Name: 

Vuyolwethu Ben

Age: 

32

Location: 

Stellenbosch

How much weight have you lost on your journey so far?

 I’ve lost a total of 67 kg.

My starting weight was 140kg and my current weight is 73kg.

What else do you do? [Hobbies, non-work stuff, etc]

I love to hike, play tennis and chess, gym 6 days a week, read books and travel.  

YOU AND SLEEKGEEK

How long have you been a member of Sleekgeek?

Two years.

How did you find Sleekgeek?

Through mutual friends on Facebook.

What is your favourite part of the Sleekgeek Community?

The supporting structure is like no other and I love how we motivate and guide each other to reach our goal weights. It’s an amazing group to help one achieve one’s weight loss goals.

YOUR TRANSFORMATION

Describe the “old you” before you made your transformation. How did you get there and what were you like?

I was very inactive and it was starting to severely affect my mobility and health in general. I was too comfortable being unhealthy and inactive in such a way that was impacting my life negatively in every way possible.

What ignited your initial motivation to change?

Sleekgeek, prior to joining the group I wasn’t as serious. I was lacking a bit of motivation and drive until I joined the group and witnessed others’ beautiful journeys.

What are some of the things that the new you does differently now?

I am more active. I walk more, eat healthier and am more health conscious. I’m guilty of calculating my calorie intake DAILY, I must say. 

What are some of the things that the new you still struggles with?

Honestly, speaking? Nothing really I’ve mastered my body’s needs and abilities. 

Did you plateau, get stuck, or get disillusioned, or even slide backwards a bit on your journey?

Yes, a few times I’ve slid backwards but that’s the best part about being on a health journey. I often allude that my journey was never that of a diet but a health journey. Being on a journey in general doesn’t exempt one from sliding backwards, sliding backwards or getting stuck is what makes the journey worth continuing and learning to bounce back and having that alacrity to continue & remembering why one started the journey.

What is better since you got healthy?

My mobility.

TRAINING

What’s your favourite form of exercise? [Running, yoga, weightlifting, etc]

I love cardio and weightlifting.

How long have you been training and how did you get started?

I’ve been training for about 2 years. I started off hiking 10km 4 days a week.

What does your typical workout look like?

I’m more of a treadmill person, I’ve developed treadmill exercises that include running, jogging and incline jogging etc

I enjoy cycling too, I often would attend spinning classes at Virgin Active. I also enjoy skipping rope which I adopted from the Sleekgeek group, AMAZING! 

Favorite exercise? [Distance / pose / movement / etc]

Running, jogging and self-compiled full Body HIIT exercises.

Least favorite exercise? [Distance / pose / movement / etc]

Squats. I prefer the leg press machine.

How does exercise make you feel?

It sets my mood and tone for the day, hence I prefer hitting the gym at 5 in the morning from Monday to Saturday.

Do you prefer to train alone or with others? Why?

I prefer to train alone to accommodate and to not disturb my pace and peace. LOL.

Most embarrassing training moment?

Non really.

Top 3 things you must have at the gym or in your gym bag?

• Bottle of water 
• Skipping Rope 
• Face Towel 

Your next training goal?

Do more weight training.

Top 5 songs on your training playlist?

• Micasa: Mamela (Listen)
• Msaki: Bomi abumanga (Life is not at a standstill) 
• Master KG: Sofasilahlane 
• Master KG: Dali Nguwe
• Kanye West: Stronger

How has exercise/training/Sport Changed your life? [Made it better, etc – please be specific]

I have more energy, I have more control over my body and mind. It has improved my quality of sleep and I’m able to move more freely. It has truly enhanced my emotional well-being.  

Due to my weight which placed a lot of pressure on my ankles and knees, I found it quite difficult to move freely or do physical activities with friends when going on vacations and attending family gatherings. The weight loss has truly improved my mobility in a huge way and my energy levels.

NUTRITION

What’s your favourite meal?

Pasta.

OK, now what’s your favourite healthy meal?

Dukkah-crusted chicken salad with roast beetroot and feta.

Green Salads with chicken strips or just marinated chicken on the side. I shuffle and play around a lot with my greens.

Favourite protein?

Eggs and lean pork.

Favourite fat?

Avocado.

Favourite carbohydrate?

• Brown Rice 
• Brown Rice cakes
• Cereal Bars

What’s your nutrition philosophy/approach? [If you have one]

1. An adequate diet
2. A balanced diet
3. Calorie control (I’m big on calorie control)
4. Moderation
5. Variety

How many meals a day do you eat?

I eat three meals a day.

Do you have a cheat meal/treat strategy?

Yes, hit the gym and burn those calories.

MINDSET

Most memorable personal best achievement to date. Something you maybe never imagined you could do?

There are so many but if I had to choose one would be loosing 67 kg in two years.

What inspires and motivates you?

Myself.

For what are you most grateful?

My ability to never give up and my consistency.

What do you want to say to other community members who might be nervous or hesitant to make a start?

Start the journey & enjoy the transformation. Silence the noise around you. I was surrounded by a lot of negative noises, to be honest, that I silenced and kept going. It’s those very noises that gave me every reason to not cease and to continue to achieve my goal weight. Own your throne.  

What are your top 5 tips for anyone starting on a healthy journey

• Be [atient
• Be consistent 
• Stay focused on the prize 
• Don’t compete or compare 
• Silence the negative noises