Crowds soak up vibes and moves at six-hour intense family bootcamp

A DESIRE for the ultimate body saw more than 500 East Londoners shake, jump and let it all out at the family fitness fun day which took place at the Beaconhurst Strawberry Fields on Saturday morning.

Music from the field could be heard throughout Beacon Bay from as early as 6am as the energetic masses started arriving for the six-hour Hercules Bootcamp fitness day.

Speaking to the Daily Dispatch after the inaugural event, organiser and bootcamp coach Singwa Silinga said the family fitness day was the first of many to come to East London.

“We have a string of fitness days lined up, with a summer event also on the charts for later on this year,” Silinga said.

The field was transformed into a mini wonderland with games and slides to keep children entertained, while fitness trainers kept the crowds on their feet. Local artists and entertainers also kept the masses moving with feel good music.

Silinga said the main idea was to allow kids to have fun in the sun, while the adults worked on their fitness goals.

“It was meant to be a fun day for all members of the family. It was inspiring to see how much love people showed towards the event. They want more.”

He said a healthy mind and body went a long way to living a fulfilled life.

“When your body is healthy, you develop a positive image about yourself. When you look and feel good, you do good. Fitness is a tool to a transformed life. I love seeing people change from the inside out.”

Sikelelwa Tsotsi, from Beacon Bay, spent the day in the sun with her daughters Ambesiwe, six, and Ntinga, five.

Ambesiwe said: “I was doing squats, star jumps, lunges and push ups. I’m feeling strong and fit.”

Tsotsi said the event was perfect for adrenaline junkies.

“It was lovely, hard, exciting and intense. The music pushes you to keep going.”

Sinamava Mbashe, of Mdantsane, said the event had been inspiring.

“It was my first time participating in an event like this, and it was interesting to discover new ways of having fun while exercising. It was a holistically enriching experience. We need more [events] like these.” —