Shaping up

This predictably led to a myriad of fat jokes on social media and it was also a moment of jest that led to fitness fanatic and popular celebrity Kabelo Mabalane to undertake his latest adventure. Mabalane will “begin the revolution” reads the press statement, about his new show Kabelo’s Boot Camp, which is set to premier on October 1 on Mzansi Magic.

“I was at gym once and I made a joke about how some of my gym mates were fat and somebody said I should do a boot camp where I whip everybody into shape, and that’s how the idea for this show was born,” Mabalane said.

The show aims to help 10 contestants from across South Africa transform their lives by shedding their excessive weight and overcoming personal challenges. Over the course of 11 weeks, five male and five female contestants will be competing against each other in varying physical and psychological challenges with the hope of losing the most weight and conquering their personal trials at the end. The contestant that loses the least amount of weight and displays the least amount of determination after every week of challenges will be eliminated.

Aided by a distinguished team of health and nutritional experts who will make special appearances on the show, Mabalane will be motivating and advising each contestant on how to get the best out of their experience as well as taking back control of their lives.

“In addition to the weight loss aspect of the show, I found that being fit does more to a person’s wellbeing than simply looking and feeling good,” continues Mabalane.

“You can become mentally more astute and I have found that when you eat healthy and retain your fitness levels you can endure more, and not just physically, but mentally and spiritually too.

“The show will be looking at the lifestyles and try to change the mindsets of people and bad diets.”

The kwaito star and Comrades Marathon medallist will put the contestants through some gruelling and mentally challenging exercise regimes that will help them face their personal life challenges with more conviction and courage.

In the end, only one will be crowned boot camp champion, winning fantastic prizes including a brand new Kia Rio.

To earn their boot camp stripes, contestants must be willing to work hard, to consistently have a positive contribution in the boot camp and, most importantly, to maintain a positive mental disposition towards losing weight and changing the status quo in their lives.

Hopefully, Kabelo’s Boot Camp will bring local narratives to the reality television fitness sector and will be a departure from other shows such as Biggest Loser.