Zoë’s tips for an all year summer body
The popular TV and radio presenter stays in shape physically and energy-wise, writes Viwe Ndongeni
ZOË Brown became a household name in 2015 when her talents were discovered during Presenter Search on SABC 3. Since then she has made a name for herself in showbiz, and it’s no doubt that her dedication is paying off. Every day from Monday to Friday, the bubbly Brown graces our TV screens on Expresso Breakfast Show on SABC 3, from 6am to 9am.
Brown, who also hosts the afternoon drive show, FlashDrive on KFM, has shown us that having a busy lifestyle is no excuse for a bad lifestyle. She admits that balancing her busy schedule and finding time to exercise can be challenging.
We caught up with her to find where she is in her career and how she manages to stay in shape all year long.
Who is Zoë Brown and where are you in your career?
I’m a TV and radio presenter and right now I’m exactly where I want to be in my career. In the mornings you can catch me on the Expresso Breakfast Show, and in the afternoons on the FlashDrive on Kfm 94.5 (4pm – 7pm).
What is your exercise routine?
At the moment my goal is to do one Bodytec session and three gym sessions a week – if I can squeeze in a fourth it is a bonus! Bodytec gives me a full body workout in 20 minutes, and the other days I follow a fitness programme that combines cardio and strength training.
Any preference in music when exercising?
I feel most motivated when I have music in my ears! My music preferences all depend on my mood for that day.
Thanks to my Apple Music subscription, I get to chop and change songs and playlists by a click of a button.
The days when I need extra motivation, I prefer sing-along songs! Those get me pumped up all the time.
A lot of people want to stay in superb shape but find it difficult to stay disciplined. Where do you get the motivation to put in the hours in the gym?
Working on a live TV show is a motivation on its own. For me, it is not just about fitting into clothes and looking good, but about feeling great. When I exercise, I feel the difference in my stamina for the day. I rely on my body’s natural energy instead of caffeine to get me through the day.
How much time do you spend at the gym?
I unfortunately can’t get to the gym every day unless there is one open at 3am! I try not be too hard on myself and would rather set a realistic goal of three to four times a week. When I do find myself in the gym, I can easily spend 60 to 75 minutes there.
So what’s more important for a great a body – is it exercise or healthy eating?
Both play an equally important part. Although I’m a healthy eater, I often binge eat due to my schedule. Since I can’t get to the gym every single day, I tend to focus more on eating healthy.
Conventional gym or Bodytec? Why? Both! I love that Bodytec manages to reach muscles groups in a way I can’t do in my conventional gym routine in only 20 minutes. But I also enjoy the conventional gym as a stress release, and as a way to switch off and only focus on pushing myself mentally and physically.
You were discovered during a television presenter search on SABC3. Did you ever think you would end up in the position that you are in, when you entered the competition?
Not at all – and I cannot believe it’s been two and a half years! I’m extremely grateful to be where I am. However, had you told me 10 years ago that I would be here, I would have laughed at you.
Whenever I go back to my hometown of Durban and bump into people I grew up with, they are equally surprised to see that I went the media route. I was and still am to a certain degree very quiet, often shy, definitely introverted.
You also get to work with patients at the Red Cross Children’s Hospital. What’s your involvement with the hospital and do you have a particular memory that stands out for you?
My involvement started as a regular volunteer. I spent time with kids whose parents were not there during that time.
We would play board or card games, some preferred to build puzzles while other kids were happy if you left toys with them to play on their own. Once my profile grew, I became an ambassador for the Children’s Hospital Trust ( the fund-raising arm of the hospital), where I was part of some of their fund-raising campaigns to build a bigger and better ICU.
Any advice for people who are still working towards a summer body?
Be patient with yourself – don’t do anything crazy or follow a fad diet, but make the lifestyle changes that are required.
Slow and steady will keep the summer body ready all year round!
Any parting words?
I’m a big believer in balance, but most importantly the type of balance that fits your own lifestyle and needs.
What works for one person might not work for the next, but playing around and experimenting to find what works for you is part of the journey!