Fighting fit females

More and more women are taking up some form of physical activity to reduce the risk of health problems associated with a sedentary lifestyle.

Activities such as cycling and trail running not only help one lose weight but are great for reducing stress and improving overall fitness. It also gives your heart, lungs, blood vessels, and nerves a good workout and improves muscle tone and joint mobility.

Rob Jackson, managing director of event management company, The Leverage Corporation, which is based in Klevehill Park Bryanston, said it was encouraging to see how many women are now participating in many of the scheduled weekend events around the country.

“They have become so popular that we are now hosting Ladies MTB and Trail Running weekends,” said Jackson.

This month, The Leverage Corporation will host the 8th edition of the Hot 91.9 Ladies MTB & Trail Running Weekend on 21 and 22 October at the Cradle Moon Nature Reserve in the Cradle of Humankind.

“The mountain biking offerings, taking place on Saturday, are also geared for riders of all ages and abilities.

We know many of the ladies like to bring their kids along so we’ve planned a special under 10s ride of 4km and then for the ladies there will be a moderate 15km, a slightly more challenging 25km and a more tricky and challenging 40km route.”

The trail run/walk, taking place on Sunday will accommodate runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. Starting with an easy 4km, routes then go to 8km for the fitter and more seasoned runner.

It’s a must if you are an enthusiastic nature lover as there is an abundance of wildlife, so definitely not something to be missed.

“We’ve structured the weekend in such a way that the ladies can take part in only those events they prefer. If you are a cyclist, for example, just the Saturday will do.

The same applies for the runners. And for the really energetic ladies, there are special combo packages where you can choose to run and ride.”

Although the weekend is primarily targeted at women, men can enter, but at a premium which will go to one of the designated charities for the weekend.

“To add to the fun they [participants] traditionally will have to wear pink.” The chosen charities are Hot Cares, Pink Drive, MBTM and The Dads Charity Challenge.

“At the end of the day, the ladies will be able to enjoy a glass of bubbly on us. Massage services will be available, and we will have various food and drink vendors on hand to cater for your needs.”

Entries close at midnight on 15 October.

Details: www.mtb-ladiesday.co.za or www.cycleevents.com