By Hilja Shikongo

When it comes to fitness in Namibia, Ester Hipondoka is proof that passion, discipline, and resilience can transform a lifestyle into a movement. From her early school days where she was actively involved in sports, to owning her own fitness boot camp today, Hipondoka has grown into one of the young voices shaping health and wellness in the country.

“I was an active student in sports since primary school, but it got more dominant in high school where I took part in almost every activity,” she recalls. After graduating and working half-days, she used her free afternoons to explore fitness more seriously — eventually training and earning certificates as a Personal Fitness Trainer and Fitness Floor Instructor.

For Hipondoka, fitness is much bigger than gym routines or body goals it is about building healthier communities.
“I believe that exercise plays a significant role in society by promoting physical fitness and encouraging community engagement. It curbs illness, integrates people socially, and even contributes to economic development,” she says.
Her perspective is especially relevant for Namibia’s youth, where issues like depression, unemployment, and low self-esteem are on the rise. Hipondoka insists that fitness can be a remedy. 

“By exercising, the youth will experience fewer symptoms of depression, improved self-esteem, and better interpersonal relations. Fitness lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases, slows aging, and keeps the body strong.”
Despite her current success, Hipondoka’s journey was not without challenges. Starting a boot camp required capital and commitment. 

“Finding clients was not the issue finding committed clients was,” she admits. 
“The main challenge was creating a space where people are motivated, resilient, and willing to put in the work.”
Consistency, she emphasizes, remains the hardest hurdle for many. 

“People struggle because they lack motivation or have unrealistic expectations. When they do not lose weight quickly, they get frustrated and quit. Others face barriers like busy work schedules, low self-esteem, or fear of judgment.”
Ester is passionate about ensuring that fitness is accessible for everyone especially those in disadvantaged communities.
“In communities with limited resources, fitness can be made accessible by offering adaptive equipment, affordable gym entries, or even pro bono sessions,” she says. 

“We need more outdoor training centres and boot camps at reasonable prices, and more youth must be motivated to study fitness so they can open studios in their own communities.”
Her vision goes beyond just health. She sees fitness as a way for young people to create employment, support their peers, and build stronger societies.

Hipondoka’s message to young Namibians is direct and inspiring. 
“It is never too late to start, and you should never be hesitant to chase your goals. Stay positive, motivated, hardworking, and resilient. And when you reach the top, remain humble and prayerful.”

She urges young entrepreneurs in fitness not to give up, reminding them that “Rome was not built in one day.” She stresses discipline, consistency, and a willingness to ask for help when necessary.

In the next five years, Hipondoka envisions growing her Star Boot Camp into a leading brand while collaborating with other fitness companies and corporate institutions. She also plans to mentor other trainers and push for more opportunities for fitness students from low-income backgrounds.

Her mantra is simple yet powerful:
“Exercise is medicine. It reduces the risk of depression by 45%, boosts brain health, relieves anxiety, and improves concentration. I once had a client who was on anti-depressants and constantly unhappy. Within four months of training, her energy improved, her mood lifted, and her self-esteem grew. That’s the power of fitness.”

As she concludes, Hipondoka challenges the youth to make fitness a part of their identity:
“For those who gave up, pack your gym bag, find time, get out of the house and move that body. Your body and mind will thank you later.”

Her story is more than a personal journey it is a call for young Namibians to embrace fitness not just as a lifestyle choice, but as a path to mental strength, community growth, and national wellness.