A social fitness programme was conducted for the monks of Tango monastery on April 8.

The programme was initially started by the Ministry of Health to promote the importance of physical activity at the work place and to reduce non communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, among others.

The aerobic session is included in the programme. Aerobics is a physical exercise that includes rhythmic aerobic exercises with stretching and strength training routines. Besides boosting the immune system, it also helps in regulating blood pressure and cholesterol. A dietary plan is provided to the participants apart from the exercise.

Fitness trainer, Dorji Tsheten of Dosten Consultancy Service, said that it was observed that the monks do not get much physical activity in their daily lives and so he approached the principal of the monastery to talk about the health benefits of aerobics.

The programme is currently being conducted at the Ministry of Works and Human Settlement, an Anim Dratsang, Gidakom hospital and the Anti Corruption Commission.

Due to the lack of funds, the programme is being carried out mostly in Thimphu. Dorji Tsheten said that he is interested to introduce such social fitness programmes in all the 20 dzongkhags in the future.

Staff reporter