by Ndalimpinga Iita
WINDHOEK, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- Dwellers of Windhoek, capital of Namibia, are embracing mountain climbing and hiking to improve fitness levels and to deal with anxiety amid spiralling COVID-19 cases in the country.
The country recorded 324 COVID-19 confirmed cases on Friday, the highest number of positive cases reported within 24 hours since the COVID-19 outbreak started in the country.
30-year-old Andi Gillet, recently embarked on mountain climbing as a hobby to lose weight.
"I felt I was unfit and overweight. I want to improve my health in case I test positive for COVID-19 to increase chances of survival. I go hiking two times a week, and I can feel the difference in my fitness level and weight loss," she said on Friday.
Some of the popular trails are in Auas-Blick, Klein Windhoek residential areas and other mountains on the outskirts of the city.
Mountain hiking is complemented by healthier food options.
She is not the only one. For David John (35), hiking is a safer option for him in terms of COVID-19 precaution. Activities around mountains offer a safer space of socialisation due to wide and vast space.
"Unlike the gym, I do not touch any surfaces here nor do I have to be in close contact with people, which reduces the risk of infection in this respect," he said.
In addition, hiking helps them to cope with anxiety caused by the fear of COVID-19.
"As numbers spike, mountain oriented activities such as hiking and cycling helps to release stress. An outdoor breeze during hiking is therapeutic," according to John.
Moreover, mountain-oriented activities have catapulted young people into business. Vemuna Kanduu runs the Can-Do Fitness Club. He usually takes his clients for hiking as part of the fitness program as it is deemed safer.
In the era plagued by COVID-19, according to Kanduu, hiking and mountain climbing has multiple benefits.
"It relieves stress, which is beneficial health-wise. People also enjoy nature, picturesque scenery, and thus would opt for outdoor activities rather than being indoors at home," he said.
Records by the United Nations shows that mountains are home to 15 percent of the world's population and host about half of the world's biodiversity hotspots.
Moreover, unlike the other training facilities, mountain hiking is for free.
The hikers and revellers also get a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment when they reach the top of the mountain. The experiences are shared via social media.
"As I reach the top, I feel I have achieved a goal. It boosts my confidence so every moment is captured," said Gillet, who was taking several photos on Friday.
In the meantime, in observance of the International Mountain Day, collective efforts are made to safeguard the environment around the mountains.
"We take care of the environment by not littering or causing damage as this area also sustains us," Kanduu said.
This year, International Mountain Day, commemorated annually on Dec. 11 was observed under the theme of mountain biodiversity. Enditem
