Kyle Howard is serious about fitness in Secunda
Kyle Howard has chosen to make Secunda his home and he is passionate about helping clients to be healthy.
SECUNDA – Kyle Howard has years of experience in various sports and fitness industries and wants to make Secunda a healthier town.
As the co-owner and head coach of the Grip and Rip CrossFit box, the first of its kind in Secunda, he feels strongly about making fitness and health attainable to all.
Mr Howard is passionate about a healthy lifestyle and does not believe that only top athletes need to keep fit.
“Health can not be taken for granted. Staying fit and taking care of what you eat, is how you get to grow old without health issues. I began doing CrossFit as a way to condition myself for rugby when I was 21 and in less than three months I was hooked and began coaching,” he said.
Mr Howard has played rugby his whole life and after he matriculated at Monument High School in Krugersdorp, he trained with the Lions Junior Provincial side before leaving for Australia where his parents live.
While there, he played for the Rugby WA Academy that focuses on development of players for the Western Force.
He played at university level in Perth and then moved to the United Kingdom where he played for a third division side in Sheffield.
He returned to South Africa where his long-time partner, Stefanie, who is now his fiancé, was studying to become a mining engineer.
When asked about his decision to return to South Africa, he was honest.
“The long distance relationship was not easy. I wanted to be closer. She is the best part of me.”
He trained at Blood Sweat and Tears CrossFit in Honeydew where he also worked as a coach before he moved to Secunda.
Mr Howard has a Level 1 CrossFit coaching qualification and CrossFit gymnastics certificate.
He took part in the South African Olympic Weightlifting Championship in Cape Town in 2014 where he won a silver medal.
Stefanie began working at Sasol in 2014 and Mr Howard opened the Grip and Rip CrossFit box in June 2015.
“Secunda is a sports and fitness orientated town. Most people do something, like mountain biking, running or team sport. I saw the gap in the market for a fitness programme that could benefit every type of athlete.”
He quickly added that CrossFit should not be seen as a scary and intense programme only suited to the super fit or top athletes.
“Every single exercise is adjustable. We work with your individual level of fitness. The classes are never more than 15 people and the coach will support you through every movement. CrossFit is about being physically prepared for all challenges. It is a core strength and conditioning program. CrossFit is not dangerous. Bad coaching is dangerous. A coach has a responsibility to his clients to ensure their workouts are safe. ”
Mr Howard’s favourite part of the job is when a person comes in and is unable to even do a squat and a few weeks later that client does the exercise.
“We have clients from all walks of life, from about 21 to at least 50, maybe older. Some are mothers, some come with a husband or wife, some come in to get moving again after years of doing an office job. We focus on functional, real life movements.”
Mr Howard said the importance of the class setup is saying that you have to compete against yourself first and improve your own health an capabilities, but that healthy competition also motivates his clients.
“There are different fitness levels in each class, so everyone has someone to look up to. We have a rule that you have to check your ego at the door, but normal human competitiveness does act as a huge motivator.”
Competitions play a part in CrossFit, but not everyone competes and no one will ever be forced to compete.
Mr Howard often compete as a way to motivate himself and to create awareness about the benefits of being healthy.
“I took part in the African Regional CrossFit Competition in 2014 where the top 50 men from all over Africa participated and I finished in 21st position.
“I want to get people moving.
“That is why we have the free introduction week. People can come and see what CrossFit is about and decide for themselves. I can not expect someone to sign a contract if he does not know what he is getting himself into.”
Grip and Rip CrossFit Box is fully affiliated with CrossFit International.
“I want people to go to our website or contact me, so they can understand there is nothing to be scared of.”
