, and we believe that this initiative is a step in the right direction,” said Mokele. Dimakatso Mogoale, who will run the fitness hour alongside Dzunani Mashele and Ntoso Letebele, says the programme will cover everything from a range of sports to cardio exercises, aerobics, strength exercises and conditioning.
“We allocated days for fitness and conditioning as well as sports days where we will play soccer, netball, cricket or tennis. The programme is open to all employees and is designed to cater for everyone, regardless of their age or ability.
“Some employees are elderly and we will provide a programme that can accommodate them, while there are more advanced variations set out for those who are fitter. Everyone is included because we want everyone to reap the rewards,” she said.
According to Mogoale, most people have to start from ground zero due to the lockdown, but regular exercise is very important as it leads to emotional and mental well-being.
She says all Covid-19 regulations and protocols will be adhered to as the GM Fitness Hour will be staged outside where social distancing will be implemented and everyone is required to bring their own towels and water bottles.
The fitness sessions are set to take place every Monday and Thursday afternoon, which is a perfect way to start and end the working week.
The Fitness Hour is designed to be fun and relaxing while participants work up a sweat and it includes a section devoted to indigenous games such as Kgati (synchronised skipping).
Mokhele concluded that they really believe in the benefits of leading healthy lifestyles and will do all they can to support and encourage the employees to be a part of this programme and to be role models to others in the community.
