The summers are short, and winter arrives three times in one year.
Those are the four seasons that those living in the north and eastern parts of SA seem to be experiencing these days. And it really makes it confusing to adjust to a new season.
So the idea of wearing lycra or spandex during these last days of winter is excruciatingly foreboding. After all, summer bodies are made in spring, right?
No, according to Unathi Nkayi who at the beginning of each winter almost without fails warns her followers not to go into hibernation. “Guys please can we gossip quickly and please can we gossip about some of you guys. It’s getting colder, it is June next week and you going to start all that talk,” the media personality said on Instagram a few winters ago.
“It’s cold and I don’t want to get out of bed and all that stuff and then in September, which is three months away, you’ll ask me, Unathi how did you do it and I’m going to remind you that I did it in front you, here on the gram because sharing is caring.”
Read more | Spitch Nzawumbi on losing 30kgs, quitting booze and moving to Dubai – ‘I am happier’
The singer has gone through her own very public weight loss journey after being fat-shamed and ridiculed. She turned that negativity into positivity and now encourages women not to sabotage themselves in winter because spring is coming. “Your excuses are valid and so are your body goals,” she tells her followers.
Megan Shongwe, another fitness influencer who uses social media to preach the message of taking care of our bodies, believes that exercise is essential for improving our mental health.
However, the PhD student acknowledges, work demands and personal commitments often leave us feeling overwhelmed and depleted, with little time and motivation to hit the gym and break a sweat.
The gym bunny, whose social media content has amassed over 5 million views, shares with Drum readers how she keeps to her training schedule, no matter how cold it is.
1) Schedule your workouts
"Treat your exercise sessions as essential appointments. Prioritise your workouts by scheduling them in advance and blocking off specific time slots dedicated solely to exercise. This will help you create a routine and make it easier to stick to."
2) Consistency and Discipline
"Consistency and time in the gym go hand in hand when building muscles. Megan suggests starting or ending your day with 45 minutes to an hour of exercise. Find a time slot that accommodates your schedule and stick with it to see significant results."
3) Office stretches or light workouts
"Incorporating exercise into your workday can significantly improve overall work functionality and health. Depending on your work environment, Megan recommends incorporating light stretches and walks. Taking breaks and walking away from your workstation can make a positive impact."
4) Set realistic goals
"Megan finds that setting goals with specific timeframes keeps her motivated. Having time deliverables helps her stay focused and driven."
5) Enhanced mental wellbeing
"Taking care of your physical health through a healthy lifestyle positively impacts your mental well-being. Exercise releases endorphins, known as "feel-good" hormones, which can alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression."
She believes that a healthy lifestyle comes from finding joy and fulfilment along the way and shares some of her routines on TikTok, under the hashtag #GymTok, which ranks third among fitness hashtags in South Africa, with 222 billion views.
Read more | Train like Unathi Nkayi this winter with these 7 simple tricks to get you started (and consistent!)
Megans’s handle is @megan_nobuhle on TikTok.
- Feeling hyped and ready to start your summer body preparation?
Mark your calendars for the ULTIMATE fitness party on 19 August.
Join us for incredible day filled with high-energy workouts led by top trainers, exhilarating dance sessions, and calming yoga sessions.
Saturday Night Fitness is back with an incredible R10k cash prize up for grabs! Secure your spot and get ready to sweat, move, and have a blast! Tickets are available on Quicket.
See you at the Montecasino Outdoor Events Area on Saturday, 19 August 2023!
