Tea, Training & Tenacity - Meet Michelle Moxley

Some members walk into the gym and quietly become part of the heartbeat of the community, and that’s exactly Michelle Moxley. Between running her own biokinetics practices, coaching lifesaving, competing in HYROX events, and somehow still making time for tea, Michelle embodies what it means to train with purpose, consistency and joy!

We sat down with Michelle to chat about fitness, life, competition and what keeps her coming back to False Bay Fitness.

Finding False Bay Fitness

Michelle discovered False Bay Fitness through a late-night online search while looking for something different in her training routine.

“I sent an enquiry message around 10:30pm and Joss replied straight away. I thought, ‘Yoh! These people are on it!’ which I loved.”

That really stood out for Michelle, and before long she found herself part of the False Bay Fitness community.

Life Outside the Gym

Michelle lives in Cape Town with her husband Shawn and their son, who she proudly describes as “the best kid in the world.”

Their family life revolves around the outdoors and the lifesaving community. Summers are spent on the beach competing and coaching, while winters are for mountain adventures and exploring the beautiful parts of the Cape.

Professionally, Michelle is a biokineticist working primarily in rehabilitation and movement therapy, with practices based in Wynberg and Kirstenhof.

Why Fitness Matters

For Michelle, training is about far more than physical fitness.

“Owning your own business is hard work. The amount of work that must be done after hours can be hectic, but I ensure that I keep one hour a day for my training session. It keeps my stress levels at bay and keeps me energised.”

As someone who works closely with clients managing various health conditions, she sees movement as essential medicine.

“Exercise and movement is medicine for them, and it’s a message I need to instill on a daily basis, so I am fully aware of how important it is.”

The False Bay Fitness Difference

Michelle loves the class environment and the balance it brings to her busy days. 

“I get to turn my brain off from work, come to gym and just take part without too much thinking.”

What stands out most for her is the atmosphere.

“I find the atmosphere supportive and motivating. Everyone is on their own journey within the class space, but it remains fun, full of banter and personal.”

And of course, the workouts themselves keep things interesting.

“Partner workouts get you to meet new people and the exercise intensity is something which I love.”

Competition, Cross-Training & Big Goals

Michelle competes in Masters Lifesaving events both in the pool and on the beach, using her gym training as cross-training to support her performance.

“We recently had SA Champs in March, and we have World Lifesaving Champs coming up in November, so lots of training needed!”

On top of that, she’s deeply involved in the world of functional and hybrid fitness events like HYROX and Deadly Dozen.

“So far with HYROX I have placed 3rd and 2nd in my age group. I’m now gunning for a 1st. No pressure!”

Conquering Her First Two Oceans

One of Michelle’s recent highlights was completing her very first Two Oceans 21km and absolutely loving it.

“It was the best race and I was chuffed with my 1:55! That’s a good time for me. I think I smiled from start to finish.”

What makes the achievement even more impressive is that she wasn’t following a traditional running-heavy training plan.

“The only running I do is that I try run to lifesaving training at Fish Hoek once a week.”

Instead, she credits much of her race-day strength to the work done inside the gym.

“Don’t underestimate the leg strength that we build from a gazillion wall balls and box jumps, it helps!”

Consistency Over Perfection

When asked what she’s most proud of, Michelle’s answer wasn’t about medals or podium finishes.

“I think what I am proud of is my consistency.”

She balances gym sessions with swimming and lifesaving training while navigating the demands of work and family life and she approaches it all with a long-term mindset.

“Life is busy and I don’t always get it right. I know it’s a long term commitment, so it’s okay if it doesn’t always go according to plan.”

Her goal is simple but powerful:

“To be able to pitch up at any swimming, running or fitness competition and be able to compete comfortably and with minimal injury risk. And when you get that right, it becomes FUN!”

A Few Final Things…

Michelle trains mostly in the evening classes after work.

She finds it a “Great time to switch-off and de-stress.”

If she had to describe False Bay Fitness in three words?

Community. Hardcore. Sweaty.

And one thing fitness has taught her?

“Never underestimate what you can do. Keep chipping away.”

Then, with the confidence of someone who has earned it, she adds:

“The twenty-year-olds might know more technology than I do, but this 40+ year old can definitely teach them a thing or two about HYROX.”

Most Important Question: Tea or Coffee?

For Michelle, there’s only one correct answer.

“I love tea. I believe tea is the answer to all of life’s challenges.”

Whether she’s happy, sad, cold, recovering, or rushing out the door, tea is involved.

“And if I’m late for gym, it’s because I’m finishing my cup of tea.”

Honestly, fair enough!

At False Bay Fitness, every member has a story, a reason they walk through the doors each day, and a journey that extends far beyond the workout itself. These interviews are about celebrating the people behind the burpees, barbells, runs, swims, and sweaty high-fives, the people you train next to every day.

Michelle’s story is a reminder that fitness looks different for everyone. For some, it’s about competition. For others, stress relief, community, health, consistency or simply carving out one hour in the day for themselves. But what connects us all is the supportive environment that makes showing up worthwhile.

Whether you’re completely new to fitness, returning after a break, training for an event, or simply looking for a welcoming community to be part of, there’s a place for you here.

And who knows, the person warming up next to you might just have a story as inspiring as Michelle’s.

If you’ve been thinking about joining the False Bay Fitness community, this is your sign to come give it a try.