A bright, beautiful, breathtaking bash!

As I sit here today, reflecting on our end-of-the-year function that took place on Thursday evening, I have a bottomless pit of bedazzling “b”-words to describe our event – the theme was “Bright and Beautiful”, and that’s exactly what it was – beaming, bubbly, blissful, and brilliant!

Once again, I stood in awe of the vibrant energy that filled our studio – a celebration of dedication, transformation, and community. Our special, yellow building buzzed with laughter and camaraderie, a testament to the connections forged in 2024, through shared sweat and determination. What a heart-warming sight, seeing faces glowing with confidence, some of whom started the year hesitant and unsure, but now standing tall, embodying strength, both inside and out.

To me, the main goal of our annual year-end-function is always simply to pay tribute to every single member who is part of Mirna’s Aerobic Studio, but it’s also an opportunity to celebrate every success story – personal records shattered, health regained, and obstacles overcome.

A bold 67 members attended our colourful event, and here are all the special achievements:

Year Challenge winners: Almarie van Aswegen (1^st), Cindy Zwane (2^nd), and Abeda Vally (3^rd).

Summer Challenge winners: Elize van den Heever (1^st), Martie Badenhorst (2^nd), and Lady B Maseko (3^rd), Mila Ferreira (4^th), Susan Ndlamlenze (5^th), Izelde Zwarts (6^th), Almarie van Aswegen (7^th), Samiya Hassen (8^th), Leonie Prinsloo (9^th), Abeda Vally (10^th).

Biggest drop in Visceral fat – Elize van den Heever, Weight-loss and fat-loss award – Susan Ndlamlenze, Weight-loss award – Michelle Odendaal, most studio sessions completed – Susan Ndlamlenze, 2^nd most studio sessions completed – Elize van den Heever and Almarie van Aswegen. Best improvement from end of Winter to the start of Summer Challenge – Nikiwe Ngcobo. Elite Athletes 2024 – Michelle Jansen van Rensburg, Izelde Zwarts, and Quinita Stoltz.

Member of the year – Annecke Fourie.

Newcomer of the year – Elize van den Heever

Members who managed to earn every possible point up for grabs during the Challenge: Abeda Vally, Almarie van Aswegen, Annecke Fourie, Corné Kemp, Elize van den Heever, Hannelie Slabber, Lady B Maseko, Leonie Prinsloo, Martie Badenhorst, Rethia Naudé, and Victoria Manoel.

Members who managed to reach their best ever personal body stats: Martie Badenhorst (20^th Challenge and also Chirpy Challenge Chick award), Mila Ferreira (97 workouts completed and Progress in Step award), Hanné Swart (Zoom Member of the Year award), Abeda Vally, Amanda van der Merwe, and Marlé Zastron (Special recognition for Rebounding).

Members who achieved their best personal body stats in two years: Susan Ndlamlenze (153 workouts and special award for Progress in Cardio Fun), Lady B Maseko (122 workouts and Go Big or Go Home award), Leonie Prinsloo, and Annebie Venter (Sweaty Beaty award).

Other special recognition awards: Bonolo Ramahulenyane (Progress in Step), Stacey du Toit (All 28 Challenges completed), Mari Kruger (20^th Challenge), Almarie van Aswegen (Special recognition for Bootybarre and 91 workouts), Martha Ngwenya (Progress in Power pump), Lizelle Botha (Progress in Step), Izelde Zwarts (Special recognition for Cardio Fun), Cindy Zwane (Progress in all workouts), Hannelie Slabber (Survivor award), Yolanda Nieuwenhuys (Progress in Pilates), Rita Kemp (Oldest Challenge member), Samiya Hassen (Challenge Newcomer award), Anelia Breytenbach (Progress in Rebounding), and Elsie Kruger (Minister of Magic).

Just like last year, the performances of our guest artists, Mari Kruger and Schalk Zastron, were beguiling and beautiful, and especially Schalk’s version of  “Oom Olifant”, was met with surprise, cheers, and broad smiles. Our best dressed members were Quinita Stoltz, Madeleen Roux, Victoria Manoel, Mari Kruger, and Susan Geldenhuys, although this time around, we felt everyone deserved a best dressed award!

Lucky draw winners were Mila Ferreira (four sessions done from weeks six to nine), Lungile Gama (nine weeks/nine weeks lucky draw), Corné Kemp (winner of R500 social media lucky draw), and Annecke Fourie (Sweatgear winner).

Last, but not least, thank you to all our amazing sponsors: 

André and Mariaan van Rooyen from Tolderia, Hannes Zwarts Oogkundiges, Sweatgear, Mirna’s Aerobic Studio, Jacqueline, Michelle, Jolindi Fourie Eyecare, Michelle Odendaal, Susan from Flower Box, Amanda from Manna en Kwartels, Almarie from Shekinah Creations, Schalk from ProBag, Susan from Zoe’s Laser Cutting, Carol and Natie from Burlec, Benice from Nails by Benice, and Rethia from Truvision.

Special thanks to Nicci from Niche Printing, Mari from Inkbox, Adele Smit Photography, Anton, Selme-Louise, and of course, Jacqueline and Michelle, my right and left hand. You are deeply appreciated and etched in my heart. Not only are you two incredible instructors, but true friends. I couldn’t have done this without your unwavering support. You two have given new meaning to the word dedication, and I’m blown away, daily, by the passionate way in which you connect with our members. Thank you…

It’s hard to describe in words exactly how I felt on Thursday after I locked up and drove home… A quiet sense of fulfilment washed over me – a mix of pride and gratitude for a year of immense hard work, growth, and transformation. I thought about the friendships formed within these walls, the goals crushed, and the lives changed, including my own.

Mirna’s Aerobic Studio isn’t just a business; it’s a family. We are united by sweat, strength, and resilience, and I am proud beyond words, not just of every member, but also for what our studio represents: a sanctuary where growth happens. A place where we empower, inspire, and create – a space where every goal feels within reach.

I feel benevolent, boundless, and blessed.

Yours in fitness

Mirna
082 779 0507