Gearing up for Festive Season fitness
'South Africans are fast becoming like the obese nations such as America where obesity is the norm.'
As we fast approach the Festive Season, South Africans are gearing up for fitness and they are filling up gyms across the country says Thabang Molepo, personal trainer and professional bodybuilder.
Looking good is definitely a priority among the nation’s people-young and old alike, the days of ‘stomach out chest in’ are over and as Bheki Cele once said:”We want stomachs in and chests out”.
Thabang said that fitness starts from the mind.
“It is a common misconception that fitness and good bodies start at the gym. With my experience, being fit and having that beach body that everyone wants starts with the mind. Once you realise your goals and you’ve interacted with a professional trainer and discussed your goals, you need to modify your mindset and start respecting your body,” he said.
According to Thabang, South Africans are fast becoming like the obese nations such as America where obesity is the norm. Research has indicated that South Africans are more susceptible to heart-related ailments this year compared to a decade ago. Such health-related diseases can be blamed on unhealthy eating habits, smoking, high alcohol abuse, stress and increased sugar intake.
“The second point on the perfect body starts with diet. I know people freak out when they hear the word ‘diet’ but it doesn’t have to be a negative concept. Simple changes in one’s personal diet such as a minimum intake of 2 litres of water daily, cutting down of sugars and carbohydrates found in bread and baked goods will make a huge difference.
“I tell all those who I train that a simple diet consisting of lean protein such as chicken or fish combined with leafy greens such as spinach or cabbage daily is the best diet you can go on,” he said.
Thabang concluded that one must also consult with a trainer at gym or fitness centre before starting the fitness regime.
“Many people overlook that a gym can be a place of severe injury. If you do not know how to use equipment properly or if you use too much weight than your body can handle, you are in for disaster. Take your time, speak to the professionals and just know that Rome was not built in a day. Don’t be too hard on yourself as well. Stick to the simple diet, intake of water and train consistently and in no time you will start seeing the results and feeling better”, he said.
For more information on being healthy and fit contact Thabang on 062 059 0647 or email him onthabangpersonaltrainer@yahoo.com
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