Making physical activity accessible through fun, community-led Zumba sessions
Led by: Tonga Health Promotion Foundation (TongaHealth)
Partner: Sunia Mafile‘o Gym, Zumba Elite Leaders Tonga
Theme: Physical Activity
📌 Overview
In response to rising inactivity and obesity rates, TongaHealth launched the Fun Shake Zumba Program in 2022 to make physical activity more accessible to communities in Nuku‘alofa Districts. The 2017 STEPS Survey showed that 45% of the population did not meet WHO’s recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise, while obesity increased from 67.6% in 2012 to 79.4% in 2017.
The 12-week Zumba program, held three times per week, combines professional instruction with community-led volunteer training to ensure sustainability. By collaborating with local gyms and instructors, TongaHealth helps create safe, social, and enjoyable opportunities for movement, particularly for women and families.
📈 Impacts
- 8 instructors trained (4 from Kolomotu‘a and 4 from Kolofo‘ou), by training 8 local instructors and offering free sessions, the program fostered ownership and sustainability within Kolomotu‘a and Kolofo‘ou communities.
- 5 participants achieved significant weight loss (9–23 kg).
- Free community sessions encouraged widespread participation and social bonding.
- Provided accessible opportunities for physical activity, especially in areas where cost and distance are barriers.
💡 Why It Works
- Community-based approach: Encourages participation through accessible, low-cost, and enjoyable activities.
- Sustainability: Training local instructors ensures program continuity.
- Inclusiveness: Adapts to COVID-19 conditions with safe indoor/outdoor sessions.
Together, these approaches show how locally grounded health promotion can reduce barriers to participation and support communities in leading more active, healthier lives.
🔗 For More Information:
- Zumba Elite Leaders Tonga: https://www.facebook.com/ZumbaEliteLeaders
- Sunia Mafile‘o Gym: https://www.facebook.com/SuniaMafile‘oGym
- Tonga Health Promotion Foundation: https://www.tongahealth.info/
Related Success Cases
Explore more physical activity initiatives from INHPF members:
- Health Promotion Administration, Taiwan – Community Nutrition Promotion Centers
- Preventive Health SA – Community Activation Grants
Image credit: TongaHealth, Zumba Elite Leaders Tonga, Sunia Mafile’o Gym
Source: Content adapted from TongaHealth
Explore the Network
Learn more about INHPF: https://inhpf.org/about/
About members: https://inhpf.org/members/
