POLOKWANE – For retired rugby player Oppies Opperman (65) and his son Hannes (40), maintaining a healthy lifestyle goes beyond physical fitness – it’s about family bonding and mental resilience.
The father-and-son duo has been hitting the gym together at Body Life in Polokwane for an impressive 23 years, fostering not just strength, but a deeper connection.
“If it wasn’t for my son, I wouldn’t be this consistent with working out at my age. He’s my motivation,” said Oppies.
Despite Hannes’ busy schedule as the owner of Hannes Opperman Properties, he has always prioritised their gym sessions, making sure that his dad stays healthy for his age. “Our workouts have a more profound meaning than just exercise,” Oppies explained.
Oppies told the Polokwane Review-Observer that working out and exercising keeps him young mentally and physically besides the fact that he’s over 60.
“Throughout our workout sessions and what I have experienced at my age is that regular physical activity relieves stress, anxiety, depression, anger and most importantly, keeps you active. You know that feel-good sensation you get after doing something physical? Think of it as a happy pill with no side effects. I feel better over these past 23 years as physical activity has become a regular part of our lives.”
Exercises to focus on in order to maintain your physique:
• Walking outside or on the treadmill
• Any exercises that include cardiovascular exercise strengthens the heart and burns calories
• Squats
• Lunges
• Push-ups
• Abdominal Crunches
• Bent-over Row
Read more about Oppies and Hannes in this week’s Polokwane Review.
