Africa’s Fitness Culture on the Rise: Global Fitness Competition Coming to the Continent
The fitness culture in Africa is experiencing a significant surge, with more people embracing workout and fitness exercises than ever before. This growing trend has caught the attention of international gym service providers and global fitness challenges, marking a monumental shift in the continent’s health and wellness landscape.
One of the latest developments in this fitness revolution is the African debut of the popular global workout competition, the “World Series of Fitness Racing,” set to take place in Cape Town, South Africa. The event, organized by Hyrox Africa, will feature a series of functional exercises such as sled pushing, burpee broad jumps, rowing, and 1-kilometer runs, culminating in a global leaderboard and World Championships for top participants.
The expansion of global fitness competitions like Hyrox into Africa is being driven by the continent’s increasing interest in physical health and wellness. Social media and tech solutions have played a significant role in raising awareness about the benefits of regular exercise, leading to a growing demand for fitness activities.
African countries are also witnessing a rise in the number of fitness gyms and gym-goers, indicating a shift towards a more active exercise culture. Despite the high costs associated with fitness facilities, Africans are willing to invest in their health, with South African consumers alone spending over US$1.6 billion annually on health and fitness.
International health and wellness companies like Virgin Active and Planet Fitness have capitalized on this growing market, expanding their services across African markets. The health and fitness market in Africa is projected to grow by 9.48% between 2022 and 2027, reaching a market volume of US$26.91 million by 2027.
Technology is also playing a crucial role in promoting fitness and exercise in Africa, with platforms like YouTube offering access to personalized workout plans and online classes. The use of hashtags like #afrobeatfitness on social media showcases a vibrant African fitness movement that incorporates music and dance into workouts.
Overall, the rise of fitness culture in Africa is expected to lead to positive health outcomes and help combat the growing threat of non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular diseases, cancer, respiratory disease, and diabetes. By embracing a more active and healthy lifestyle, Africans can improve their overall well-being and reduce the risk of chronic illnesses.