Training of Fitness Trainers
Non - Communicable Diseases And The Urgent Need For Fitness Trainers
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), commonly known as chronic or lifestyle-related diseases, are diseases that develop from within you through genetics or things that develop inside your body at some point in your life. NCDs can be prevented and managed by taking simple measures to reduce risk factors such as unhealthy diets, lack of physical activity, pollution, and smoking. Over half of NCD deaths are premature and occur before the age of 70, causing considerable burden on health systems and national economies. Risk factors for NCDs often begin in childhood and continue through adulthood. Physical activity ensures healthy growth and development in young people and reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Whats Going On In Our Communities
A 2011 STEPS survey in the Maldives showed that unhealthy foods and beverages and sedentary lifestyles have resulted in a sharp rise in major NCDs, becoming the main cause of mortality and morbidity. The high incidence of death and disability mirrors the rise in associated risk factors such as prevalence of tobacco use, low intake of fruits and vegetables, sedentary lifestyle, and overweight population. However, a lack of clear and up-to-date data on the prevalence of NCDs in the Maldives is a significant obstacle in finding the right solutions to tackle this growing problem.
A lack of clear up to date data from the Maldives on the prevalence of NCD’s in our communities is a huge obstacle in finding the right solutions to how we can tackle this growing problem.
What We’re Doing About It
The Ministry of Higher Education Maldives, through the Skills for a Resilient Workforce Program (SFRWF) initiative funded by the World Bank, has partnered with The Male’ Fitness Academy (MFA) to train female fitness trainers from across the archipelago. MFA conducts the National Certificate III Fitness Instructor course, accredited by the Maldives Qualification Authority, over a period of 15 weeks in Male’ city. Students learn aqua sports, aerobics, setting up and running indoor and outdoor gyms, and first aid.
How We’re Doing It
MWA works in cooperation with WDC and councils across the islands to search for the brightest and most determined young women between 18-35 years of age. After a series of interviews and fitness tests, they take part in a three-month intensive course at The Male’ Fitness Academy. As most participants are young mothers, MWA provides emotional support outside of training hours, through fishing trips, picnics, nature walks, and other recreational activities rooted in self-care and group bonding. MWA also offers workshops and talks on small business and start-ups, nutrition, mental wellbeing, and etiquette to provide participants with a strong foundation in basic business principles and personal guidance in their individual business plans for gyms on their home islands.
Our Vision For ToFT
MWA aims to pave the way forward for women who have the drive and vision to change the course of their lives. Women from across the islands are trained to start their businesses in their communities to guide members to a healthier and more sustainable way of life with the resources available to them. The ultimate goal is to make daily exercise and a fresh healthy lifestyle accessible to everyone.
