Ballito Umhl - NOV 2020

University of Zululand.
The couple were living in
Bloemfontein before that, which is
where Christy Ann owned and ran
three highly successful physiotherapy
practices. Christy Ann grew up on
a farm in the Eastern Cape and met
her husband while she was studying
in Bloemfontein. They have been
married for nearly 10 years.
It was a conscious decision, she says,
to have their children close together.
She admits, though that it has been
challenging at times. Especially when
they had three kids under the age
of three, all still in nappies! “We are
adventurous and love getting out
and camping. We wanted to get the
‘nappies and bottles’ stage out of the
way all at once. It seemed like a good
idea at the time, but there have been
moments where I’ve questioned our
sanity,” she laughs.
Before she had children, Christy Ann
spent some time training overseas,
which is where she learned more
about the mind-body connection. “I
was specialising in women’s health
and sports rehab, but I became
fascinated with the concept of using
physical activity to improve a person’s
mental health.”
Having suffered with chronic fatigue
while she was studying and then
post-natal depression after the birth
of her first son, Christy Ann says she
saw first hand how she was able to
heal her mind with movement and
exercise in both instances.
During lockdown, Christy Ann
decided to offer free online exercise
classes and they grew quickly in
popularity. She still offers online
classes, on a subscription basis. She
does a live class every day at 8am with
a recording available for those who
can’t join the live class.
“This has been a difficult year for
everyone and after everything we
have been through, a lot of people
are suffering with chronic stress at the
moment. I truly believe that moving
your body (five times a week for half
an hour a day, at moderate intensity)
can and will make a massive change
in your mental state and your life.”
When Christy Ann was approached
by the Fitness Health Active (FHA)
network and recruited to be part
of Season 2 of The 5 Colour Fitness
show, she was thrilled! FHA and sister
company, the Gresham Group, hosted the programme on DSTV’s SuperSport,
airing it for five weeks, giving viewers exercise routines and showcasing healthy
eating options and recipes from qualified trainers from around the country.
“It was an amazing experience being a part of the show. I was actually still
breastfeeding during the filming, so I travelled to Johannesburg to film as a mom
of three … and was surrounded by all these young trainers! But it was so much
fun. I am so thankful to have fallen into this space where I am able to really realise
my dreams.”
So, if you are feeling quite drained and emotionally spent, how do you get
yourself into a fitness regime? “My biggest tip is to get yourself an accountability
partner. It doesn’t have to be someone you run or do gym with, but just
someone who is going to check in on you daily and make sure you are moving,”
says Christy Ann. “The next thing I recommend is that you literally block out your
exercise time in your diary. And make it a repeat activity. That way, if you do have
to delete it and add something else, you are forced to really think about it and
consider that you are, in fact, ‘deleting’ your health!” Changing your eating habits
can also go a long way to improving your energy levels and mental wellness.
“Changing my eating habits really helped me unlock more energy and feel better
about myself. I like to think about what I put in my mouth and avoid refined
foods. I try to eat food that is as close to its natural form as possible and I try to
stick to the age-old ‘plate rule’ – so half your plate is fruit and vegetables (more
vegetables), a quarter healthy protein and a quarter wholegrain carbs. I think
if you keep it simple, you’re more likely to stick to it. I snack on nuts and raw
veggies during the day and, if we spoil ourselves, with a burger or a pizza, I try
not to have the bun and only eat the top off the pizza! It’s not for everyone, but
this way of eating works for me.”
Christy Ann says she has seen incredible changes in some of the women doing
her online workouts, and has had some amazing testimonies. One lady has
already lost 20kg’s!
“My biggest dream has always been to be a positive influence, health wise, for
women and I feel so lucky to really be living that dream right now.”
Details: www.christyann.fit, FB and IG: Christyann.fit, info@christyann.fit
November 2020 Get It • Ballito Umhlanga 13