Mass Public Aerobics for the Mitchells Plain Community

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) is shaping up members of the Mitchells Plain community in pursuit of a healthy lifestyle. On Wednesday, 22 May 2013, hundreds of people engaged in a mass public aerobics session at the outdoor court in Rocklands where the new gymnasium was opened. DCAS used the session to promote the importance of physical exercise in Cape Town. The Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Dr Ivan Meyer started this fitness improvement initiative last year to encourage healthy lifestyles. Through the musical vibes, participants created a lively atmosphere as they uttered the words: “Lekker, lekker...” Ms Olivia Carolisen of the Provincial Gymnasium said DCAS achieved its goal to bring hundreds of participants together. “It was really nice to see a whole community exercising together. This encouraged them to enjoy the session, and at the same time, motivated them to engage in a fun and relaxed type of exercise,” she said. Carolisen encouraged the members to practice aerobics at the court during weekends to encourage more people to utilise the new outdoor gym. The session showed that a person can still enjoy aerobics, whether they are fit or not. Caithlin Prins (12) of Spineview Primary said she felt good after the session. “To exercise with people from my community was fun. To exercise alongside senior citizens was a unique experience but we enjoyed it,” she said. Learners involved in the DCAS Mass Participation, Opportunity and Access, Development and Growth (MOD) programme at Metropole schools also performed at the event.