Roman Empire Fitness Centre opens doors in Rundu
• Bringing health closer to residents
The founder of the new gym, David Ileka, says the centre's approach is multi-faceted with a focus on physical fitness in addition to mental wellness, discipline and overall healthier lifestyle choices.
A new gym, Roman Empire Fitness Centre, officially opened its doors in Rundu last weekend with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, aiming to promote community health and wellness through accessible fitness.
The gym was founded by medical practitioner David Ileka, who named it after his two-year-old son.
In an interview with Ewi lyaNooli this week, Ileka said the idea for the centre was born out of both professional insight and community demand.
“I noticed a growing number of people interested in fitness, but access to well-equipped and conveniently located gyms was limited. As a medical officer, I’ve seen how lifestyle changes, especially regular physical activity, can drastically improve health and prevent chronic illnesses,” he said.
Ileka said the Roman Empire is more than just a gym. “It’s a space that encourages not only physical fitness, but also mental wellness, discipline and healthier life choices,” he noted.
Bigger and better
What sets the facility apart, he said, is its accessibility and holistic approach. “We’re located in the heart of the community, removing one of the biggest barriers to staying active. We’ve also ensured the gym is fully equipped and staffed with knowledgeable, friendly trainers,” he added.
Since opening its doors informally, the gym has already attracted a wide range of members, from students and professionals to older adults. “The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Many people have said they’ve been waiting for a facility like this in Rundu,” Ileka said.
Long-term plans for Roman Empire Fitness include expanding equipment, launching a boxing academy, creating a child-friendly workout area and hiring more staff. “We also want to engage in community outreach to promote health beyond our gym walls,” Ileka said.
He explained that Rundu was chosen due to a clear need in the area. “Many smaller towns lack access to proper gyms because of the costs involved. Our aim is to eventually expand to other towns facing similar challenges.”
Currently, the gym is run by a small but dedicated team. As services grow, so will the staff. “We want to create job opportunities while maintaining high service standards,” Ileka added.
The gym was founded by medical practitioner David Ileka, who named it after his two-year-old son.
In an interview with Ewi lyaNooli this week, Ileka said the idea for the centre was born out of both professional insight and community demand.
“I noticed a growing number of people interested in fitness, but access to well-equipped and conveniently located gyms was limited. As a medical officer, I’ve seen how lifestyle changes, especially regular physical activity, can drastically improve health and prevent chronic illnesses,” he said.
Ileka said the Roman Empire is more than just a gym. “It’s a space that encourages not only physical fitness, but also mental wellness, discipline and healthier life choices,” he noted.
Bigger and better
What sets the facility apart, he said, is its accessibility and holistic approach. “We’re located in the heart of the community, removing one of the biggest barriers to staying active. We’ve also ensured the gym is fully equipped and staffed with knowledgeable, friendly trainers,” he added.
Since opening its doors informally, the gym has already attracted a wide range of members, from students and professionals to older adults. “The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Many people have said they’ve been waiting for a facility like this in Rundu,” Ileka said.
Long-term plans for Roman Empire Fitness include expanding equipment, launching a boxing academy, creating a child-friendly workout area and hiring more staff. “We also want to engage in community outreach to promote health beyond our gym walls,” Ileka said.
He explained that Rundu was chosen due to a clear need in the area. “Many smaller towns lack access to proper gyms because of the costs involved. Our aim is to eventually expand to other towns facing similar challenges.”
Currently, the gym is run by a small but dedicated team. As services grow, so will the staff. “We want to create job opportunities while maintaining high service standards,” Ileka added.
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