Gideon Ngake shares his passion for healthy living

POLOKWANE – On 10 May, the SA Government encourages citizens to observe the international “Move for Health” initiative promoting physical exercise.

Gideon is passionate about the benefits of weight loss and improved fitness that people enjoy once they start an exercise programme.. it’s what drove him to start a gym in Lebowakgomo Zone A.

As a young boy growing up in a semi-rural area, Gideon Ngake observed the world with a keen eye. Two powerful personalities were shaping his destiny.

His teacher lumbered breathlessly toward the classroom, sweating and cursing. Clearly uncomfortable in his own big body, he was clearly unhappy. At home Gideon watched his older cousin, Jan, sweating and heaving in a different manner. He carried himself with pride and determination.

After kitting out their garage, he made weights from paint tins filled with concrete and broomstick handles. Jan pushed himself to new levels of weight lifting. His well-toned body – but more importantly – the health he exuded captured Gideon’s imagination. He invited the boys in his class to train with him. “In Std 7 we made a home fitness club,” says Ngake. “At first I just wanted to look nice, but soon enough I realised the benefits of working out.”

Despite a lack of access to well-equipped facilities, Gideon remained true to his personal fitness goals. Later, as a student studying clinical assessment and care in the University of Venda’s Department of Health Science, his vision clarified. He wanted his own gym, to serve those who needed to improve their health in his own town. After a lot of hard work and dedication, Body for Life Gym and Fitness Centre opened in Lebowakgomo, Limpopo.

“I started Body For Life because I saw the need for people to be confident, healthy, and to prevent weight-related illnesses like hypertension and diabetes. Exercise is a wonderful tool for achieving heath goals, especially in this day and age,” he explains. He is mindful of those who suffer, like his primary school teacher.

Gideon’s commitment caught the eye of the SAB Tholoana Enterprise Programme’s selection team. Meeting the programme criteria, he was chosen in July 20015 as one of the fifteen high-potential applicants who were selected to participate in this two-year business support and mentorship programme. A total of 474 applications were received.

Catherine Wijnberg of Fetola, the implementing partners for the SAB Foundation Tholoana programme, explains why Gideon was selected. “This business shows ample potential to grow in terms of turnover, market share and net profit. Based in a busy township with dedicated and knowledgeable management, they seem poised to succeed. Additionally, Gideon and his team are passionate about promoting healthy living, especially for township youths and those at risk from bad influences and poor lifestyle habits,” concluded Wijnberg.

Since being accepted into the programme, Gideon has expanded the vision for his business. He believes that in conjunction with the psychologists at the local rehabilitation centre for substance abuse health consciousness could be part of an ongoing recovery programme. He aims to muscle up his business plan too, he tells you, straight in the eye. If his determination is anything like his powerful physique, the future for Body for Life Gym and Fitness Centre looks healthy indeed.

Body for Life Gym is based in Lebowakgomo Zone A, Shop 12. Gideon can be reached at gideon@body4lifegym.co.za or on 083 560 9715.

Liesl Jobson, Fetola