Finding Strength Together: Meet Erin & Rudi Erasmus

Some couples enjoy date nights at restaurants. Others prefer weekends away. For Erin and Rudi Erasmus, one of their favourite things to do together is train.

From university sweethearts to training partners, they've built a relationship around encouraging one another, embracing new challenges and making fitness a non-negotiable part of life. False Bay Fitness has become a place where they can both show up, push themselves, and have fun doing it.

We caught up with Erin and Rudi to learn more about their journey, what keeps them motivated, and why they love being part of the False Bay Fitness community.

From University Friends to Husband and Wife

Erin first discovered False Bay Fitness through family.

"My older brother and sister-in-law trained there and absolutely loved it, so I joined in 2020."

For Rudi, the introduction was simple.

"Erin told me about False Bay Fitness, so we joined at the same time."

Their journey together, however, started long before they stepped into the gym.

The pair met while studying Social Work at UCT, where they were placed in the same orientation group on their very first day. Although they only became friends during their third year, that friendship soon turned into something more and they started dating in their final year in 2020.

After getting engaged in 2023, they were married in 2024 and have now been happily married for two years.

Today, Erin works as a social worker at Bergvliet Primary School, while Rudi began his career in substance abuse treatment before making a career pivot into management at OneDayOnly.

From Competitive Sport to Functional Fitness

Sport has always been a huge part of their lives.

Erin competed in water polo and hockey, while Rudi played rugby throughout school and university. Later, they took on sprint triathlons together.

While they loved racing, there was one downside.

"We only got the adrenaline rush on race day."

That all changed when they joined False Bay Fitness.

"Every time we rocked up for a PureFit session, we scratched that itch of competing."

But competition isn't the only reason they love training here.

"What we both really enjoy about False Bay Fitness compared to other gyms is that you arrive and can fully send it. There is no one watching you and no mirrors for people to pose in. Everyone who is there is there to grind out the session, and we love that."

A Community That Feels Real

Ask Erin and Rudi to describe the atmosphere at False Bay Fitness, and their answer is refreshingly honest.

"Raw, real, unpretentious. Down-to-earth. High energy."

For them, it's the people that make the difference.

"The people who train are highly motivating, and seeing others grow and improve inspires us to keep going."

It's also one of the reasons they never struggle to show up.

"Training at False Bay is awesome because it's epic arriving at a gym where people welcome you. Plus, you don't need to think about what to do for a session, you can just pitch and play."

Who's More Competitive?

Without hesitation...

"Erin."

According to Rudi, competition doesn't stop when class ends.

"For her, everything is a competition. Even after training she makes the race home a competition and will tackle me out of the way for the last piece of malva pudding."

We can't say we blame her, some things are worth competing for and the last piece of malva pudding is definitely one of them.

Growing Stronger Together

Since joining False Bay Fitness, both have seen huge improvements in different areas of their fitness.

For Erin, the journey has been especially meaningful.

"In 2019 I had shoulder surgery after a water polo injury. After rehab, joining False Bay Fitness helped me rebuild my strength and confidence in a controlled, safe environment."

She gives special thanks to Coach Jason.

"Shout out to Jason for his patience and encouragement. Now I do things that I never thought my shoulder would be able to."

For Rudi, growth came from embracing movements he once avoided.

"It's really challenged me to get stronger and better at the movements I disliked. I never did gymnastics movements before, but now I've got the courage to try."

The Benefits Go Beyond the Gym

Training isn't just about getting fitter.

For Rudi, it's one of the best ways to improve his sleep.

"I struggle with good quality sleep, and I know that if I train, I'll have a good night."

Together, they both agree that fitness carries over into every part of life.

"For us, training translates into confidence outside of the gym. It positively impacts our day-to-day lives."

Celebrating Progress

Looking back, each have achievements they're especially proud of.

For Rudi, it was completing HYROX.

"I'm proud of how training at False Bay Fitness prepared me for HYROX last year. I'm also proud of rebuilding consistency in a very demanding schedule."

For Erin, it's been seeing her strength steadily increase.

"I'm proud of the growth from the Look Good Naked sessions. Lifting heavier, squatting heavier, and overall feeling stronger."

Why They Keep Coming Back

Training means something different to each of them.

For Erin, it's an opportunity to reset.

"Training is like a reset for me. It helps me transition from thinking about work to relaxing. It puts daily work and life stresses into perspective. The training helps me regulate."

For Rudi...

"Training gives me a half decent personality. If I don't move my body, I become a grump."

They also love the fact that they can train side by side without holding each other back.

"When we trained for triathlons, one of us would have to slow down or we'd end up training separately. At False Bay Fitness we can both fully send it while being next to one another and cheering each other on."

And perhaps that's the biggest reason they continue showing up week after week.

"It's a welcoming space where you can do your thing, and no one cares whether you're throwing around 5kg or 35kg."

Making Time for What Matters

Like many members, balancing busy schedules isn't always easy.

"We have to make training a non-negotiable. Otherwise the couch comes calling."

We hear this time and time again from our members. The busiest people are often the ones who make training a non-negotiable by blocking it out in their calendars. It becomes an appointment with yourself, one that's just as important as any meeting or commitment.

What's Next?

Looking ahead, Erin and Rudi simply want to continue building healthy, active lives together.

Their next fitness goal?

"We want to compete together in the Deadly Dozen."

But they're always open to trying something new.

"On holiday in Thailand we attended a Muay Thai class and it turned out to be a lot of fun, so who knows what's next."

Outside of the gym, they love cooking, bodyboarding and dancing and make it a priority to fit those passions into everyday life too.

A Few Things You Might Not Know...

Rudi attended Oakdale Agricultural High School, where life revolved around rugby and farming.

"I'm most at home when I'm barefoot on the plaas."

Erin has a surprising hidden talent of her own.

"During my time at UCT I trained as a barber and used it as a side hustle."

Luckily for Rudi...

"He'll have fresh cuts for life."

The couple are also actively involved in the community at Rondebosch Common Ground Church, where they enjoy serving alongside others.

More Than Just a Gym

One of the best things about False Bay Fitness is that every member brings something unique to the community. 

Erin and Rudi remind us that fitness isn't just about becoming stronger physically, it's about finding people who encourage you, challenge you, laugh with you and make showing up something you genuinely look forward to.

Whether you're training with your partner, a friend, or walking through the doors on your own, there's a place for you here!

The welcoming atmosphere, shared encouragement and sense of community is what makes False Bay Fitness so much more than a gym.

Thinking of joining? Come and experience it for yourself, you might just find your people.