FIT AND FABULOUS FOR TV

Need motivation to smash your fitness goals? Fitness influencer Ophela Mhlauli is your go-to woman for ensuring your body is in shape and ready for every occassion. Here are her top tips.

1 Balance is key

An ideal meal plan should include reasonable portions of protein, healthy fats and carbs. Plan your meals in such a way that your body gets all the nutrients and vitamins it needs. In addition, I recommend going to the gym at least three times a week, and each session should last at least 45 minutes.

2 Fitness trends to try

Functional training or HIIT. Check out Roark Gym in Joburg (roarkgyms.com), or if you live in Cape Town, Explosive Functional Fitness (explosivefunctionalfitness.com), or Go Health Club (gohealthclub.co.za/ durban) in Durban.

3 DIY fitness at home

Invest in a yoga mat, a set of dumbbells and an ab wheel. You can do leg exercises, like lunges and squats, anywhere and without equipment, because these moves rely on your body weight alone. Aim to increase your reps and sets, and decrease your rest periods. Consistency is always key.

4 Your mindset is everything

You don’t have to look a certain way to be fit and healthy. Do you, boo!

5 Cheat day or no cheat day?

If you’re considering having a ‘cheat day’, try to think of it as a reward for your hard work. A cheat day doesn’t give you a license to cheat all day; it simply means treating yourself to one unhealthy meal on that day.

6 Beginners’ motivation

Keep experimenting until you find what works for you. You don’t need to be a pro from the getgo, so leave room for mistakes and improvement. Give your body the right nutrition and patience that it needs. It’s OK to fail, as long as you don’t give up!

7 Five go-to workouts for key areas of your body

Burpees, walking lunge with bicep curl, reverse lunge with shoulder press, jump squats, and using a skipping rope. These are easy moves that can be done in the comfort of your own home.

8 Tech help for your fitness journey

Your smartphone is your best friend on this journey. You can store your meal and workout plans on your phone, use fitness apps, listen to music, and browse social media for inspiration and motivation.

9 Glow for TV

Being consistent is easy once you know what works for you. Drink lots of water, and learn to choose healthier options, even when you go out.