Reminiscing 2024…

…Thursday morning, as I was watching the touching TV-program, “Net Mens”, in which Jean du Plessis (Jan Bloukaas) emtionally shared his faith journey and cancer battle, I was struck by this one word he constantly used – reminisce. And, although the sad passing of this 25-year-old talented, brave artist, with his bright laugh, love, fighting strength, and caring for others, leaves a void with us, he will always be remembered…

Today I am posting my last Blog of 2024, and I also find myself reminiscing about the incredible journey 2024 has been, not just for me, but also for our family, our gym family and the community we’ve built together. This has been, without a doubt, one of the most extraordinary years of my life. 2024 was more than just a chapter in my journey – it was a crazy whirlwind of love, life, and community. Life has been filled with reasons to smile…

Zander and Mariné welcomed their first child, Nina, into the world, making me a grandmother! Holding that tiny, perfect being in my arms, and seeing that first sweet smile with the tiny dimple for the first time, are feelings beyond words. Nina feels like a special treasure, revealed just for me, and every encounter leaves me captivated by her tiny, radiant presence. I also stand in awe watching Mariné embrace motherhood. To see her step into this new role with such grace, love, and strength, fills my heart with pride. The way she instinctively comforts and loves Nina reminds me of the powerful woman she has become.

Eswee and Nicole’s wedding is still fresh in our memories, and what a beautiful, joyful, unforgettable occasion! To me it was extra special – there was our surprise “Dancing queen” dance, of course, and I had the honour of delivering a speech. How cool is that – a mother-in-law cranking a mother-in-law-joke herself! But, on a serious note, it was the greatest privilege, and, watching my son stand tall and proud, pledging his love and commitment to Nicole, made my heart swell with joy. I marvel at the man Eswee has become – strong, kind, and ready to create a life with his beautiful Nicole…Our hearts whisper silent prayers of love and hope, wishing them all the happiness in the world.

Amidst these personal highlights, my life at the studio was nothing short of incredible. This year we hosted our three annual challenges, 28 in total so far, each one a testament, again to the resilience, determination, and sheer brilliance of our fitness family. To see members push past limits, cheer each other on, and transform not just their bodies but their mindsets too, is an honour, every single time. And it reminds me why I started this journey in the first place. It’s never just about fitness – it’s about rediscovering confidence, building friendships, and finding joy in movement.

We couldn’t have done any of this without our two stunning instructors, Jacqueline and Michelle. Their passion, commitment, loyalty, and ability to inspire our members every day are truly remarkable, and I have the utmost respect, admiration, and appreciation for them. Girls, your dedication, knowledge, and ability to connect with members make every workout not just effective but enjoyable. You are my sounding board, my cheerleaders, and my partners in creating a space where everyone feels welcome and inspired. Thank you!

And then there are our members—the heart of everything we do. This year, some of you faced personal challenges that would’ve made anyone else pause, but you showed up. You fought through pain, grief, and uncertainty, and in doing so, you inspired everyone around you, including me. Your courage and resilience are the true essence of what our studio stands for. You are the reason I love what I do, and you are why I’d trade it for nothing in the world. Whether you crushed your fitness goals, found a new source of motivation, or simply made it through the door on days when it felt impossible, you’ve made this year unforgettable.

This past year I’ve had the privilege of witnessing incredible stories unfold within these walls. I’ve seen members overcome injuries, illnesses, and setbacks, proving to themselves—and to the world—that they are stronger than they ever imagined. I’ve watched friendships blossom over shared sweat and laughter, and I’ve seen tears of joy as goals were smashed and milestones reached.

To those members who faced setbacks, remember this: progress isn’t always linear, but every step forward matters. The struggles you endured only make you stronger. And to those who achieved more than you ever thought possible—take a moment to celebrate your wins. You earned them, and they’re just the beginning of what you’re capable of.

…Our member numbers grew beyond my wildest expectations this year—a testament to the energy, warmth, and passion that radiate from this space. Our YouTube channel also gained momentum, reaching almost 20k subscribers, and our Zoom platform is still booming. It’s humbling to see how far we’ve come and exciting to dream of what lies ahead.

But what stands out most, to me, are the quieter moments – watching members mastering steps, seeing a smile after a tough workout, and hearing someone say, “This studio feels like home.” Looking back, I realize 2024 wasn’t just about physical growth; it was about building tenacity, celebrating relationships, and creating a ripple effect of positivity. I am most grateful that I am still blessed with health and fitness to lead by example.

This career is fulfilling because it’s personal. I don’t just run a gym; I nurture a community. Every member who walks through those doors isn’t just a client—they’re family. I get to cheer them on during their high points and support them through their low ones. Their victories feel like my own, and their struggles push me to be better for them every single day. What a privilege!

…It’s not always easy. Early mornings, long days, and the constant balancing act of running a business is sometimes exhausting. But when I step back and see the smiles, the progress, and the gratitude on the faces of my members, every ounce of effort feels worth it.

Last, but not least, I would like to express my gratitude to Schalk, for his unwavering support. You’ve been my constant anchor and backbone. You’ve believed in me when I doubted myself, celebrated every success, and reminded me of my strength during challenges. Your patience, love, and quiet sacrifices have allowed me to pour my heart into this studio. Thank you for standing by my side, for being my rock, and for standing by me every step of the way, offering encouragement when I needed it most, and believing in my dreams even when they seemed out of reach. Your willingness to support my journey, in ways big and small, means the world to me. Thank you for being my steady foundation, for understanding my vision, and for always lifting me up when I need it.

Reminiscing and reliving 2024 leaves me thinking – it has indeed been a crazy year, but it was also a year that reminded me of what truly matters: love, family, community, and the gift of being part of something bigger than myself. To each of you who walked through the studio doors, joined a class, watched a YouTube video, or simply shared a smile—you made this year unforgettable. Thank you.

May you have a wonderful Christmas time with your family, with ample time to restore and refuel. Wishing you a 2025 filled with renewal, resilience, and remarkable progress! May the new year bring you the opportunity to rekindle your goals, revive your energy, and reignite your passion for growth.

Here’s to a year of reflection, rejuvenation, and reaching new heights together!

Yours in fitness

Mirna

PS (Thank you Mari, for your support, on the dot, every single Sunday, posting my Blog on our website. You are so appreciated!)