Home | Sports | ZONKE ON TOP OF THE WORLD

ZONKE ON TOP OF THE WORLD

19/10/2019 00:06:00 BY PHOLSILE HLOPHE

Font size:

MBABANE – Nothing can deter a woman determined to rise. The Transformation Corner is all about motivating and empowering people to pursue their fitness and health goals. Every week we bring you stories of people who have changed their life through sports and exercise.

This week’s inspiration is Zonke Tembe, a 24-year old lady whose love for sports helped her completely change her physique, health and personality for the better. She shared her transformation journey with the intention to motivate others to follow suit.

This is how she did it:
When did you start exercising?

“I have always had an enthusiasm for sports, netball in particular. After completing high school I could not find time to commit to a team at national level. I had to balance my full-time job and being a part time scholar at the University of Eswatini in the department of Adult Education. I joined Manzini Fitness Zone Gym with an intention to keep in good shape. I wanted to live a healthy lifestyle and critically understand the concept of a fitness lifestyle.”

What was your weight then compared to now?

“I never really had weight issues. I was rather uncomfortable with my weight which was 86kg at the time. Now I have blasted all the extra fat and built strong and visible muscles. My current weight is 67.3kg”.

If any, what sort of challenges did you encounter in your fitness journey?

“My journey was not a walk in the park but I must say that it became magically beautiful. The challenges I would face would be adhering to the plan of either cutting down or bulking muscles. I would sometimes miss my evening workout due to working late and having to divide my time between school and work. Waking up early for the gym was a struggle. With the help of my trainer, I learnt that meals need to be prepared three days prior and stored in the fridge and packed in small tins”.

Share your training routine:
“My typical day starts at 4am where I get ready for the gym at my regular space, Fitness Zone, which opens at 4:30am to accommodate the working class on weekdays. After training for two hours, I resume my daily work at 7:30am until 4:45pm then head back to the gym for another two-hour evening session”.

What nutritional changes have you adopted?

“I eat a healthy balanced diet in appropriate proportions, depending on how I want to shape my body and with the guidance of my coach ofcourse. That depends on my programme, either bulking (building muscles) or cutting (burning fat). I do eat fast foods like burgers, wings, drinks and occasionally take wine to ease the digestion.

“What are your future fitness and weight goals?

“I am determined to maintain a body of lean muscles suitable to hug my clothing style with ease”.

What is your personal slogan that keeps you focused?

“My slogan is my code of conduct and that is: ‘There is no force paramount to a woman determined to rise. You cannot make something out of nothing. You only have one body, take care of it’.

NB: Zonke also instructs High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) at Transformers Blast and Burn Studio in Sidwashini-Mbabane (plot number 986 Litsemba Stree) from Monday to Wednesday, starting at 5:30pm t0 6:30pm. If you wish to work on your weight please visit her social media pages: facebook – Tembe Zonke and on Instagram -@zonkemvelase and on twitter - @Zonke Tembe. Her contact number is 7628 5874.