38 years married, 14 years training together, and still competing over who does one more rep.
Clive and Alicia have been part of our community since the very early days. They first met Nico at Virgin Active in 2009, and when he opened his own CrossFit box in Tokai around 2012 (the gym that later became False Bay Fitness), they followed him.
Clive's story will feel familiar to a lot of people. He was inactive and overweight, and things got to the point where he was struggling to tie his shoes. Today he's fit and strong, and he and Alicia still train side by side most mornings.
We asked them about life before the gym, training as a couple, and who's really the more competitive one.
Tell us a little about yourselves.
We've been married for 38 years. We have two children, two grandchildren and two dogs. Clive is an electrician, and I'm the office administrator in his business. We love to travel, especially overlanding, which means taking long road trips by vehicle where the journey is part of the adventure. We've explored several countries beyond South Africa's borders this way.
What made you decide to join False Bay Fitness?
Back in 2009, Clive needed to get fit, so we joined Virgin Active. That's where we met Nico, who started coaching us. When he opened his own CrossFit box in Tokai around 2012, we naturally followed him. We loved the CrossFit workouts and the sense of community, and we've made some great friends along the way.
What was life like before you started training?
Honestly, our lifestyle was pretty lazy. There was a lot of working and a lot of partying. I'd always been active, either at the gym or running, but Clive was very inactive and overweight. When he started struggling just to tie his shoes, we knew it was time to make a change.
Were either of you nervous about starting?
Not really. By the time we moved over to CrossFit, Nico had already been coaching us through the workouts. That made it much easier when we joined the group classes.
How would you describe the atmosphere to someone who's never been here?
The classes and the community are amazing. No two classes are ever the same, and the atmosphere is fantastic. A lot has changed over the years and we've changed along with it. We've made friends, brought family and friends to the box, and we really love how diverse the community is.
What do you admire about your partner's fitness journey?
Clive's journey has been nothing short of amazing. He went from being overweight to being fit and strong. We've both stayed committed to training all these years, and we still love it.
Do you motivate each other?
We do, and I love having Clive as my training partner.
What have you learned about each other through training?
We've always been a bit competitive. Training together showed us we can compete with each other and still have fun.
What has been your proudest moment?
Mine was getting back to bar work after a shoulder injury. Clive and I have both had our share of injuries, but we keep showing up, we do our rehab, and we still enjoy our workouts.
How has training changed your life outside the gym?
It has made a huge difference. Our energy levels are great, and it's wonderful to be able to run around and play with our grandkids.
What keeps you coming back?
I come to stay fit, enjoy the banter with the coaches and our friends, and start my day on a good note.
What are you working towards together?
Simply to stay fit so we can keep enjoying our grandkids and our travels.
What advice would you give another couple thinking about joining?
Training together gives you an hour of shared time as a couple, and it starts your day on a really positive note.
Finish this sentence: "False Bay Fitness has given us..."
...healthier habits, a closer relationship, and a lifestyle we get to share.
Quick fire: who's more likely to...?
Skip a warm-up? Clive
Push for one more rep? Clive
Chat after class? Alicia
Stay for coffee after class? Alicia
Forget what workout is programmed? Clive
Convince the other to come to class? Alicia
Be more competitive? Clive
Take the longest to get ready for class? Clive
Five out of eight for Clive. We'll let you decide what that says.
Thank you, Clive and Alicia, for sharing your story and for being part of this community for so long.
Thinking about training with your partner? Couples are welcome in every class, whatever your starting point. Book a class or send us a message and we'll help you get started.