i-Fitness GameFest promotes exercise as key to preventing chronic diseases

By Chioma Obinna

As concerns grow over the burden of lifestyle-related diseases, fitness experts have called for greater public participation in regular physical activity, describing exercise as a vital investment in long-term health and well-being.

The call was made at the second edition of i-Fitness GameFest, held at the Legacy Pitch, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, where hundreds of fitness enthusiasts gathered for a day of sporting activities aimed at promoting healthy living.

Speaking at the event, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of i-Fitness, Mr Foluso Ogunwale, said the initiative was designed to make fitness more accessible and enjoyable while encouraging Nigerians to embrace physical activity as a lifestyle.

Ogunwale said the company, which started operations 11 years ago to bridge the gap in access to affordable fitness facilities, was committed to building a stronger fitness culture across the country.

He stressed that personal health was an individual responsibility, urging Nigerians, particularly young people, to make time for exercise despite the demands of work and other daily activities.

According to him, good health and physical fitness are essential to enjoying the benefits of financial success and other achievements.

Also speaking, Head of Corporate Sales and Partnerships at i-Fitness, Mr Derek Nwafor, highlighted the health benefits of regular exercise, including improved cardiovascular health, stronger bones and muscles, better blood sugar regulation and reduced risk of chronic diseases.

Nwafor explained that strength training and other physical activities could also help slow sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass, which contributes to physical weakness and reduced independence in older adults.

He urged Nigerians to incorporate simple activities such as walking, running and strength exercises into their daily routines, noting that maintaining muscle strength and physical fitness was important for healthy ageing.

The GameFest 2.0, themed “Different Squad, Unstoppable Together”, featured football, 100-metre races, tug of war and sack races, with 14 mainland branches of i-Fitness competing for honours.

Yaba emerged champions in both male and female 100-metre races, while Opebi and Ago Palace won the male and female football competitions respectively. Gbagada, Egbeda and Surulere also claimed titles in other events.

Ogunwale disclosed that the competition would become a regular event, with plans to expand it beyond Lagos to Abuja and Port Harcourt.

The organisers said the initiative was aimed at demonstrating that exercise need not be tedious, but could be an enjoyable social activity capable of encouraging more Nigerians to prioritise their health.

Pix.

i-Fitness GameFest promotes exercise as key to preventing chronic diseasesBy Chioma Obinna As concerns grow over the burden of lifestyle-related diseases, fitness experts have called for greater public participation in regular physical activity, describing exercise as a vital investment in long-term health and well-being.The call was made at the second edition of i-Fitness GameFest, held at the Legacy Pitch, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, where hundreds of fitness enthusiasts gathered for a day of sporting activities aimed at promoting healthy living.Speaking at the event, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of i-Fitness, Mr Foluso Ogunwale, said the initiative was designed to make fitness more accessible and enjoyable while encouraging Nigerians to embrace physical activity as a lifestyle.Ogunwale said the company, which started operations 11 years ago to bridge the gap in access to affordable fitness facilities, was committed to building a stronger fitness culture across the country.He stressed that personal health was an individual responsibility, urging Nigerians, particularly young people, to make time for exercise despite the demands of work and other daily activities.According to him, good health and physical fitness are essential to enjoying the benefits of financial success and other achievements.Also speaking, Head of Corporate Sales and Partnerships at i-Fitness, Mr Derek Nwafor, highlighted the health benefits of regular exercise, including improved cardiovascular health, stronger bones and muscles, better blood sugar regulation and reduced risk of chronic diseases.Nwafor explained that strength training and other physical activities could also help slow sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass, which contributes to physical weakness and reduced independence in older adults.He urged Nigerians to incorporate simple activities such as walking, running and strength exercises into their daily routines, noting that maintaining muscle strength and physical fitness was important for healthy ageing.The GameFest 2.0, themed “Different Squad, Unstoppable Together”, featured football, 100-metre races, tug of war and sack races, with 14 mainland branches of i-Fitness competing for honours.Yaba emerged champions in both male and female 100-metre races, while Opebi and Ago Palace won the male and female football competitions respectively. Gbagada, Egbeda and Surulere also claimed titles in other events.Ogunwale disclosed that the competition would become a regular event, with plans to expand it beyond Lagos to Abuja and Port Harcourt.The organisers said the initiative was aimed at demonstrating that exercise need not be tedious, but could be an enjoyable social activity capable of encouraging more Nigerians to prioritise their health.