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Meet local fitness enthusiast Loyiso Moumakoe

The electrical engineer by profession is a cyclist instructor, 15 times Comrades Marathon runner fitness enthusiast and mother of two.

A lover of all things fitness is how Loyiso Moumakoe (36) described herself.

The electrical engineer by profession is a cyclist instructor, 15 times Comrades Marathon runner fitness enthusiast and mother of two.

“My ultimate goal is to become a fitness influencer so that I can reach and inspire a broader community to join this lifestyle and all the benefits associated with it,” said Loyiso.

The Germiston resident said that since 2016 she ran for Germiston Callies Harriers Athletics Club.

She spoke more about living in Germiston.

“It is a small town which is calm and relaxed unlike other parts of the province that are busy. It is also a great place to raise kids.”

Loyiso said her favourite hangout was the Harvard Café at Rand Airport.

“Especially on Sundays as there is karaoke.”

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She has recently moved to Pretoria.

“I grew up everywhere in South Africa, up until I was six years old I lived in a small village called Mvenyane in Matatiele, Eastern Cape with my grandmother and all my cousins.

“After her passing, I moved to Komatipoort for two years and after those two years I then moved to Pretoria.”

Loyiso proceeded to get a qualification as an electrical engineer and worked in different provinces, such as Limpopo, North West and Gauteng.

Fitness has always been a part of her lifestyle from her tender years.

“My mother was a firm believer that all her children should participate in some form of sport in school and as a result, I’ve been involved in fitness from my days in primary school so it has been a lifestyle since then.”

Loyiso has participated in the Comrades Marathon 15 times

“Running the Comrades Marathon for the first time was the highlight of my life.”

The runner said she comes from a home where they sat and watched the marathon from start to finish, every year.

“It was an achievement in itself for me to be at that starting line and make not only myself, but also my family, proud.”

Loyiso detailed her first time running the Comrades.

“I was 20 years old and the year was 2005. I was the youngest participant that year. The marathon for me was emotional and I felt like I’d conquered the world.

“The support of the people of Durban and Pietermaritzburg made me feel like I was never alone and crossing that finish line and having finished at nine hours and five minutes was a defining point in my life.”

The runner has been back 14 times more.

“I love a challenge. Finishing the marathon every year is a measure and reminder of the strength I possess as a person.

“Every year you experience different challenges, emotions and feelings with the marathon and so your ability to go back every year builds your character.”

This year the long-distance runner also participated in the first virtual Comrades Marathon due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

She said it was a different experience because she ran the race alone.

“It was lonely, I didn’t have 20 000 other people running with me.

“I didn’t have the support of the community who are there to witness the race, but it was a nice experience none the less.”

Loyiso explained how she become a cycling instructor.

“First and foremost you need to have vast experience in cycling and fitness. My indoor cycle instructor approached me and stated that my physique and fitness level would be great to become an instructor and that’s how I became one.

“I registered online at Trifocus and did a course in body conditioning. Furthermore I took an indoor cycle instructor course from Cycle Pro Academy.”

Loyiso spoke more on the highlights of her fitness journey.

“Achieving my fastest time at Comrades Marathon where I had a finishing time of 8:03:00 in 2010.

“To date that is my personal best time.”

Loysio received the Bill Rowan Medal, a medal given to those who complete the marathon in less than 9 hours.

She said plans to enter the Biogen Face of Fitness 2020 competition.

She also explained how tough lockdown has been for her.

“Now, more than ever, I need to have discipline and be my motivator. On top of that there’s no equipment so I have had to use my experience and become creative with how I keep in shape.”

To maintain her fitness Loyiso said social media fitness challenges have kept her motivated and on her toes.

She added that Covid-19 is a serious issue and that people did not think they would be living in times like these.

“We now must adapt to the new normal, do our part in decreasing the infection rate and flattening the curve.”

Even though gyms are closed because of the lockdown she advised the community to not despair.

“Do what you can with what you have for example running, cycle or even doing bodyweight exercises for strength and shaping up.

“Challenges and hardships make you stronger and failure is a part of growth.”

Loyiso’s five top tips on becoming a fitness enthusiast.

  • Have a passion for fitness,
  • Set goals,
  • Be consistent,
  • Be dedicated to the lifestyle and
  • Make it a lifestyle, don’t treat it like a burden.

Have a story?

Contact the newsroom by emailing:Editor at germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za, or Busi Vilakazi (Journalist) busiv@caxton.co.za.

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