In Embo, a small community outside Hillcrest, northwest of Durban, Maxwell “Starring” Nxele (56) is changing lives, one punch and leg lift at a time.

The karate sensei and professional fitness trainer who’s a branch chief of the World Kyokushin MMA Federation in South Africa, uses his skills to get people moving by hosting aerobic exercise and training classes at a local hall.   

In January this year, the father of five started free group fitness classes because he wanted to ‘give back to the community’ and promote a healthy lifestyle, healthy diet, and fitness for everyone. 

“The other main reason for these fitness trainings is to bring back the culture of togetherness, respect, discipline, and most importantly, to fight drug and alcohol use which is very high in our community,” says Nxele.

Jabu Mngadi (40) is a regular at Nxele’s training sessions. She joined the group after seeing a post in a community WhatsApp group inviting anyone who wants to take part. 

“I wanted to lose weight and keep active,” says Mngadi.“I see so much difference since I started exercising with the group. I now feel flexible; I don’t get tired easily like I used to. I have also learned so many things about myself, such as understanding my body, and the dangers of over-exercising which can lead to negative health consequences.” 

Another member of the group is Nokukhanya Gumbi (48), who lives close to the community hall where the classes are held. 

“When Mr Nxele suggested that he would open a fitness group, I grabbed that opportunity with both hands. I was physically active before as I used to jog around my area and go hiking. But I also felt that there is a need to join the group since I believe that if we do things together in the community with the same aim we can succeed easily,” says Gumbi.

“My energy levels are now boosted, and what I like the most is the fact that I am reducing the risks of getting chronic diseases, I am losing weight as well. And I increase my mental well-being such as stress relief. That is why I do not mind to come and spend an hour or more with the group.” 

Thulisile Sibiya (46) heard about the group from her friend. 

“I am a person who enjoys exercising and previously I was a member of various gyms  and I am a runner as well,” says Sibiya

She could no longer afford to pay monthly gym membership fees after losing her job, so Nxele’s free classes have helped her stay in shape.  

“I am a very dedicated person, who believes in living a healthy lifestyle no matter what, that is why I have never stopped exercising even on my own.  Even though some people in the community would make negative comments about me, some would mock me, and discourage me telling me to stop exercising, but I have never listened to them because I know my aim and purpose.”

For Nxele, who talks about the importance of diet and fitness everywhere he goes, the interest from the community has been gratifying. 

The classes are held on Mondays at 5 pm and on Saturdays at 8 am. – Health-e News