Four-time Mr Zimbabwe Champion Givemore Marume has brought in a new idea into bodybuilding by introducing a fitness and health concept dubbed The Biggest Loser Zimbabwe.

Marume who last year introduced his own contest called the Marume Classic says the new concept is about debunking the notion that bodybuilding is all about weightlifting and massive gain but it’s also about maintaining a healthy and fit body.

“Sports is all about winning but what matters most is what you win at the end of it, in this instance, we are looking beyond just monetary rewards but winning in terms of one’s health which is the greatest prize any person would want in life,” said Marume.

“What we have done is that as a run-up to the Marume Classic in August we start with this health and fitness concept called The Biggest Loser Zimbabwe whereby individuals, couples, teams and corporate register on the 1st of April for a four-month campaign up to August where they partake in fitness exercises. The winners will get their prizes on the day we have the Marume Classic bodybuilding contest.

The idea is to encourage a healthy and fit lifestyle among Zimbabweans. Remember the health of a nation is marked by the health of its citizens. Now, most professionals spent time in offices doing strenuous jobs without exercises and some have fast foods without burning calories leading to obesity which has resulted in the increase in such diseases as hypertension, diabetes and heart conditions.”

The Gweru born Marume who also won the Mr Ironman Zimbabwe competition a record six times said he has a team in all the major cities and towns in the country to steer the campaign. He said the campaign though mainly majoring in weight loss, it will also encompass sportspersons who want to increase their vitality on the field as they have quality trainers to help them increase their endurance.

“Fitness is now a major concern in most developed countries leading to those governments paying a lot of attention to it. If you how European countries take it seriously with Russian president Vladimir Putin known to be a keen fitness enthusiast and even closer home new South African president Cyril Ramaphosa was on Tv and press with his morning jogging sessions which other South Africans tagged along. Even what makes some of the best sportspersons in the world like Cristiano Ronaldo tick is fitness. So even some sportspersons who want to increase their endurance in their various sporting disciplines are also participating in this campaign because we have qualified trainers,” added Marume.