Are you looking for some fun and healthy ways to exercise? Look no further – we’ve got the perfect solution for you.
When it comes to staying healthy, we often think about the foods we eat and the exercise we get. For some, that might mean hitting the gym or running. But what if there were other ways to get in your workout and have F–U–N simultaneously?
Believe it or not, you can do tons of exercises without even leaving your house – many of which are rooted in African traditions and culture. So, if you’re looking for a new way to stay fit, why not try exercising the African way? Here are just a few examples to get you started! Follow these simple exercises, and you’ll be burning those calories in no time. So get moving!
Fun Ways to Exercise Like the Afri-Can That You Are!
As Africans, we need ways of working out, and we should uphold a regime that keeps us looking fit and ready to seize the day! Also, we like to eat, and we require a fun workout routine or two…let’s face it, the word boring is not in our vocabulary, fam!
Here are some traditional ways of African exercising the kasi way that is steeped in our rich history.
Dambe Boxing
This is a historical boxing form, straight from Hausa in Northern Nigeria. Traditionally, sports practitioners practised this as a means of war preparation derived from the terminology and techniques.
As part of festival entertainment during harvest time, the brave warriors travelled to various villages to challenge worthy opponents. The strong hand of each warrior is then rope tied, and the aim is to strike your adversary down with a series of kicks and punches until they fall to the floor and the last man remains standing.
Eunoto and Adumu Maasai Jumping Dance
Origin: Kenya
In the folds of Kenya, we now travel to the celebrated Maasai ceremony called Eunoto. This event earmarks a notable time in a young warrior’s life. Not only can he choose a wife, but he is also promoted to senior warrior status. The ladies proudly support the young warriors during the ceremony by providing motivation.
Adumu is another significant component of the Eunoto festivities. Traditionally, the Maasai men perform a jumping dance by forming a circle and taking turns jumping inside it as high as possible. Much athleticism is required since this is a competitive platform to show off your elegant and high–jumping skills smoothly and eloquently. It’s said that some men can jump as high as 80 centimetres!
The higher the height, the better the chance of catching a lady’s eye and making a makoti of her.
Laamb Senegalese Wrestling
Origins: Senegal
Did you know this popular wrestling form is more than a century old? Traditionally, it served as a recreational sport for fishermen and farmers, where tournaments were held once harvesting was done.
The aim is to force your opponent to the ground with free, bare hands.
Kgati
Origin: South Africa
This proudly South African game involves rope skipping and is affectionately known as Ugqaphu or Ntimo by its natives.
Two players hold a rope on either end, and the third (referred to as the skipper) needs to perform a range of skips while singing and chanting. The ropers on either end swing the rope under and over the skipper’s head. For added fun, add more than one skipper.
Traditionally South African girls engaged in this game, but it has become more prevalent since and is enjoyed by all genders.
Ngolo and Capoeira
Origins: Angola
This Afro–Brazilian sport combines acrobatics, dance, fighting, martial arts, and music. It’s said that the sport originated in West Africa as the natives’ response to their Portuguese enslavers that banned their traditions in the 16th century.
In Angola, this is also known as “ngolo.”
Conclusion
The next time you’re feeling sluggish and don’t want to go for a run, try out some of these African exercises instead. If none of these are your cup of tea, that’s okay – just get moving in whatever way feels good for you. The important thing is to find an exercise routine that works for you and stick with it. What is your African way of exercising? Let us know in the comments below!
