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BUILD YOUR BODY, EARN A LIVING

18/04/2020 07:22:00 BY CHRIS DLAMINI

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EZULWINI - A healthy and fit body does not only keep you away from the doctor but can be your means to life.

It is now without a doubt that most emaSwati have bought into the daily training life for health reasons. Government even introduced the national motivational fitness and recreation programme called Shukuma Eswatini, which worked well to sensitise the nation on taking health and fitness seriously to avoid easily getting sick and for be ing productive.

It is now no longer a surprise to see families and individuals hitting the gym, taking to the road for morning and afternoon jogs and joining road races along with His Majesty King Mswati III.

There are those who specifically build their bodies into muscular figures through weightlifting and body-building.
Our feature today, a former Times of Eswatini colleague in the sports department, Mentjie Dlamini, is one of those and is now making a living through his well-built body.

Like any other fitness enthusiast, he is disciplined, committed and keeps away from drugs and alcohol while looking up to other body-builders like Simanga Maziya for inspiration. Learn more about him...

Your full name and age: Mentjie Dlamini (In my 30s)

When did you start training?
Back in 2010

What inspired you to transform from a regular-bodied guy to being so muscular?
The need to stay healthy, so I identified body-building and tennis as my ideal sporting activities to keep this shape and stay away from the doctor. Guys like Simanga Maziya are also inspirational as they have been in the spotlight for us to admire.

How has this new-look changed your life?
I have become confident, developed self-belief & self-discipline looking after myself very well and have become a role model to young people.

What are your fitness goals?
To remain healthy, inspire more people and establish a part-time career.

Please share your training routine, the secret behind this physical transformation?
I train Monday to Friday and rest on weekends. I stick to a particular exercise or two a day and maybe a superset on Fridays and never forget push-ups at home.

What nutritional changes does this bring in your life?
Calcium and proteins must always feature in your meal. Avoid sweet stuff and drink water.
beans, meat, fruits, vegetables which are essentials for me and obviously alcohol is out of the question.

Any employment opportunities for you through your transformation?
There are a couple of them like modelling, security jobs, body-building competitions and many more.
Where do you do your training?
I have trained in a couple of gymnasiums but currently I train at Ligcabho LeMaswati Sports Emporium at Uneswa and also Egogogweni at Eteni known as KaMlondi.

Since its lockdown period, how do you keep fit?
I have small weights at home & do push-ups as I adhere to government’s guidelines to combat the spread of COVID 19.

Who is your fitness instructor?
I have done this for a long time now, so I don’t have an instructor but I have gym partners.

Do you take steroids to boost your transformation?
I don’t take steroids since I am not sure of the side effects there. So I would not go for them and relying on something like that can be dangerous.

Any advice to others who may admire your body and eventually take up training?
Body-building must come from one’s heart, take advice, be consistent, work hard, stay away from alcohol, look after yourself & be passionate. Know that Rome was not built in a day.