What makes a fit Survivor?

While the athletes are not eligible for the R1 million prize and can’t be voted out, they will be coaching their teams throughout the challenges. 

According to Survivor South Africa’s on-site doctor, Werner Rall, physique alone can’t necessarily determine how you will fare on the island – but fitness is an important factor. For instance, soccer players are a lot leaner than rugby players, therefore they have fewer energy stores.

“In a challenge where body mass might play a role – like a physical dual between rugby player and soccer player, the soccer player might fall short,” explains Rall.

“On the other hand, soccer players are used to continuous running during a soccer match, so they are more used to endurance, compared to a rugby match, which involves a lot of stop and start. Soccer players are also quicker on their feet and more flexible due to longer muscle fibres.”

HANDS ON. Werner Rall ensures that Survivor contestants are not in danger when it comes to infected wounds picked up in the challenges. Picture: Supplied.

But the main challenge for all the athletes on Survivor will be the lack of food.

“Athletes are used to good and balanced nutrition, which will not be present on the island,” says Rall. According to the doctor, the best way to survive on Survivor is to work hard winning challenges so that you can win food. Also, rest as much as possible, use your energy wisely and make your sleeping area as comfortable as possible.

“Inadequate rest prolongs muscle recovery,” says Rall.

But Rall maintains that Survivor is anyone’s game.

“It’s not only your physical strength that determines who will outlast who. Your mental toughness, endurance and sometimes mind-over-matter can push your body to new levels,” he says.