To address the serious issue of malnutrition and its impact on physical health, the French Embassy, in partnership with the French Institute of Nigeria and Paragonx, hosted a programme focused on raising awareness about fitness and healthy nutrition.
The event, tagged “Fitness Core—Paris 2024,” was held at the Zagaleta Lounge, Wuse Abuja. The fitness programme that is in its third edition has enthusiastic sports lovers immersed in its radiance.
The bobbly ambience was filled with excitement as attendees eagerly participated in sporting activities that included HIIT (high-intensity interval training), yoga sessions, and other sporty acrobatics.
A lead partner for Paragonx, who doubled as one of the partners for the event, Abayomi Gbenga Adewole, disclosed that the event stands still in solidarity with the just concluded Olympics.
Abayomi emphasised that physical health goes beyond physical exercise but also eating the right meal in the right proportion.
He maintained that physical health should be of utmost importance no matter how horrid the economic situation of Nigeria becomes.
He said, “We are happy to be hosting the third edition. This was a deliberate move to show solidarity in some way with the just concluded Olympics and ongoing Paralympic in Paris. The whole experience was enjoyable, it was fun, it was interactive, and everybody went home more fitter than they came and more experience on how to be in better shape.
“It’s important to remember that fitness involves more than just physical activity; it also heavily depends on the food we eat. It’s crucial to understand the importance of eating right and maintaining the right portion sizes.
“I think a fit body, a sane mind, will help you through anything. No matter how hard the country is, when you feel fit, you feel mentally prepared for the day, and it’s a good way to start the day. So, I always believe a healthy body is the first step to every other good thing that comes.”
The fitness trainer for the event, Edwin August, lauded the attendees for their consistency and noted that physical health is more mental than physical.
August urged Nigerians to make their physical health a priority irrespective of age.
He stated, “This is the third edition, and I commend the attendees for their commitment; it shows that they are intentional about their health. Physical health is more mental than it’s physical. So, at some point, you need that little bit of adrenaline to get your mind active. We live in a country where you need your mind to be right to handle a lot of things. Take your health seriously, and take your fitness seriously.”
Huntington Max, an attendee, expressed her excitement about the fitness event, stating that it is her third appearance at the fitness event.
“Being healthy and fit is very important, and more programmes of this sort will continue to stimulate interest. This is my first time in Nigeria, this is my third appearance, and I have met new people and learnt something new,” she said.
[ad[
