Fitness – Reflections

Three fitness enthusiasts open up about their hits and misses in 2019…and how they plan to bounce back!

SIYASANGA AKHENIME MFENYANA,

26, actress and presenter

What did you set out to do at the beginning of this year? My two biggest fitness goals for this year were consistency, as well as looking and feeling good. I’ve always been an active person but when I went to varsity, I stopped playing sports. I was no longer active and fit. After varsity, I started going to the gym, but I wasn’t disciplined. So this year, for me, was all about showing up for myself even if I didn’t feel like it. Working out has also helped me a lot with my anxiety.

How do you plan to bounce back in the new year?

I’d like to try new ways of challenging my body. I think a solid foundation has been set this year, but I want to be stronger in 2020. Strong is definitely the new sexy.

What helps you bounce back?

What has helped me bounce back this year is something very close to my heart. I’m the co-founder of a fitness brand called Girls with Gains. We started hosting bootcamps, which focus on the individual in a holistic way. We’ve had incredible people come to these events to not only assist us to get fit, but to help us understand what our bodies need to function at their optimum level. Also knowing that the platform I’ve been given is inspiring women (and men) to take care of themselves inside and out is definitely a reason I keep bouncing back. Fitness advice that you swear by?

‘Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Tiptoe if you must, but take the step.’ This quote applies to my life as a whole.

NATASHA KISTEN, 42, aircraft engineer, owner of Fit Like Mummy blog, wellness event organiser, fitness influencer and motivational speaker

What did you set out to do at the beginning of this year?

I was forced to set aside my fitness goals for a while and focus on recovering after severely injuring my right foot in June 2018. My 2019 goals included eating balanced meals and being kind to myself during my recovery.

Where did you go wrong/right?

As an emotional eater, I failed dismally at sticking to my eating goals, and I piled on weight. On a positive note, I’ve never lost

sight of my original fitness goals and I’ve learnt to love my body through every season.

How do you plan to bounce back in 2020? September 2019 saw me resume my fitness journey. I didn’t want to wait for the new year. It was important that I took action the moment my mental game was back on track. 2020 will be the year I finally reach my ultimate goal.

What helps you to bounce back?

My kids and my online family keep me motivated. As the self-proclaimed Queen of Meal Prep, my Sunday afternoon meal preps definitely help.

THISHIWE ZIQUBU,

34, actress, director, writer and producer

What did you set out to do at the beginning of this year?

I was coming out of a spiritual initiation at that time, so I wasn’t really thinking about how much I weighed. However, I was the smallest I had ever been because initiation is challenging and a lot of people lose weight during the process. When I came out, my goals were more geared towards my emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Where did you go wrong/right?

You can’t count on willpower alone because we all run out of steam. So we need discipline, commitment and a goal that’s so much more than just our bodies. For example, yes I want a sexy bikini body, but I’ve also realised that there has been an emotional and spiritual imbalance that has kept me from reaching my goals.

How do you plan to bounce back in 2020?

Physical fitness, for me, is linked to meditation. If I can get this right, then it will easier to stay on course.