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Playing social soccer enables you to keep fit without feeling the strain usually associated with exercise

Innocent Choga Fitness

In the early centuries exercise and sporting programmes were a preserve of the affluent employer class. The reason given was that workers would be tired, because they had to work overtime to make more money or they could not afford to join exercise spas. Around 2002 world research indicated that sedentary lifestyle was prevalent in 41,5 percent of less affluent people against 17,5 percent in the affluent individuals.

Some manual workers do not see the value of exercise as they are always engaged in physical labour during working hours. To them, only the white collar workers need to exercise. There is need to think twice on this issue. As we have discussed before, fitness does not relate to the conditioning of the body only. It also relates to the mind and social integration.

Just like an athlete, if a worker does not have a clear mind and has nagging issues logged in his brain, chances of bungling a job or getting involved in accidents are high. Lack of social integration especially when one has problems may mean a worker will not relate well with other workers. Being fit means one fits into the company’s objectives and is compatible with fellow workers.

Just because a job is physically demanding does not mean a worker is using all the muscles in the body. Neither does it mean all the fitness components are involved. Besides, when we exercise we have a different mindset, and when we work we are concentrating on the job.

We can analyse a worker’s fitness by taking a few jobs as examples.

Construction and other heavy lifting sites

In building and mechanics, the hands and arms are mostly involved, and to a lesser extent the shoulders. That is why most builders and mechanics have well built arms and front shoulder muscles. But what of the other muscles? Although standing requires muscular endurance it is not an exercise that causes a rush of blood to any particular area. Since there is no movement of joints; the muscles do not go through a full range of motion. There is no cardiovascular work unless one is pushing a wheel barrow at speed for long distances.

It is necessary to protect ourselves by exercising, just as it is necessary to use recommended protection where required. For example some workers who deal with pesticides are given masks by employers, but you will find them spraying the chemicals with the masks in their pockets despite warnings from experts about the dangers of these pesticides.

Applying the recommended ways of lifting is important for these who lift heavy items. Bend the knees as you lift. Avoid carrying items in front of the body, but hold them at the sides of the body where possible or use appropriate lifting equipment. It does not matter how strong you think you are, lower back pains and a back stoop will haunt you when you get older. It is necessary to condition the stomach and back muscles for these workers.

Drivers

Long distance driving requires full attention and concentration; there is need for drivers to be fit. The fitness equation applies to this class of workers; exercise plus good diet plus adequate sleep equals a fit driver. The right amount of exercise envigorates us; it does not have to be too much to exhaust one. If one is tired, a few exercises to get the blood pumping around the body will energise one.

But remember, if any one component of fitness equation is missing there is no fitness. Exercising is for conditioning those muscle that are used when seated and getting a good uninterrupted flow of the blood around the body.

A balanced diet is necessary for good energy supply and proper functioning of the body system.

Quality, adequate sleep and rest is for a good state of mind. To add to that, body weight control assists in minimising possible chances of being afflicted with weight related diseases.

The job market is flooded with job hunters so the worker must also offer a healthy and fit package in addition to the efficiency and loyalty that is expected from a worker. According to one business coach, one of the unwritten laws of business require the entrepreneur to quickly get rid of employees that do not fit into the company’s goals and culture.

So there is need for workers to be aware that if fitness is part of that culture one has to toe the line. Deliberately wrecking one’s health and ignoring fitness requirements will work negatively for us.

It is unfortunate but understandable that gym fees and other recreational benefits that top workers used to enjoy have been dropped by most companies as cost cutting measures because of the current economic challenges.

According to Mr Henry Bindu the owner of Xcel Health Spa, economic hardships have seen most companies drop that benefit, but those who are committed to the fitness lifestyle pay for themselves and they still come to the gym.

A manager at one of the top gyms in Harare said, out of the 50 plus companies that were paying gym fees for their employees only two remain in the books. Most individuals are now paying for themselves.

A certain CEO mentioned that their company stopped paying because of erratic attendances and default by some of their employees, meaning it was a waste of money. Those that are committed will pay for themselves and when the cash is coming from their pockets they will certainly make sure they use the facilities.

Social soccer is one of the main activities that most companies are still providing for their workers. It is a natural thing because soccer is the most popular sport. I think almost every man has kicked a plastic or leather ball during the youth stage. Soccer is a good activity in terms of getting fit, for both the cardiovascular and muscular systems.

Gerald Masakadza, an organiser and a player for one of the top motoring companies’ social soccer side, said it is cheaper to engage in social soccer as this activity accommodates a lot of employees.

Gerald said there are so many companies involved in social soccer and failure to book a ground in time can see them missing out that week.

“Every one of us can have a chance to run around and sweat for at least twenty minutes and give others a chance. It is a good way not only to exercise but to socialise as well. We get to know each other well and we can tell if one of us has a problem, so we assist each other, but the primary aim is to enjoy the exercise and socialise. It is a pity that not many workers take this opportunity to exercise and enjoy the benefits. Out of the hundreds of workers that the company employs only a few attend regularly.”

Gerald is an older brother to the famous cricketers Hamilton, Shingirai and Wellington Masakadza, who occasionally exchange the cricket bats and balls for soccer boots. Gerald looks fit, but he says he has started weight training to further improve his fitness.

Gerald is also impressed by his boss, who happens to be my guest for this week, Mr Cosmas Taurayi Marimo, a director at a motoring company.

Mr Marimo is a serious soccer fanatic, a regular at his company’s social soccer events. He also plays golf at Chapman.

He is married to Musa and they have four children. The eldest are two girls; Tawana (16) who is into sports — hockey and archery at school, and Tanatswa (13) who plays netball. The two boys Mudiwa and Matipa are four-year-old twins.

When I asked why a man of his top position mingles with the common worker, he said: “Hey we are the same. There is no difference between us. I never think of it that way. Besides, there are many big guys from so many other companies that we play with.”

He named a number of top flight executives.

Mr Marimo’s passion for football is a result of inspiration he got from his father Conrad who played soccer well into his forties and it is a hobby that started in Mufakose where he grew up.

I had the chance to watch Mr Marimo play and for a forty seven year old man he is impressive.

He is a perfectionist at his work place as his colleagues will agree, and I could see some of those traits as he enjoys making accurate passes and has a knack for dribbling and making spectacular shots at goal, a la Moses Chunga.

I think if he improves his fitness a bit he will definitely enjoy the games to the maximum. He says he tried weight training but the pain associated with weight training would make his muscles stiff.

I think Mr Marimo lifted the wrong way; there is a perfect way for soccer players to train with weights.

Mr Marimo says he understands the need for exercise and recreation. He says playing social soccer enables him to keep fit without feeling the strain usually associated with exercise because he enjoys the activity.

He is a passionate supporter of Dynamos, Chelsea and Real Madrid, so we know who is singing the blues this year.

Tomorrow is Workers Day as we celebrate and reflect on our rights as workers; let us also reflect on our well being not only for ourselves but for the benefit of our families and employers as well.

Emai:[email protected] Innocent Choga is a six time National Bodybuilding Champion with international experience. He is studying for a science degree in Physical Education and Sport.