Senegal beach fitness club offers hope and healing through water aerobics
The Club des Dauphins de Ngor, located in the coastal village of Ngor near Dakar, offers an aquagym program designed to enhance mobility and alleviate chronic pain for individuals with physical disabilities. The program is attended by people of varying…
The Club des Dauphins de Ngor, located in the coastal village of Ngor near Dakar, offers an aquagym program designed to enhance mobility and alleviate chronic pain for individuals with physical disabilities. The program is attended by people of varying ages and abilities, many of whom arrive using wheelchairs, crutches, or with assistance from trainers who are also volunteer lifeguards from the local fishing community.
During therapy sessions on the beach, participants engage in exercises such as gently rotating their torsos while partially buried in sand, aiming to ease pain and improve mobility incrementally.
Sessions begin on the sand, where trainers guide participants through gentle exercises. Some participants stabilize their legs by burying them in the sand, while others perform exercises while seated. The aquatic portion of the session takes place in the sea, where the water provides support and reduces joint strain. Participants practice stretches and strength exercises tailored to individual capabilities.
Volunteer coaches lead the sessions, which are priced at 300 CFA francs ($0.50) per session. Fees, along with a $3,000 subsidy from the city of Dakar, support the center's operations and equipment purchases. Many participants are referrals from healthcare providers, especially for those recovering from strokes, traffic accidents, or long-term joint issues.
The Club des Dauphins de Ngor, located in the coastal village of Ngor near Dakar, offers an aquagym program designed to enhance mobility and alleviate chronic pain for individuals with physical disabilities.
The aquagym program caters to individuals seeking general fitness and strength, regardless of specific medical conditions. The low-impact exercises are praised by health professionals for assisting those with reduced mobility caused by chronic illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, and arthritis.
As life expectancy increases in Africa, these chronic conditions have become more prevalent, often resulting in pain and limited mobility among older adults. However, prevention, diagnosis, and rehabilitation services remain insufficient, as public health systems focus on infectious diseases, maternal care, and child health. Consequently, many older individuals lack access to specialized medical care and may forego treatment to reduce expenses.
The aquagym program, utilizing the natural environment of the sea and beach, provides a cost-effective means to enhance mobility and relieve pain. The Club des Dauphins de Ngor aims to support more individuals in regaining strength, mobility, and independence.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
