A new tool for fitness in Kibera

by Molly Smith, 2012 CFK Fellow, Masters Student at UNC’s Department of Exercise and Sport Science

This weekend marked a new level of new partnership between CFK and the Durham, NC based company Rubberbanditz. As an athletic trainer studying in UNC’s Exercise and Sports Science department, I was excited to use the skills I have learned in school to train CFK members in the basics of exercise, anatomy, and strength training as they embark on a two month training program designed to produce certified Rubberbanditz trainers. The participants began the training with a wide range of fitness experiences; some are football (soccer) or jump rope coaches, one owns a local gym, and others have previously used Rubberbanditz for exercise. Some have little experience with exercise but are excited to get involved. To start the training, participants shared their goals ranging from wanting to become more fit and to learn to be personal trainers to wanting to empower the community and be role models in Kibera. When I first displayed the bands, there were some skeptical looks, especially by guys used to working out with heavy dumbbells. But by the end of Day 1, everyone experience firsthand the power of the bands and mastered the basic exercises. I think there will definitely be some sore muscles in the weeks ahead and that no one will doubt the difficulty of the bands in the future!

 

To learn more about the partnership between Rubberbanditz and CFK, check out this article in the Durham Herald Sun: http://heraldsun.com/view/full_story/19129410/article-Rubberbanditz-owner-sees-products-as-possible-job-creation-tool