Adetola Adetayo Adetola is a Contributing Researcher and Writer at Susinsight, reporting on trends across Africa's economy, society, and environment. She holds an MSc in International Business and a BSc in Business Administration. Adetola also works as a Global Financial Crime Officer in Ireland.

How Your Gym Fitness Classes Could Heal Community Mental Health

6 min read

Community members bonding through a group fitness dance class. Illustration by Tomi Abe.
Community members bonding through a group fitness dance class. Illustration by Tomi Abe.

Strength Beyond Muscles

Have you ever considered how a single fitness class could transform more than just your body? As I entered my first Afrobeat dance class, vibrant rhythms and energetic movements immediately lifted my spirits. Surrounded by a diverse group of strangers united by music, I felt my stress melt away with each step. After that hour, I broke a sweat, forged new connections, and rediscovered a sense of joy I hadn't felt in months. What if joining a fitness class could improve mental well-being and make your community more resilient?

This personal reflection highlights the life-changing influence of group fitness, which extends far beyond physical health benefits. In Africa's dynamic context, community-based fitness initiatives emerge as potential catalysts for social cohesion, empowerment, and meaningful change.

Research supports this perspective. The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found participants in group fitness classes experienced a 26.2% reduction in perceived stress levels, compared to a 12.6% reduction for those exercising alone. This mental health impact matters significantly in regions where mental health resources remain limited. . . .

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Adetola Adetayo Adetola is a Contributing Researcher and Writer at Susinsight, reporting on trends across Africa's economy, society, and environment. She holds an MSc in International Business and a BSc in Business Administration. Adetola also works as a Global Financial Crime Officer in Ireland.