Chasing dreams shouldn’t mean sacrificing our health!
My sister Akua,34,Kumasi Marketing Executive.
Her day: 4:30 AM: Wake up, pray, prep kids’, lunch for school.
6:30 AM: Battle traffic from Abukwa to Adum (1.5 hrs!).
8 AM–5 PM: Meetings,lunch at desk, client calls.
7 PM: Get home, cook, and help with homework.
10:30 PM: Pray. Sleep. Repeat.
She gained 15 kg in 2 years. Her knees ached.
The doctor said ‘pre-diabetic.’ But gyms cost GH ₵400/month! When would she even join
Sound familiar?
REALISTIC FITNESS TIPS (Tested in Ghanaian Reality!)
“Trotro Cardio” Move while you commute! Walk 1 stop before boarding your trotro.
Stretch at traffic lights: Neck rolls, shoulder shrugs (no one’s judging!).
Skip the elevator: Take stairs in office buildings (even 2 flights counts!). I always do that, which is exhausting but helpful.
No equipment, no problem!
3 mins: Jumping jacks”
3 mins: Chair squats pretend you’re sitting for fufu!
4 mins: High knees (imagine chasing the last kelewele seller!
Turn cooking time into fit time! While boiling rice/beans: Do calf raises (up & down 20x!.
Waiting for banku to set: Wall push-ups!
Swap, Don’t Stop” Instead of: Fried plantain kelewele daily Try Roasted plantain twice/week. Instead of Sugary bissap, try infused water, mint + ginger + lime.
Like saturday mornings: Turn chores into dance-offs Afrobeats + mopping! Edey jorm waaa. Kids’ playtime: Join tag or ampe. You’ll sweat more than them!.
Abena’s turning point? Starting SMALL:
She parked 10 mins farther from the office.
Swapped sugar bread for boiled egg + avocado on Tues/Thurs.
5 -15, squats every time she boiled water for tea.
“In 3 months, she lost 5 kg. Her energy came back. She stopped dozing off at work!
You don’t need: Fancy gyms. 2-hour workouts or expense shakes
You DO need: Consistency. Even 5 mins daily! Self-compassion. Missed a day? Try again!
Our ancestors farmed under the sun, carried water on their heads, walked miles to trade… You carry that strength! Adapt it. Own it.”
Start TODAY: Stand up right now. Stretch your arms high – touch the sky!
Drink a glass of water.
Share to a busy Ghanaian friend who needs this!
E.A-B Kelzi
