We go together…

You might think that by now I would have become tired of hosting Challenge Prize giving ceremonies – it is, after all, the 29^th time we are doing this! But no way, Jose! On Thursday we did it again, and this New Year Challenge “Grease”-themed evening was nothing short of electric! There were Pink Ladies, a pencil skirt, black capri pants, white, frilly socks, wide skirts, leather jackets, high heels, a jukebox, a fancy car, many Sandys, and even a Danny! And once again we have proved – the members of our studio don’t only train hard, they know how to have fun!

“We go together like rama lama lama ka dinga da dinga dong…”

We DO go together, and at every event it feels as if this heart-warming fact is engraved upon my heart – for our members it’s about being part of something bigger than themselves. It’s so much more than just a night of awards – it’s a celebration of who we are as a fitness family.

Yes, fitness is personal. We all have our own goals, struggles, and victories. But when we celebrate, it’s never just about the individual. It’s about the community we build, the energy we share, and the way we push each other to be better. Every Challenge, every dance, every rep, every move, every event is made stronger, because we do it together.

I am so proud to say that 51 Challenge participants managed to complete our New Year Challenge successfully, and six more managed to improve their body stats although they couldn’t finish.  Once again, our ceremony wasn’t just about who won the prizes – it was about applauding every single person who took on the challenge. Whether you smashed personal bests, or simply made the commitment to sign up, you were part of the magic.

Yes, we had winners, and yes, we cheered them on. But what mattered most wasn’t the gift bags, and the small goodies, the medals, or the trophy – it was the support, the high-fives, the applause, the smiles, the spontaneous line dance, the belly laughs, and the shouts of encouragement. These are always the things that make our studio special. We don’t just sweat together; we celebrate together. We celebrate effort, commitment, loyalty, and progress, just as much as results. We don’t just chase goals; we inspire each other to keep going. And the spirit of our yellow building lives in all these moments we create together.

And more than ever, I am convinced that the ones who showed up to share in this proud, joyful occasion  – they are the true champions.

So, whether you walked away with a prize on Thursday, or left with only a certificate, thank you for being there. Know this: you are part of something bigger, and you are deeply appreciated. We go together, not just for one challenge, not just for one night, but always. We keep each other accountable, and what truly makes us strong, is each other!

I really see and experience this every single day – our members don’t just train side by side – they lift each other up. They push harder when they see their friends digging deep, they show up even on tough days because they know someone is counting on them, they look out for each other, they share in each other’s happy and sad moments, and they cheer just as loudly for the person who finishes first, as for the one who refuses to quit.

Of course, we do have members who don’t get swept away by the idea of our Fitness Challenges. And I totally respect that. Maybe they think these events are just for the super competitive, maybe they feel it’s too much pressure, or maybe they believe Challenges don’t matter, because they already know what they can do and achieve. But here’s the thing – challenges aren’t about proving anything to anyone else. They are about discovering something in yourself.

Our Challenges are about setting a goal, making a promise to yourself, and realizing you are capable of more than you thought…And it’s empowering beyond words. 

So, as promised, I hereby proudly share the special awards of our “Grease” event, and it’s mind-blowing how much have been accomplished in only six weeks:

Our top ten contestants of our six-week New Year Challenge are: Elize van den Heever (1^st), Leonie Prinsloo (2^nd), Berdine Meyer (3^rd), Gosia Snyman, Izelde Zwarts, Abeda Vally, Susan Ndlamlenze, Denise Mulder, Melinda du Plessis, and Maryka Blom.

Fat loss awards: Susan Bothma, Susan Ndlamlenze, Maryka Blom, Elize van den Heever, and Abigail Maphosa. Best progress from end of Summer Challenge to start of New Year Challenge: Leonie Prinsloo. Muscle improvement award: Izelde Zwarts. Best dressed members: Benice de Wet, Melinda du Plessis, Mila Ferreira, Izelde Zwarts, Marlé Zastron.

Most studio sessions done: Elize van den Heever (67) and Susan Ndlamlenze (66). Other members who completed more than 50 sessions: Lungile Gama, Lila Ferreira, Izelde Zwarts. Members who managed to earn all possible points: Abeda Vally, Berdine Meyer, Denise Mulder, Elize van der Walt, Gosia Snyman, Lady B Maseko, Lizelle Botha, Martie Badenhorst, Melinda du Plessis, Rethia Naudé.

Lucky draw winners: Maryka Blom, Susan Geldenhuys, and Amanda van der Merwe. Susan Bothma (Go big or go home award), Stacey du Toit (Most Challenges), Lizelle Botha (Oldest Challenge member), Martie Badenhorst (Chirpy Challenge Chick), Rethia Naudé (Survivor award), Hanné Swart (Zoom member award), Andrea Visagie and Carisa Burger (Challenge Newcomer award).

A huge thank you to our proud sponsors: Amanda from Manna en Kwartels, Denise from Augusta Embroidery, Susan from Flowerbox, Susan from Zoe Laser Cutting, Schalk from ProBag, and Mirna’s Aerobic Studio. Thank you also to Adele Smit Photography, Nicci from Niche Printing, and Mari from Inkbox.

And now, we are looking forward to our famous 13 week-Winter Challenge! Why do I keep on hosting it? It teaches me resilience, focus, leadership, creative thinking, and attention to detail, and it gives Jacqueline, Michelle, and I the perfect opportunity and platform to be advocates for living a healthy, active life, and we learn from our members, so much…

We learn about comradery, encouragement, competition, and accountability, and I just love it! All of it! I thrive on the energy of this special group of people, the shared victories, the strong finishes, the inside jokes, the tough times, and the small wins.  But mostly I do it, because I see firsthand how lives are transformed – not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too.

Every time someone pushes past their limits, supports a teammate, or discovers a newfound confidence, I’m reminded why this is all worth it – It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress and consistency.

I love it, and I do it, over, and over again, because I’m not alone. We go together. And together, we go far…

Yours in fitness

Mirna
0827790507

PS (The Invite to join our Winter Challenge is launched today – it kicks off on 12 May. Don’t miss out on the Early Bird fee of R320 payable before 22 April!)