A gym that speaks to the mind, body, and souI

Fitness like respect is earned and doesn’t come freely on a silver platter. It comes through commitment, determination, and above all, consistency. As the old adage says, “A fit body, calm mind, a house full of love - these cannot be bought - they must be earned.” In a bid to maintain the relevance of the aforementioned adage which had become under threat from prevalent issues of drug and substance abuse by the youth, the Iron Bar Gym Club took it upon itself to rejuvenate its gym premises and save the youth from the jaws of drug abuse.

A local gym in one of  Zvishavane’s old suburbs of Noevale where a lot of university students are renting has breathed life into the students and the youth. The gym Club diverted the attention of students from toxic drugs to a healthier lifestyle through gym sessions. The fight against drugs is now being done head-on in the gym.

The Iron Bar has become a refreshing hub from the mentally demanding academic schedule. The students are able to train and work out while they mix, mingle, socialize and recharge from day-to-day stresses associated with tertiary education. The Club is fast becoming one of the most promising yet affordable gyms in Zvishavane.

The gym is equipped with a wide range of facilities and a plethora of gym equipment for various body exercises. It provides students with a safe, functional, and comfortable workout environment that offers an exclusive atmosphere for recreation, idea sharing, and socialization.

In an interview with the Club Manager, Miss Nadja Brown, she said that the gym was meant to alleviate the pressure that comes with academic pursuits among students. “The largest number of our members are MSU students. The students’ wellbeing is our concern that’s why students are paying $20 per month whilst other gym members are paying $30. We have members from all age groups. Fitness is for all ages and it being embraced by the young people shows that the future of Zimbabwe is in good hands since they are future leaders,” she said.

“We also have gym members who come from as far as Eastlea. The level of commitment our staff has is top-notch and second to none in Zvishavane,” she added.

Interestingly, the Iron Bar Gym is family owned. The Gym owner, Mrs. Placidia Brown, a Zumba Fitness Instructor who is also an ECD teacher at Marian High School is a fitness fanatic.  She reiterated that having a fit body equals having a positive fit mind and she encouraged those who are yet to join the Club to come and have a try. “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop so I encourage youth not to be idle in their homes. This will lead them to indulge in alcohol and abuse drugs which may have dreadful consequences. They must come and exercise in a relaxed environment. They are all welcome and our prices are affordable,” she said.

In an interview with Tinashe Karuma, a student at Midlands State University (MSU) who joined the Gym Club in 2021 he said his fitness journey was hard but through commitment and dedication he is now enjoying working out and it’s now a routine. “I am grateful to my friend Isaiah Ncube who encouraged me to start this fitness journey because it’s paying off. I am now living a healthy lifestyle and I am learning a lot through socializing with other members,” he said.

He also applauded the Gym trainers for their unwavering support and their professionalism in handling their members. “At first I didn’t know how to use some of the gym equipment. The reception that members are given is world-class. I also want to pursue Taekwondo training which is also offered by the gym. I want my Taekwondo skills to complement my gym routine so that I become an all-rounder,” he added.

Exercising not only strengthen one’s body. It strengthens the mind, attitude, and one’s mood. The Iron Bar Club which is co-located with Shabanie Mine Club is impacting the Noevale and Zvishavane Community at large. The gym impacts students in so many great ways since the body achieves what the mind believes.

With local celebrities, EXQ and Baba Harare endorsing fitness as part and parcel of a healthy lifestyle, Iron Bar Gym Club prides itself in offering fitness activities to university students who are future leaders.The purpose of training is to tighten up the slack, toughen the body and polish the spirit.