Balancing work and workouts: Staff share what drives their fitness goals
- Wits University
Staff members are proving that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is possible, even with a packed calendar.
In today’s fast-paced work environment, finding time for exercise can be a challenge. With meetings, deadlines, and responsibilities piling up, fitness often takes a back seat. However, many professionals have found creative ways to stay active despite their demanding schedules. In this article, they offer us a glimpse into what inspires their fitness routine.
Dr Bernhard Zipfel, University Curator of Fossil and Rock Collections at the Evolutionary Studies Institute shares his love for martial arts and swordsmanship.
What drew you to Tai Chi?
The Chinese martial traditions represent some of the earliest forms of east Asian combat systems, with Tai Chi Chuan representing a ‘common denominator’. Tai Chi Chuan, originally a grappling art, is now considered an “internal” Chinese Martial Art for defence training, health benefits and meditation. Apart from the meditative nature of Tai Chi, I am drawn to it for the benefit of maintaining flexibility as I am getting older and it translates well into doing other martial arts activities more efficiently. Tai Chi can be practiced on its own, or as an adjunct to just about any other martial art and I would encourage martial artists to add Tai Chi to their repertoire.
But my introduction into this form began in 1978 with karate (Shukokai and Goju-Ryu) and have subsequently studied several East and South-east Asian martial arts, namely practiced by Okinawan, Chinese and Filipino people. These were Yuishinkai Ryu-Kyu-Kobujutsu (1984-2020), Tai Chi Chuan (1985 till present) and Filipino Martial Arts (Eskrima – 1994 - 2020). I have since pursued Japanese swordsmanship in the Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto Ryu tradition which is now my primary martial art activity. I have a broad interest in Hoplology, which is the study of human combative behaviour and performance.
How do you stay committed to your health and classes as consistency as this prevents many from achieving their health goals?
I have only recently committed to regularly practicing Tai Chi at Wits, thanks to Sifu Lee Jardine who is a dedicated and excellent teacher who inspires me to do so. We only have one life, and staying healthy, both physically and mentally should be paramount. Having this activity at Wits before going to work is a wonderful opportunity for maintaining wellbeing.
My schedule might amaze others but on Tuesday and Thursday morning from 7am to 7.45am I do Tai Chi with Lee at Wits, and Tuesday and Thursday evenings I do Katori Shinto Ryu (Japanese swordsmanship) in Bryanston from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. We also train Katori Shinto Ryu every Saturday morning from 10 am to 12.00 pm. Incidentally, Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto Ryu is Japan’s oldest surviving martial art and is almost 600 years old.
To join the Wits Club contact: Warona Louw via waronalouw00@gmail.com. Cost: R580 per month.
Thandeka Mhlongo, Legal Advisor
What motivated you to start your fitness journey?
In 2022, I gained about 30 kgs, eating for two and postpartum. When I looked at the mirror, I struggled to accept what was now termed “my adult body” and my self-esteem was at an all-time low. That is when I made a decision to get back into shape.
How did you decide which form of fitness suits you? Why gym and running?
I had no clue as to how I am going to get back into shape and that is why I decided to join the red gym. I talked a lot with people in the gym to find out how they went about meeting their fitness goals and people gave me advice. At the beginning it was hard. I was unable to lift a 2kg dumbell.
I chose the gym because of the people. They were so supportive and cheerleading me to keep on showing up. The gym became my new favourite place. As I became stronger, I ventured into running classes with the support of and advice provided by friends at the gym.
I mostly do strength training at the gym, which involves lifting weights and I dabble in running and boxing for cardio.
How do you manage this with your busy schedule?
Life is always going to be busy, but you need to fit in fitness where you can and stick to that routine. It’s just 45 minutes of your day, it not that much. Don’t disregard weekends and lunch breaks. Walking up the stairs for 15 minutes during lunch, makes a difference.
My advice is - pick something that you enjoy and makes you comfortable. It makes it easy to be consistent. Makes friends so you can access information and stories that can help you or motivate you throughout your journey.
Interested in running? Join the Varsity Kudus Running Club on campus through Sport Administration.