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To Gym Or Not To Gym That Is The Question?

Posted in Health & Fitness | Health Studios, Gyms, Gym Equip & Supplies | Sports & Leisure

When driving around Cape Town, it’s sometimes rather difficult to keep your eyes on the road especially along the sea front at Camps Bay where the joggers and cyclists are out in full force showing off their perfectly trimmed bodies & toned abs.

Are all Capetonians genetically engineered with a concoction of perfect body genes at birth……?

Skip straight to Gyms & Personal Trainers

Source: Zone Fitness

I remember a gay friend of mine once came to visit and as we sat on the beach, he had a good look around and his comment went something like this…“what is it about Capetonians? There is no arguing the fact that they must have all been genetically engineered….something like in the movie “The Island” because they are super-model perfect!”

He was somewhat horrified in fact and decided to keep his t-shirt on.

I think we will find the answer is “no” to that question but generally, keeping fit is a big thing here. You will find that both young and old are incredibly fit conscious. That’s not to say they don’t know how to party but somehow they manage to do both extremely well! Not like our UK larger-lout winter bodies that tend to frequent the streets without being too self conscious. Is it the weather that is the motivator in Cape Town or is it purely the obsession with looking and feeling good?

It is human nature to compare ourselves to others so don’t feel down if you happen to notice your body is not quite up to shape for living or holidaying in Cape Town.

However, now could be the time to do something about it! To gym or not to gym though……that is the question?

Joining a gym is a commitment because far too many of us pay extortionate gym fees and never end up going. With the wealth of outdoor activites in Cape Town, it’s great to enjoy our natural surroundings whilst exercising. Both require a level of willpower, however the fees you are paying at the gym might just get you to that aerobics class when you need a last little push to get you going.

Gym classes, spinning classes and the like are also a great incentive to make you attend. The weights and machines at a gym also offer focused training options on certain muscles that you may not be able to reach if just jogging or cycling every now and then.

A good solution if you can afford it, is to have a personal trainer with whom you have regular sessions at set times. This way it’s less easy to sneak out and make excuses. Your trainer will encourage you and track the changes by focusing on certain parts of your body. It always helps if they are one of those hot genetically engineered Capetonians that you couldn’t bear to let down.

Alternatively a beach run or a mountain jog, a hike up the Mountain, a swim in the ocean, a paddle in the surf or joining a beach volleyball team are all great alternative means of exercising. This city has endless opportunities. Why not find a climbing wall or even pole dancing classes which are both excellent for upper body strength.

Diet

Don’t forget, whatever you choose, a huge part of your fitness regime is your diet.

We all know that we must eat healthily and this starts with eating regularly – and it is not always easy to do this if one is working. The minute you let your body starve, it clings on dearly to every mouthful and keeps it neatly packed on your hips and waist for the next starvation session. Eat healthy food regularly at the same times every day and I promise you will lose weight (Fitness & biokinetics instructor Riaan in Knysna). Bear in mind that to form a habit, your body needs 30 days…that’s all – just 30 days.

Which Gym?

For those working or living in the CBD, one of the most popular gyms is conveniently situated in Lower Long Street, is of course Virgin Active. Another newer gym at The Waterfront is the Kranking Fitness Studio if you are looking for something completely different and fun for an all body toning session.

If the ladies prefer a woman’s only gym then Zone Fitness may just be your answer. Zone Fitness for women is a gym where you are able to share your thoughts with other women and exercise without judgement. This gym is perfectly located on 2nd Floor, 50 Kloof Street. They also have a gym in St Georges Mall and the Cape Quarter as well as the outer suburbs.

Source: Zone Fitness

Another gym which is also geared especially towards woman is the Nationwide Curves which is situated in Church Street. The gym offers all varieties of exercises and classes which are only geared towards ladies.

Dynamix is a gym which is completely affordable so if you are on a tight budget then this may be the gym for you. It is situated in Strand Street and the contracts are very reasonable at R179 per month on a one year contract and even less if you sign up for 2 years. The gym offers everything you could need at a price you can afford.

The gym combined with outdoor exercise is an excellent combo. If you are new to Cape Town, the gym is also a great way to meet people and allows you to focus on certain muscles and attend regular classes. However, by jogging or cycling outdoors and getting the wind in your hair refreshes the mind & soul. Why not take advantage of the mountains, beaches and nature on our very doorstep. For information on the best walking, jogging, surfing and horse-riding beaches click here. For cycle trails, click here.