A family that works out together, stays together
CLAIRMONT – Married fitness gurus share how they started with their bodybuilding career.
Being overweight is a thing of the past for Christiaan and Izelle Botes, who enjoy bodybuilding.
The pair married in 2012 and take pleasure in keeping healthy and fit. For Christiaan, bodybuilding was never part of the plan.
He started his journey shortly after he battled depression and his self-eestem dropped, resorting to food as comfort.
However, he decided to turn things around by committing to go to gym. He is now a competitive bodybuilder totally motivated by his efforts, and said he would like to see how far he can go.
On the other hand, his wife Izelle is a force to be reckoned with.
Izelle can give most men a run for their money. She comes from a family of bodybuilders and decided to start building her winning body.
“I am motivated by my sheer love for the sport,” she said.
The couple loves training together and sharing goals.
“It is challenging but very rewarding to do it as a couple. You go through the same difficulties and grow together,” said Izelle.
“Reaching your goals alongside your partner is an amazing experience. Doing this together means we can conquer any obstacle.”
The pair said socialising is not part of the plan due to their intense diet programme. “We eat mostly chicken and fish and rarely do any binge eating on junk food,” they added.
In an effort to motivate youngsters, the couple advises that young people should become involved in a sport that they can grow in.
“They should never indulge in any harmful behaviour that will affect their health.”
Speaking from experience, Christiaan reassured children who are overweight that losing the weight is possible, and feeling good about yourself is a must.
“Don’t allow the things of the world and other people or lack of achievement to get you depressed. Motivate yourself and move to new things and you will succeed,” he said.
