A small step with a promise of long strides, the weekly aerobic exercise program in Zhemgang looks at curbing the instances of non-communicable diseases in the district. The activity was launched with the Royal Civil Service Commission’s maiden marathon event last month.
The initiative has attracted quite an impressing number of members today. This includes civil servants, business people and people living nearby. It is expected to give them a break from their daily hectic schedule of work.
“Non-communicable diseases are one of the biggest problems in the district. And this activity we have every Thursday is an example to curbing it. We conduct it after office hours for about an hour,” Karchung, the District Health Officer, said.
The residents say such aerobic session is a good initiative by the Dzongkhag authority and many more housewives are also planning to join in the next session.
As an isolated dzongkhag with not many sports activity happening for them, the aerobic class is an opportunity to grab.
“Being a remote district, the aerobic classes are conducted with a trainer from the higher secondary school here,” Karchung added.
Considering its benefits, similar activity is also replicated in some central schools of the district.
Attending aerobic classes is expected to help increase the efficiency of respiration, improve blood flow and cardiovascular efficiency among others.
Pema Samdrup
