Wakazi Fitness Studio
As Zimbabwe’s wellness and fitness culture continues to expand, a new generation of fitness spaces is emerging to meet the needs of communities often overlooked by traditional gyms.
Among them is Wakazi Fitness Studio, a women-led wellness hub in Harare that is quickly building a reputation for offering a safe, inclusive, and community-driven approach to health and fitness.
Founded in September 2024, Wakazi Fitness Studio is located at 29 Mazowe Street in Harare, next to MedOrange, and has already grown into a thriving wellness community with more than 100 active members.
The rise of wellness culture in Zimbabwe has become increasingly visible in recent years, particularly in urban centres such as Harare and Bulawayo, where more people are embracing healthier lifestyles through fitness classes, running clubs, yoga communities, cycling groups, and nutrition-focused wellness programmes.
Social media has also played a major role in encouraging conversations around mental health, body confidence, women’s wellness, and preventative healthcare.
Against this backdrop, Wakazi Fitness Studio was created to offer women a space where they can prioritise their health without pressure or intimidation.
“Many women want to prioritise their health and wellness but often feel uncomfortable or unseen in traditional fitness environments. Wakazi exists to create a space where women of all ages, fitness levels, and backgrounds can move, grow, and feel supported,” said Steph Kapfunde, Wakazi Fitness Studio manager.
A growing demand for women-centred wellness spaces
Across Zimbabwe, the wellness industry has experienced significant growth as more people seek healthier and more balanced lifestyles.
Fitness studios, wellness retreats, running communities, and health-conscious cafés have become increasingly popular, particularly among young professionals and women looking for supportive fitness environments.
Women-only fitness spaces remain relatively limited in Zimbabwe, making Wakazi’s approach stand out in a market that has traditionally been dominated by conventional gyms.
The studio focuses on creating an atmosphere where women can exercise comfortably while also building a sense of community and empowerment.
The studio currently offers more than 13 classes every week, covering a broad range of fitness and wellness interests.
Programmes include Yoga, Mat Pilates, High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), Afro Dance, Step classes, Strength and Conditioning, as well as wellness-focused initiatives such as menopause wellness conversations and pre- and postnatal fitness support.
The diversity of the programmes reflects a broader shift within Zimbabwe’s wellness sector, where fitness is increasingly being viewed as part of a holistic lifestyle rather than simply a weight-loss activity.
Fitness increasingly linked to long-term health
Healthcare professionals and wellness advocates in Zimbabwe have increasingly encouraged people to adopt active lifestyles as non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, stress-related illnesses, and obesity continue to rise.
Wakazi Fitness Studio says many of its members are seeking long-term lifestyle changes rather than short-term fitness goals.
Women managing chronic health conditions, stress, and overall wellbeing concerns have become part of the growing community.
The studio’s emphasis on holistic wellness also extends beyond exercise sessions. Through wellness workshops, social fitness activities, and community-based initiatives such as the Wakazi Run Club, the brand is positioning itself as more than just a gym.
In recent years, Harare has seen growing participation in social fitness culture, with running clubs, wellness hikes, outdoor yoga events, and dance fitness communities becoming increasingly common.
These spaces are helping to reshape perceptions around exercise by focusing on community support and mental wellbeing alongside physical health.
Affordable wellness in Harare
Affordability remains a major consideration for many Zimbabweans seeking access to quality wellness facilities. Wakazi Fitness Studio currently offers memberships at US$50 per month, with a once-off registration fee of US$15.
In comparison to many boutique fitness spaces in Harare, the studio positions itself as one of the more accessible options, particularly considering the range of classes and professionally certified coaching staff available to members.
The growing interest in wellness has also created opportunities for local entrepreneurs within the fitness industry. Zimbabwe has seen a rise in independent fitness instructors, nutrition coaches, wellness influencers, and lifestyle brands catering to health-conscious consumers.
National recognition for innovation
Wakazi Fitness Studio’s rapid growth and community-focused approach have already attracted national recognition.
The brand was recently named among the winners of the Old Mutual Top 100 Value Creation Challenge, highlighting its growing impact within Zimbabwe’s entrepreneurship and wellness sectors.
The recognition reflects how wellness-focused businesses are increasingly becoming part of Zimbabwe’s broader economic and social landscape.
As conversations around mental health, preventative healthcare, and women’s wellbeing continue to gain momentum, spaces such as Wakazi Fitness Studio are helping to redefine what fitness communities in Zimbabwe can look like.
For many women, the appeal lies not only in exercise itself, but in finding a supportive environment that promotes confidence, health, and connection.
