In recent years, running has emerged as much more than a trendy fitness routine across West Africa—it has offered solace, purpose, and renewed confidence for people of all ages seeking to reclaim their wellbeing. For Tammi Ragebult, a former flight attendant and winner of the Women’s Health (WH) Cover Search, her own journey with running began unexpectedly during the global chaos of the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. Like many across Nigeria, Ghana, and throughout Africa who returned home abruptly or found themselves confined, Tammi faced uncertainty, loneliness, and time on her hands. What started as a response to these pressures—a run here, a workout there—gradually grew into a passionate calling. Fast-forward to June 2025, and Tammi has checked off one of the continent’s most iconic sports feats: finishing her first Comrades Marathon, an ultra-distance race that remains legendary in both South Africa and among African runners worldwide. Her transition from hotel gyms to the elite ranks of marathoners stands as proof that it’s never too late—or too daunting—to embark on new habits.
Reflecting on her early years of fitness, Tammi reveals that her initial routines took place in hotel gyms scattered around the world. As a young flight attendant, she often grappled with jet lag and the emotional strains of being far from home, a feeling to which many Nigerians working abroad can relate. “Hotel gyms kept me sane in between the long flights and quiet nights away from everything familiar,” Tammi shares. This pragmatic approach—using available spaces and stolen hours—parallels the inventive workouts seen among Nigerians, Ghanaians, and many Africans in urban and rural settings alike, where crowded homes, unpredictable weather, and demanding schedules require adaptable, no-excuses fitness habits.
It wasn’t all smooth running, literally. Tammi’s experience highlights broader social barriers women face when visible in public fitness spaces—an issue well known in many Nigerian cities. Detractors were quick with negative comments about her unique running style, often linked to her “knock knees” or ikiss-kiss, a term familiar in local communities. “People always said I look ‘funny’ when I run. I’ve been underestimated and overlooked more times than I can count,” she notes candidly. In Nigeria and Ghana, it’s common for new runners, especially women, to hear negative remarks or face stares, which discourages many from participating in public exercise. According to Dr. Adesuwa Oke, a Lagos-based fitness psychologist, “Social support can make or break a new fitness habit—especially for women facing cultural expectations or physical differences.”
Tammi’s solution was radical in its simplicity: she trained solo, shutting out judgments and pressures. “I started training alone minus the commentary and the pressure. Just me, failing forward.” This resonates with so many West Africans who opt for dawn runs before work or improvise routines in small home spaces. Tammi even describes adapting her hotel workouts, sometimes preferring private sessions in her hotel room, much like Nigerians who carve out fitness time late at night or early in the morning to fit around family obligations and jobs.
“I learned that people will always talk – whether my form is perfect or not. That knowledge made me confident to join a club. The real question was: was I going to let the noise stop me or would I keep doing what makes me happy?”
This determination has helped Tammi inspire a new wave of fitness confidence across the continent. Many runners and fitness enthusiasts—whether in Lagos, Accra, Johannesburg, or global cities—cite their “why” as the energy that drives them out of bed, regardless of negative feedback. According to Nigerian running coach Chuka Eze (2024), “What matters most isn’t style or speed, but showing up consistently—your discipline becomes your superpower.”
Tammi swears by the legendary 05h00 club—waking up early to exercise before the demands of the day set in. This approach is echoed by Nigerian communities, where pre-dawn jogs, street football sessions, and even yoga are gaining popularity as safe and effective ways to stay healthy. Life in bustling cities like Lagos and Abuja often means long commutes and unpredictable schedules; Tammi’s backup plan, sneaking in a session during lunch break, aligns with practical guidance from local trainers who emphasize adaptability. “I believe in exercising early so it doesn’t get pushed aside. Then on my lazy days, my lunch break becomes my backup plan,” Tammi explains.
Her philosophy for health resonates with millions striving for lasting wellness amidst daily pressures:
- Eat for your body—not for your emotions. This is especially relevant in societies where food is at the centre of both comfort and celebration.
- Prioritise consistency, not just bursts of intensity—a principle local physiotherapists such as Dr. Efua Mensah in Accra say is key for avoiding injury and burnout.
- Remember that discipline is, in and of itself, a form of freedom. For Tammi and many Africans, structured routines anchor wellbeing amid chaos.
Tammi’s deepest well of energy, however, comes from her faith. “My identity is in Christ. My faith is my foundation. It’s what gives me strength and courage. I talk to God before everything else.” Many Nigerians and Ghanaians will immediately relate; the role of faith in pursuing long-term goals and resilience is foundational across the region. According to a 2023 Pew Research Center study, over 95% of people in Nigeria and Ghana report that religion plays a very important part in their daily lives, which often guides their approach to health and motivation.
Trivia
Your go-to workout when you’re upset…
For Tammi, nothing beats a run to reset her mood—reflecting a growing West African trend where running and walking clubs are safe havens for mental wellness, especially for young professionals and parents.
Favourite food that you would turn into a ‘superfood’ with zero calories…
Her guilty pleasure? Oven-baked pizza—hands down. It’s a feeling many Nigerians share with their love for indulgent treats like suya or meat pies, sparking the ongoing local debate about how to enjoy favourites guilt-free.
Fitness equipment you could never live without…
Tammi’s answer is a foam roller, a tool now embraced by fitness enthusiasts across Nigerian and Ghanaian gyms to enhance recovery and prevent muscle soreness. She jokes that her foam roller even travelled with her to the Comrades Marathon, underscoring its importance.
Exercise that you neglect but know you should do more of…
Yoga is the neglected cousin in Tammi’s routine—a common story among local athletes and casual gym-goers who promise to start “tomorrow.” According to the Nigerian Yoga Community (NYC), participation is growing, but cultural perceptions about flexibility and masculinity can be barriers.
Your ultimate ‘I deserve this’ cheat meal…
For those moments of indulgence, Tammi confesses to enjoying sweets in bed. Many West Africans will nod in agreement, recognising those late-night cravings for chin chin, puff-puff, or chocolates. According to Lagos-based nutritionist Kemi Adeyemi, “allowing yourself planned treats supports mental health and long-term adherence to balanced diets.”
Get To Know Tammi
Tammi Ragebult’s unique journey reflects not just a personal transformation, but a growing movement across Africa—a belief that regardless of age, background, or body type, anyone can embrace new health and fitness habits. Her story, like those of many West Africans, highlights the power of community, faith, and self-belief amid a world that often doubts or questions. As urban fitness clubs, social media challenges, and informal running groups gain traction from Lagos Island to Accra’s Independence Square, Tammi’s example serves as a rallying call to step outside, tune out negativity, and move for joy, wellness, and community. Even global audiences watching from afar can appreciate the energy and resilience radiating from African runners reshaping wellness on their terms.
What is the biggest obstacle standing between you and your dream fitness habit? Have you found creative ways to overcome negativity or setbacks like Tammi? Drop a comment below and join the conversation—your experience might just inspire someone else on their wellness journey!
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