We are all familiar with these famous words by the extremely handsome mid-20th century French philosopher, Albert Camus:
“In the midst of chaos, I found there was, within me, an invincible calm. I realized, through it all, that…In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.
And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger – something better, pushing right back…”
I have always used this quote in newsletters and motivational videos, but this year, and especially this month, it`s as if we have come to really, truly identify with it for the first time. Why? Because 117 of our members are still very much part of our Ultimate You 12-week Winter Challenge, the studio is busier than ever and it`s clear that our members are not scared off by the cold and the darkness. Our member total has reached a proud 197, only 4 members short of our highest total ever.
I am so proud to witness every day, that it IS possible to lose weight in winter, that it IS possible to eat clean and drink water, and that it IS possible to crash goals and reach benchmarks. Thank you, to each one of you, for staying accountable, for playing your part, especially to those who get up when it’s still pitch-black and push through the early-morning hesitation. Thank you, all, for being so willing to be in our workout videos – we are really attracting some much-deserved attention in the fitness world and our Instagram followers are on 16700!
This Fitness Challenge is once again proof that body assessments on our InBody machine is a fantastic means of motivation. Please remember that the opportunity is open to all, and any member can make an appointment for a full-body assessment at R50 only. (Bookings with Mirna)
The first pink branded workout vests have arrived in the studio, and you can order anytime. I sell these good quality vests at cost (R 150 each), and they are also available in colours red, purple and yellow. If you would like to order, just ask Helen or me to try them on to make sure you order the right size. Orders won’t take longer than 2 weeks.
A hearty welcome to all our new members!
Hlamalani Shipalana Margé de Lange Christien Nagel
Thembi Luthuli Danette Duvenhage Gloudine Giezing
Jana van Heerden Tina de Villiers Leané du Toit
Welcome back to:
Cindy Kitchenmaster Janke Kriel Nomcebo Khumalo
Annemarie Ferreira Elsie Mmoledi
A special welcome to all the girls who have joined their moms in the studio this holiday, we are privileged to have you:
Shaylee Ferreira Lize-Marie Prinsloo Haylee van der Walt
Zethembe Nzimande U-lene Nortje Renel Swanepoel
Miné Vermeulen
Happy birthday to all our winter birthday members:
June:
1 Patricia Mbatha 3 Lizelle Botha
10 Asma Danka 12 Minou Hefer
14 Madeleen Roux. Zandrie Fourie 17 Hanifa Tayob, Rethia Naudé
20 Danielle Nortje 21 Linda Rautenbach, Yvonne Fourie
23 Mpumi Nzimande 25 Lindiwe Thwala
26 Carol Gouws, Nonkosi Mateia 27 Nomsa Nzimande, Ashika Morgan
July:
1 Marischka Jonker 2 Doempie Meyer, Anita Bester
3 Elsie Mmoledi 4 Ina van der Linde
6 Thembi Luthuli 8 Christien Nagel
12 Michelle Odendaal 14 Carien Bester
18 Marieta Ziervogel 19 Annebie Venter
21 Elna Middel 22 Cecilia van Niekerk
23 Mandi Hattingh, Tanya Pahtlane 26 Elsa Nursey
27 Rosy Hildebrand, Liesl Ehlers
Frikkie en Michelle, ons is jammer oor ouma Lucy se afsterwe, Mari, jy en Jacques is steeds in ons gebede met die verlies van klein Juan. Cené, baie geluk met die nuus dat jul `n tweeling gaan ryker word, en ook aan jou, Evette, baie geluk met die swangerskap. As daar ander lede is met lief en leed waarvan ek nie bewus is nie, laat weet my groot asseblief, ons sal graag daarin wil deel as jy verlief of verlore is of vereer kan word! (This sentence is for Challenge members- if you read this, it means that you care about what happens in the studio – WhatsApp the phrase “I`m a proud reader of the newsletter” to my personal WhatsApp number BEFORE Sunday evening, 23 June at 19.00 sharp, and you’ll get an extra class credit…☺)
Once again many thanks to my awesome team: Elanza, Sarita, Anel, Elsje, Doempie and Cecile!!! You are much appreciated!
…The following few weeks will be make or break, not only for our Challenge members, but for everyone…Let`s face it, Winter IS a tough season for wellness – with the shorter days, low temperatures and a sprinkling flu season it`s simply harder to stay on track. Winter has a way of sapping your workout mojo. I get it. But instead of succumbing to the couch calls, fight back with a big dose of “fit-spiration”. Try to remind yourself, that if you take off a whole month, you`ll basically have to start from scratch! You’ve put in so much hard work – if you just stop you`re cutting yourself and your progress short…
Don’t beat yourself up if you can’t commit to your usual workout routine every week. From seasonal social engagements to cold fronts to simply not feeling up to moving off the couch, there are plenty of legitimate excuses to skip exercise. But it’s important that you at least do what you can with the time you have. If you can get in one or two workouts in a week, that’s still better than nothing.
Make a new list of goals. Be sure to consider the holidays too, and be realistic… Let yourself live a little. You don’t need to miss out on ALL that delicious winter food. Instead just stay on top of your workouts and follow the 80/20 rule of eating clean 80 percent of the time.
Above all, try viewing winter as preparation for summer (which is indeed not too far away), and use this as the motivation you need to continue working out.
Whatever your goal is, you have a reason and it was important enough to spur you into action in the first place. Don’t get lost in it all and lose motivation especially when you’re uncomfortable, freezing, and just want a hot shower. It’s the hard work and effort you put in now that will spell the difference in how you’ll look and feel come the summer months.
Please make sure that your membership fees are settled before Monday the 8th of July. If you pay 3-monthly or 6-monthly, your payment is also due this month. If you’re receiving this newsletter, it means that you have paid for June – you`re still here. The question is, will you still be here next month? Maybe, maybe not? But if you are, that means that you`ll become part of the 8% of humans who stick to their fitness routine throughout winter…And always remember:
“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will…”
Mahatma Ghandi
Yours in fitness
Mirna
082 779 0507