CROSSFIT HELPS BUILD MUSCLES

MBABABE – Cardiovascular exercise is ideal for weight loss yet CrossFit training supports muscle growth.
People start focused training for different reasons. For some, the main goal is to lose weight while for others, it is to grow bigger muscles, thus transformation their physical appearance.

For either reason, consistent training rejuvenates the body’s mechanism and makes you look younger than your actual age.
From the Hub of Eswatini is 39-year-old fitness guru Rethabile Nxumalo, who maintains a good fit physique through CrossFit training. This is a high intensity workout exercise which lasts for less than 30 minutes per session. Nxumalo shared her fitness transformation journey and hoped to inspire others to start on their own path. Here is what she had to say...

Name; Rethabile Nxumalo (39-years old from Manzini)
When did you start training and what was the motivation?
I started consistent training in 2018. For the past 10 years, I used to be a fan of road running. I managed to lose weight after child birth but could not see the results because of lack of consistency. It was until I joined Fitness Factory and thanks to coach Sandra for guiding me in working towards my fitness goals.
If any, what challenges did you encounter in your fitness journey and how did you manage to overcome them?

Training can be fun but it’s hard to be consistent every day because it can be so challenging and also because of all the distractions around you. You have to remind yourself why you are training every day. Your goals have to be your motivation.
What is your training routine?

I do CrossFit or functional training for about 45 minutes everyday. CrossFit is a strength and conditioning workout made up of functional movements performed at high intensity. My goal is to build good, clean muscles to have a healthy body and mind.
What nutritional changes have you implemented since you started focused training?

I try to keep my diet simple so as to be able to maintain it at all times. In the morning I have oats which is packed with fibre and protein. This is necessary for building muscles and carbohydrates. If not that, I have Special K which is also rich in fibre. I try to include fruits and a lot of vegetables in my diet everyday. I try not to consume a lot of sweets and cakes. Water is also very critical for people who train so I try to take about 1.5 litres of water daily.
What is your personal motivational slogan?

My personal motivational slogan that keeps me going is ‘because I’m worth it, I train because I love my body’. I am worth the sacrifice and effort. I love how training makes me feel and look.

What advice can you share with people who want to lose weight but lack the courage to start?

My advice to people struggling with weight is to make time for training and proper nutrition everyday and to be patient with the process. You must train because you love yourself not because you hate your body and are inspired to make a positive difference for yourself. Take it one day at a time because fitness is a lifestyle not just a trend. Training is not just about the physical aspect but also about the mental one. Your body feels great and your mind is clear and strong enough to face and tackle any life challenges. So training makes my life better holistically, every single day I look forward to getting stronger physically and mentally.

How has the emergence of COVID-19 affected your fitness lifestyle?
COVID-19 has really made the life of a fitness addict so challenging. I had to try harder to motivate myself to train and it’s really not easy doing it on your own every day and with all the distractions at home. So I try to stick to my exercise routines sent from our gyms or whatever resources I find online and do them at home. I would be happy if gyms would open but until they do, training must go on.  We must adapt to this new normal and keep going.

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