Want To Be A Fit-fluencer?
Four young fit-fluencers have managed to turn their passion into profit. They share their tips on how you can be fit, healthy and richer while building your own brand and following
BUSISIWE MMOTLA, 27 Miss SA 2020 contestant The beginning of a fitness journey
My fitness journey started in 2019, and it was inspired by an abusive relationship that I had just ended. I decided to take up fitness as a way to regain confidence and structure into my life.
Becoming a fitness influencer
When I started uploading my journey and activities on social media, it was driven by the intention to just document these as my post-Miss Soweto activities. Everything escalated when I entered USN Face of Fitness 2019, and won. That was when I started considering myself to be a fit-fluencer.
Negotiating my price tag
There is no set way of how I make money when it comes to being a fit-fluencer. However, I tend to reach out to brands that I want to work with the majority of the time because I want to build on content that I resonate with. When it comes to gig rates, I tend to go in with a proposed rate, depending on the services I am offering and the timeline of the project.
How to stay healthy during lockdown
Try to keep the same diet as pre-lockdown, and use the time you have to perfect certain techniques and improve your cardio performance as that is the base of many workout routines and sessions. Also, be patient with yourself. Fitness is a journey and we all travel it differently; it is your own race at your own pace.
Tips for someone who wants to be a fitness influencer
Know your purpose. If you don’t have one, then you won’t
be committed to the fitness culture as it is very demanding and conjoined with different parts of your life and timetable. Focus. When you have focus, it’s so easy to see where you are lacking or slacking.
Always have a next step. When you have done all the above, what is next for you? Are you going to start a YouTube channel to make sure that your content is accessible to various people or will you enter competitions?
SIMHLE PLAATJIES, 27 The beginning of a fitness journey
My fitness journey began through sport; I started at the age of seven. As I started playing professional hockey, I realised the importance of fitness and training to strengthen my muscles for better performance.
Becoming a fitness influencer
I think people who follow me on social media made me a fitness influencer by always requesting more of the fitness videos I shared online.
Negotiating my price tag
I have a rate card. I also have a manager who approaches brands on projects that I create for my personal brand. Some brands also approach me with campaigns, collaborations and commercials as I am a model as well.
How to stay healthy during lockdown
Create a programme that works for you, and be consistent. If you don’t know where to start for workouts, download Sudor from the app store and you can train with me from the comfort of your home with minimal or no equipment. Stick to a wellbalanced and healthier diet. Importantly, stay warm and have enough sleep.
Tips for someone who wants to be a fitness influencer
The main thing is to make time to create content based on what you do when you work out. Be creative in sharing your authenticity. Brands that align with what you already do will automatically approach you and propose campaigns and other great projects they would love for you to be part of. Treat your social media pages like a CV – keep creating and sharing your journey.
MAPULE NDHLOVU, 30 The beginning of a fitness journey
My journey started on my birthday on 10 March 2012 when the Institute of Fitness Professionals visited a local gym in Alex where I was training, and spotted me. They asked if I would like to study fitness, which I felt was the best birthday gift because I didn’t know what to do with my life at the time.
Becoming a fitness influencer
Actually, growing up in Alex, I wanted to be an influential person and inspire people because it’s not often that you see people in the township that you want to be like or see those who inspire you to do better. I wanted to be a role model where I grew up, and it is with fitness where I hoped to inspire people. I have always had brands approach me. I often choose those that align with what I am trying to achieve or help me towards my growth. I find that it’s tricky to negotiate prices yourself; it’s better to have someone do it on your behalf. At first, it’s hard to know the value, but asking people in the same industry as you helps a lot. Be willing to negotiate instead of wanting to stick to a certain price as you might lose good deals with some brands.
How to stay healthy during lockdown
One of the best ways to stay healthy and fit during lockdown is to find online exercise programmes; you can find me on the Sudor app for exercise tips and programmes that you can do in the comfort of your home. Find accountability partners, like your friends, to train with. Be mindful of what you eat. Lastly, remember to put yourself and health first.
Tips for someone who wants to be a fitness influencer
Understand your own brand, principles and values. Also, make sure that you work with brands that are aligned to your goals and help you grow. Learn from other people in terms of what works for them, and add your own touch to make your brand better.
MODIE MATLHOLA, 31 The beginning of a fitness journey
My journey began in early 2016. I had actually been through a tough time, and needed something to help me feel my body again. I needed to feel like I was taking control of my life and not playing victim to the challenges life throws at all of us.
Becoming a fitness influencer
I did not anticipate the response from the people close to me and those that I didn’t even know. I was self-navigating, and accidentally became a fit-fluencer.
My Instagram page tells an honest journey about me pursuing my truth. When I am down, I post about it. When I am having a good week, the same applies. People are drawn to stories they can resonate with and learn from.
Negotiating my price tag
My current sponsor, Shock Absorber SA, approached me after having followed my journey for a while. The formula is to really focus on my personal brand; that’s why I’ve gone ahead and actually officiated my services under my own brand @fit_first_ladies that has sparked a lot of curiosity and created more of a demand. I currently train around nine clients, some split into groups, and the price tag is based on the time spent per session.
How to stay healthy during lockdown
Routine, which is slightly difficult to achieve with the anxiety that comes with everything that is happening around us. But, it will help you feel like you are at least in control of what you can do. Rest as much as you can; stay hydrated, love and be kinder to yourself.
Tips for someone who wants to be a fitness influencer
Share your truth on your social media pages. Be consistent with your content. Respond to your audience – be engaging and helpful. Don’t compare your content to anyone else’s; only look to other people’s pages for inspiration.