Name:
Unathi Nomampondomise Nyewe
Age:
40 years
Location:
Eastern cape, Mthatha.
What do you do? [Job]
I am a facilitator.
What else do you do? [Hobbies, non-work stuff, etc]
I bake and sell cakes and I love running.
YOU AND SLEEKGEEK
How long have you been a member of Sleekgeek?
I joined in 2016.
How did you find Sleekgeek?
My cousin introduced me in 2016.
What is your favourite part of the Sleekgeek Community?
The encouragement you get from other members, the callenges and the unlimited advice one gets.
YOUR TRANSFORMATION
Describe the “old you” before you made your transformation. How did you get there and what were you like?
I was someone who ate whatever I felt like. Generally, it was mostly junk, I would eat takeouts and I was not even health-conscious. I drank alcohol almost every weekend, now I don’t even drink alcohol because I know what it does to my body. Exercise was not even something that I thought about. But it’s all that I do whenever I have time.
What ignited your initial motivation to change?
I was suffering from severe arthritis and my GP kept telling me to lose weight. One day I fell whilst teaching a class and that was it for me, I realized right then and there that I need to do something about my health.
What are some of the things that the new you does differently now?
The new me is very cautious about what I eat. I make sure I am always moving or exercising and that even if I overindulge sometimes it does not become the new norm. Lol, I hated running but now it’s my passion.
What are some of the things that the new you still struggles with?
I still struggle with sleep even though I try to sleep the 8 hours but I have always been a person that has sleep issues.
If you could give yourself 1 piece of advice to help with that struggle, what would it be?
No idea.
Did you plateau, get stuck, or get disillusioned, or even slide backwards a bit on your journey?
I did when I fell pregnant in 2018, after giving birth it was very hard to get back to healthy living.
What is better since you got healthy?
Oh, I have gained so much confidence in myself and I have stopped taking meds for my arthritis, and I am doing well.
TRAINING
What’s your favourite form of exercise? [Running, yoga, weightlifting, etc]
Running and skipping
How long have you been training and how did you get started?
I have been training since 2017. I started with skipping and walking then from there started running and haven’t looked back since.
What does your typical workout look like?
I run 5km every morning during the week before work and then on weekends it’s the long runs from 10km upwards.
Favorite exercise? [Distance / pose / movement / etc]
Running 10km.
Least favorite exercise? [Distance / pose / movement / etc]
Indoor exercises.
How does exercise make you feel?
Makes me feel refreshed and ready to start the new day and makes me feel lighter.
Do you prefer to train alone or with others? Why?
Alone because sometimes I get someone to train with and I end up trying to motivate them and I lose motivation.
Most embarrassing training moment?
None yet.
Top 3 things you must have at the gym or in your gym bag?
My mat, water and towel.
Your next training goal?
Pushing for further distances I want to run 15km then 20km upwards.
Top 5 songs on your training playlist?
I sometimes listen to gospel music.
How has exercise/training/Sport Changed your life? [Made it better, etc – please be specific]
I have been healthier and more active than ever before and I am now starting to gain a little muscle and I have lost weight as a result.
NUTRITION
What’s your favourite meal?
Well I enjoy anything with veggies and meat.
Favourite protein?
Fish
Favourite fat?
Avo
Favourite carbohydrate?
Pumpkin
How many meals a day do you eat?
2-3 but I always try not to miss a meal.
Do you have a cheat meal / treat strategy?
Nope.
MINDSET
Most memorable personal best achievement to date. Something you maybe never imagined you could do?
Well I never imagined I could run 15km.
Favorite quote?
Never ever let other peoples limited perceptions define you.
Favourite book?
I don’t have time to read.
What inspires and motivates you?
Not giving up no matter how many times one fails.
For what are you most grateful?
I am grateful for the gift of life mostly and to the Sleekgeek founders.
What do you want to say to other community members who might be nervous or hesitant to make a start?
It may seem impossible until you start. And one needs to set goals that gives one motivation.
What are your top 5 tips for anyone starting on a healthy journey?
- Remember this is your journey and yours alone so don’t listen to anyone who will try to discourage you.
- Set goals that give you motivation.
- Be disciplined
- Consistency is the key
- If you fall, get up and carry on.
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