In Zhemgang town, the revival of aerobic exercise is making waves and promising a brighter, healthier future for the entire community. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, aerobic exercise was a weekly routine for fitness enthusiasts in the town area. However, the pandemic’s health protocols and restrictions caused these activities to wane, leading to a noticeable decline in aerobic exercise. But now, a resurgence is underway, and it is changing the landscape of community health.
Last Thursday, the energetic beat of aerobic dance returned to Zhemgang town, drawing a crowd of about 40 participants, including civil servants, business people, and residents.
The reintroduction of aerobic exercise is providing a welcome respite from the daily grind of work for many.
Residents say this initiative by the district is a positive step, with numerous housewives expressing their eagerness to join the aerobic sessions.
“It has immense benefits for us, especially housewives. I would suggest conducting the sessions two to three times a week,” said Kelzang Wangmo, a resident.
“This initiative by the district health sector has a lot of benefits for us. We civil servants are usually just going between home and office. So, such sessions will be refreshing for our minds after a day-long work,” said Gyeltshen Melam, another resident.
Health officials in the district say that this initiative, though modest in its beginnings, holds the potential for significant progress.
The weekly aerobic exercise programme in Zhemgang is geared towards tackling the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases within the district.
“It has been over a year since pandemic restrictions were lifted. We should have started this programme sooner. But we could not until today due to other challenges. We have plans to expand this programme from the district centre towards the gewog centres,” said Thinley Tobgyal, assistant district health officer.
He added that the aerobic activity is scheduled to take place every Thursday evening, and its frequency may be adjusted to meet the growing interest and demand of participants.
Health experts say doing aerobics will enhance respiratory efficiency, boost blood circulation, and improve cardiovascular health, among other benefits.
Pema Samdrup, Zhemgang
Edited by Sherub Dorji
