Sunday World (South Africa)

No more stomach out chest in

- PHINDI SIBIYA

THE Biggest Loser Soweto? Believe it. And though it won t be scripted, rehearsed or

’ televised, it isn t any less exciting.

’ This time, the action will be live and in your face. The participan­ts will work out at the newly built Green Outdoor Gym, which opened this week at the Petrus Molefe Eco-park in Soweto.

Oscar Oliphant, a senior manager at Joburg City Parks, says the idea is part of an initiative to beat the bulge.

South Africa has the the second most “obese people in the world and the problem will only get bigger if ignored.”

The 36 participan­ts in the 12-week programme will comprise of Joburg City Parks and Joburg Zoo employees. And it will be anything but a walk in the park as they aim to shed a total of 150kg between them.

The public will get updates via social “networks and we hope to branch out into the print media,” says Oliphant.

The outdoor environmen­t-friendly gym, a first of its kind in Mzansi will give all Sowetans a chance to shape up at their convenienc­e. With electricit­y-free equipment, it has everything you need.

But there is sad news for those who are hoping to make a quick buck by trading parts of the machinery.

The equipment treadmills, weights “– and rowing machines are permanentl­y

– mounted in the ground,” says Tim Hogins, the brains behind the park.

And community members need not worry about their safety either because there will be three security guards at the gym. The security guards also double as personal trainers.

Now there's no excuse to be out of shape it s stomach in, chest out!

– ’

 ?? Loser
Biggest Picture by Mohau Mofokeng ?? LEADING THE WAY: Joburg City Parks staff will be battling the bulge in an in-house
contest.
Loser Biggest Picture by Mohau Mofokeng LEADING THE WAY: Joburg City Parks staff will be battling the bulge in an in-house contest.

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