Lower gym fees for NHP members key to preventive healthcare

Fitness enthusiast Ismael Ashipembe says preventive healthcare will remain difficult to achieve if ordinary people can’t afford it.

This comes after Namibia Health Plan (NHP) announced the expansion of its network of fitness facilities from two to 11 this week, following calls from members for greater access to affordable fitness and wellness services.

Ashipembe says gyms are not the only way for people to remain physically active, but fitness facilities could provide the structure, equipment and guidance some people rely on to exercise consistently.

“Reducing the cost barrier can, therefore, make regular exercise more realistic for more people,” he says.

Fitness trainer and nutrition coach Alvina Kandenge says the cost of fitness can be a barrier for people trying to stay active.

“Fitness shouldn’t be a luxury, especially when regular exercise can play such an important role in preventing lifestyle-related health issues,” she says.