On the dot!

“Vetsug-skok voorspel…Helfte van SA vroue teen 2030 oorgewig”…You know, when I see newspaper headlines like this one published in a very recent “Beeld” newspaper, I really, really just want to raise my eyebrows and smile silently, because in Ermelo, this ain’t happening, my friend!

Especially not in our studio, with our members and instructors – and what greater proof do you need than our New Year prize-giving ceremony held on Thursday the 17^th of March?!  And, before you raise YOUR eyebrows thinking that I’m boasting again, remember, this is my Blog and my members and indeed – my braggingfull right!   And indeed I brag, full-blast, at least three times a year, after each Challenge.

Today I would like to do things a bit differently and kick off by first thanking all the sponsors of this special event – Schalk from ProBag, Morné from SaFire, Sonnet from Mizpah Beauty, Monica from Essence of Beauty, Else-Marie Skoonheidsalon, Amanda from Manna en Kwartels and Carol and Natie from Burlec.

Mariné, our nutrition coach, is still playing a huge part in many of our members’ success stories, and this year, two of our overall winners have been working closely with Mariné for a few months.  I am proud of the way you are living your passion, Mariné, and it was super special to have you at our function this time.  Thank you!

A special thank you, also, to Erika for our beautiful pictures, Nicci from DP-signs for the printing of our certificates, and Mari, for the special designs of everything, from our entry forms to our brand-new coffee mugs and for her help in sending all the e-mails to our Zoom members.

This has been our 20^th Challenge, and the fact that everyone is already asking when our Winter Challenge is kicking off, tells me that this concept is still fresh, it’s still working and it’s still an invaluable tool in reaching goals.

Our overall winners were Chané Rothman (1^st), Martie Badenhorst (2^nd). Lilian Maree (3^rd) and Marieta Ziervogel (4^th).  To be considered as a winner, you need improvement in body stats, lots of sessions, at least half of the extra points rewarded throughout the six weeks, and you need to be absolutely on the dot with before and after photos, sending goals on time and meeting deadlines.

For some people, like Chané, winning came after her very first Challenge attempt.  For others, like Martie and Marieta, everything fell into place after their 13^th and 10^th Challenge, which is proof of only one thing – never stop trying, and never give up on your dream.

Chané managed to drop her fat percentage from 24% all the way down to 16% giving her Elite Athlete status for the first time.  At this stage, other members in the studio with a body fat percentage under 20% are Michelle, Marieta, Izelde, Gosia and Stella.

Members who received recognition for weight loss during our New Year Challenge are:  Chané, Martie, Maryka Blom (Best progress from end of Summer Challenge to start of New Year Challenge), Amanda Thwala and Annatjie Prinsloo.  Marieta received the muscle gain award.

During each Challenge our members are also challenged mentally by being alert to see hidden messages, clues and quotes in the weekly letter, motivational videos and Blog.  Only 4 members managed to accumulate all 15 extra points – Esmarie, Lizelle, Melinda, as well as newcomer Marlé!

Sharing social media posts are not compulsory, but members who share a certain amount of posts are all in a lucky draw of R500 at the end.  Congratulations to Betsie Vermeulen, our lucky winner. Our two lucky draw members at the function were Sheila and Hannelie.

The following members shared all 22 posts during our six weeks and they each received a Mirna`s thank you gift:  Ann-Mari, Benice, Carina vd M, Corné, Gosia, Ina, Juanita, Karin, Lady B, Leonie, Liezel, Lilian, Lizelle, Magdeleen, Marinda, Melinda, Riana, Rina, Stacey, Stella, Trudie, Vickie. 

This time only two Challenge members managed to earn all the extra points and social media points – congratulations Lizelle and Melinda!

We are always especially proud of those members who reach their personal best body stats – this time they were Lilian, Martie, Maryka, Marieta, Betsie, Rina, Riana and Annecke.  The fact that Rita (78 years old) and Lizelle, at the age of 67, also managed to reach their best stats ever is a huge inspiration – it reminds us of the beautiful fact that age is simply a number, and that you are never too old to set a new goal and dream big.

Members who completed the Challenge with huge improvement in their body stats are Marthie, Elmi, Lydia P, Annatjie, Trudie (Miss Personality) and Merisha.  Merisha received the Survivor award because not only did she lose her grandmother during the Challenge, but she was also hospitalized for a whole week, and she still was determined to finish her Challenge.

First-time Challenge members with huge improvement in body stats are Carina M, Susan, Mandy, Marlé, Amanda, Ellen, Else-Marie, Rousille, Jana, Sheila, Roxanne, Tanya and Chané.  Well done!

I learn so much from all my Challenge members during each new fitness journey – okay, yes, some experience personal hardships of which I am totally unaware, but during every Challenge so many have setbacks – Lizelle lost her toenail, Vickie and her family’s home was broken into, Hannelie’s best friend passed away, Leonie and Ina had a terrible car accident, Corné had a bad fall with a severe back injury, Susan and Esmarie had Covid, and Marlé also spent a week in hospital – and still, they all completed their New Year Challenge with pride.

Our best dressed “On the dot” members were Trudie, JJ, Annatjie, Rita, Ina and Merisha, but I wish we could hand out 20 best dressed prizes – everyone looked spectacular!

At our prize giving event we always try to hand out as many prizes as we can.  Here is a list of everyone who received special recognition:

JJ (Strongest finish), Mandy (Strongest finish), Annebie (Lone Wolf), Rita (Oldest Challenge member), Marlé (Challenge newcomer), Tanya (Most soft-spoken member), Sheila (Special recognition for being complient), Mari, Rethia, Stella, Betsie (12^th Challenge benchmark), Chané (2^nd most sessions), Corné (2^nd most sessions), Leonie, (most sessions), Stacey (20^th Challenge).

Of the initial 86 members who entered our New Year Challenge, a proud 67 managed to finish.  This year it’s a bit tougher, because no extra sessions are awarded – every member needed to complete 24 workouts in the six weeks.  Coming late disqualified a member from signing in for the class, forgetting to sign meant no workout and signing in the wrong spot implicated an extra class for someone else.

The whole idea of our fitness challenges is not to compete against each other, it’s about working towards our personal goals, improving ourselves and continuing on the journey of becoming the best versions of ourselves.  As Naslia put it in the feedback paragraph about her goals – “it’s a journey, not a race…”

I am so proud of every single member of our studio – and I hope they are all proud of themselves too, because I know everybody have done the best they could.  I realize that for some it may have been disappointing, and for those I would like to say: Remember that life happens, and sometimes you just don’t have the emotional energy to work on your personal goals.  Be forgiving towards yourself, and patient, but also persistent enough to start again.  It’s never too late, and while we are alive, we can always try again.

…I have realized very early in my career as a fitness instructor that every woman who makes health and exercise a priority needs to be applauded, because it always takes a huge amount of courage, self-discipline, planning and willpower to make time for exercise in the busy lives we lead.  Handing out a certificate of completion is a small gesture from my side to say, “Well done, you are a star.”

Our 13-week Winter Challenge starts in May – watch this space!

Yours in fitness

Mirna

082 779 0507