Basetsana Pretorius

work and its irregular hours, it became difficult for her to participate in classes.

“And training alone in a gym becomes monotonous, so I wouldn’t go. I needed a change, to be in a different environment, where I’d be exposed to new exercises,” she says.

The Adventure Boot Camp programme involves training sessions outdoors with a personal trainer. The sessions are one hour each, five days a week. Each camp lasts four weeks, then there’s a week’s break before the cycle is resumed.

“I’m currently attending my fifth camp. Each session is a combination of cardio, strength and stretch exercises. It’s a full body work-out, but you go at your own pace.

“So yesterday when I wasn’t feeling so strong, I knew that going to Boot Camp would make me feel better, firstly because it’s not a competition. We don’t race against each other. Each person does the best they can for their own fitness levels.

“And my particular Boot Camp group has the funniest and warmest ladies ever. We sweat it out in the botanical gardens. It’s a great way to end each day being surrounded by trees and waterfalls,” she says.

In April, Basetsana began following a proper eating plan. She cut down on carbohydrates and stopped combining proteins and carbohydrates in one meal.

“I eat every two hours and try to drink three litres of water every day. Sometimes I fall off the wagon, but I get back on it immediately and sweat it out daily.”

She now weighs 65kg, and has another five to lose before reaching her goal. “I just got tired of having two suitcases filled with beautiful clothes which I couldn’t fit into anymore,” she says. “I now have a suitcase of clothes that are too big for me.

“Better still, I’m participating in races, something I never thought I’d be doing. I have even considered the Comrades … but only for 2015.”