Fitness expo hits Windhoek

As more Namibians aspire to improve their physical and mental health, the upcoming NamFitness Expo and Conference is set to be a site of community building and education. Hosted by Aura Concept Events, the inaugural two-day expo will take place at Windhoek Country Club from 3 to 4 July. Alongside a programme of treadmill competitions, self-defence demonstrations, boxing, boot camps, fun runs, soccer, cookouts, nutritional testing, protein pairing, yoga breaks and activations, the expo will feature exhibitors and experts working in the spheres of fitness, health, nutrition, financial wellness and mental health. “The expo is designed to create a dynamic and engaging environment in which individuals, communities, and organisations can come together to promote healthier and more balanced lifestyles,” says Aura Concept Events executive director Oshoveli Shipoh. “Through a combination of fitness activations, wellness talks, keynote sessions, panel discussions, health screenings, and exhibitions, the event aims to inspire people to take ownership of their physical, mental, and financial well-being.” Shipoh says a key focus of the expo is youth empowerment and community development. Deputy minister of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture Dino Ballotti will give the keynote address. NamFitness Expo is a response to something Shipoh has observed after working in the creative industry for almost 18 years, he says. “I’ve come to realise that fitness plays a big role in our productivity across every industry and sector. For example, sitting behind a computer for long hours causes fatigue, backache and bad posture if we do not visit the gym or exercise regularly,” he says. “Mental and physical fitness applies to people who drive long distance for a living. Falling asleep behind the wheel, caused by fatigue and tiredness, is dangerous. Not eating right at home is also an issue to address.” In bringing together industry leaders, fitness centres and health professionals, the expo aims to create opportunities for learning and discussion around the future of wellness in Namibia. Another objective is to support national priorities by encouraging active living, preventative health, and informed lifestyle choices. Shipoh also hopes the event would help people better understand their own bodies. “It’s fun when doing active sport, but it’s not fun when you don’t know your own blood pressure reading and end up having to visit medical practitioners. It’s fun when you’re in the gym, but it’s not when you can’t gain or lose weight. “It’s fun when you do long-distance running, but it’s not when you faint midway or during training. It’s fun when you’re gambling and doing pyramid schemes, but it’s not when you lose your money,” he says. “Every aspect, from the right type of diet and workout routines to the right type of training, is what the event is about. The conference will feature speakers from various professions giving the public insight.” These include wellness consultant Hermien Elago, long-distance runner Joey Sheehama, nutritionist Matheus Hamukwaya, leadership coach Priscilla Husselmann, clinical psychologist Michelle McCulloch and Bank of Namibia’s Frans Amakali. Considering the desired outcomes and impact of the event, Shipoh hopes to engage people from different walks of life and fitness levels while building a culture of mental, physical and financial health. “I hope more Namibian corporates and the general public convert to healthier choices and establish wellness hubs and centres across the country for communities impacted by poor mental health, nutrition, health, fitness and financial literacy,” he says. “Everyone is invited to the expo, especially those who aspire to healthier lifestyles in their personal capacity and in their career.” Follow NamFitness Expo and Conference on social media for more information. Tickets are available at webtickets.com.na – [email protected]; Martha Mukaiwa on Twitter and Instagram; marthamukaiwa.com The post Fitness expo hits Windhoek appeared first on The Namibian .