Fitness enthusiasts and health experts in Namibia are welcoming the expansion of Namibia Health Plan's (NHP) network of fitness facilities. The move aims to make exercise more accessible and affordable for its members. NHP has increased its network from two to 11 facilities, following feedback from members who expressed a desire for greater access to fitness and wellness benefits. This expansion is expected to encourage members to adopt and maintain healthier lifestyles.
The newly added facilities include Curves Swakopmund, BodyWorX, FitPro Health Club, and The Dome Gym Swakopmund, among others. These facilities join existing partners Virgin Active and Body20. According to NHP spokesperson Tunohole Mungoba, the initiative is part of the fund's commitment to making fitness opportunities more accessible and affordable. The expansion aims to empower members to take proactive steps to improve their health and well-being.
Fitness enthusiast Ismael Ashipembe says preventive healthcare will remain difficult to achieve if ordinary people can't afford it. He notes that gyms are not the only way for people to remain physically active, but fitness facilities provide structure, equipment, and guidance that some people rely on to exercise consistently. Ashipembe believes that reducing the cost barrier can make regular exercise more realistic for more people.
Fitness trainer and nutrition coach Alvina Kandenge agrees that the cost of fitness can be a barrier for people trying to stay active. She believes that fitness shouldn't be a luxury, especially when regular exercise can play a crucial role in preventing lifestyle-related health issues. Kandenge thinks that making fitness more affordable could give people a better opportunity to incorporate exercise into their daily lives.
NHP says the preferential rates available through the partnerships vary among facilities, with members required to meet each facility's registration and verification requirements. Active NHP members will generally need to provide proof of membership, such as a valid membership card or certificate. Some facilities may require additional documentation. Details on the applicable rates, qualifying criteria, and terms and conditions will be communicated to members through NHP's official channels.
The expansion forms part of NHP's broader commitment to promoting preventive healthcare. Regular physical activity is recognised as an important component of a healthy lifestyle and can contribute to reducing the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. However, NHP does not currently track gym attendance or exercise participation among its members.
The initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the health and well-being of NHP members. By making fitness more accessible and affordable, members can take proactive steps to improve their health. The expansion of NHP's fitness network is a step towards promoting preventive healthcare and encouraging healthier lifestyles among its members.
Key points
- NHP expands fitness network to 11 facilities to make exercise more accessible and affordable for its members.
- The expansion aims to empower members to take proactive steps to improve their health and well-being.
- The initiative is part of NHP's broader commitment to promoting preventive healthcare.
