Name:

Chuma Sodlula.

Age: 

37.

Location: 

Cape Town.

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

Between 2016 and 2021, I lost 22 kilograms going from 94 to 72 kilograms. I then suffered a debilitating hip injury from hiking and I had to cease exercise in 2022. That caused a relapse and weight gain. I am now fighting back and currently weigh 85 kilograms.

What do you do? [Job]

I work in media for a radio station and fulfill a number of roles.

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

I really enjoy sleeping, I sleep a lot. I’m a homebody.

YOU AND SLEEKGEEK

How long have you been a member of Sleekgeek?

Since 8 February 2016.

How did you find Sleekgeek?

Through a friend.

What is your favourite part of the Sleekgeek Community?

The 21-day challenges.

YOUR TRANSFORMATION

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

My life was centered around food and I hardly exercised. My bipolar medication played a part because it stimulated my appetite frequently.

What ignited your initial motivation to change?

In December 2016, I was uncomfortable in my own skin. I had a look at the pictures taken that festive season and I didn’t recognise myself. That was my turning point.

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

Besides being committed to exercise, I consume less sugar and starch where I can. I’m definitely more conscious of that now.

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

I love food so saying no to food at times, is still a work in progress.

If you could give yourself one piece of advice to help with that struggle, what would it be?

I’ve started establishing a healthy relationship with food this year as my “WHY” I’m proactively committed to a healthier me. It’s imperative that I know my “WHY” in order to achieve fruitful results.

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

Yes, most of 2022 while healing from the hip injury, I kept falling off the wagon and picking myself up again. This was mostly because I was no longer working from home and back at the office full-time with very little time left in the day for me to exercise. During Covid, I managed my time with ease.

What is better since you got healthy?

I have diabetes type 2 which is now under control.

TRAINING

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

I’m now able to exercise again as my hip has recovered a great deal so I do what I’ve always
done, which is brisk walking, 3 times a week.

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

Since October 2020…I had just been diagnosed with TB of the stomach. As a result, I lost 6
kilograms and I saw that as an opportunity to work on my body, so I ran with it.

What does your typical workout look like?

Brisk walking for a minimum of 5 km at least 3 times a week.

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

Brisk walking.

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

Running/jogging.

How does exercise make you feel? 

Accomplished.

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

Alone but recently, I train with a friend twice a week. When I train alone, I’m able to set my own
targets and break my own records.

Most embarrassing training moment?

Being rained on so hard while brisk walking; I could just imagine being ridiculed by motorists
that passed me by.

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

Headphones.
Phone.
Tissues.

Your next training goal?

10 km distance by Winter.

Top 5 songs on your training playlist?

I ONLY listen to Beyonce: Homecoming.

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

It is a bonus for my mental health.

NUTRITION

What’s your favourite meal?

Anything made by my mother.

OK, now what’s your favourite healthy meal?

A chicken or beef wrap filled with salad and seasoning.

Favourite protein?

Meat.

Favourite fat?

Avocado.

Favourite carbohydrate?

Potatoes.

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

I was recently advised by a doctor to only have starch in one meal per day. That I should rather
eat protein and a portion of good fat food in the mornings.

How many meals a day do you eat?

3.

Do you have a cheat meal / treat strategy?

I don’t believe in this notion.

MINDSET

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

Making a time of 49 min 23 seconds brisk walking 5 km.

Favourite quote?

“It always seems impossible until it’s done!” – Nelson Mandela.

What book are you currently reading?

Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing by Oprah Winfrey (Author), Bruce D. Perry (Author).

What inspires and motivates you?

God.

For what are you most grateful?

My mother.

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

It all starts in the mind. Mind over matter. Anything you set your mind to you can achieve.

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

• Start small and build.
• Cultivate a habit of exercise.
• Keep track of your workouts.
• Plug into whatever motivates you.
• Get yourself up and try again.