Meet Sinikiwe: Finding Strength and Community at False Bay Fitness
When Sinikiwe first walked through the doors of False Bay Fitness, she wasn’t just looking for a workout, she was searching for structure, balance and a way to break free from the unhealthy habits that had crept in during lockdown.
“I joined shortly after the lockdown because I was feeling stuck and needed structure,” she recalls. “I was struggling to balance work and life demands and I had also developed some unhealthy habits during the lockdown.”
But taking that first step wasn’t easy. “I was really nervous at first,” she admits. “I’m generally socially awkward and I also felt insecure about my capabilities. But the coaches were fantastic, they made me feel welcome and scaled the workouts to my level.” She still remembers those early milestones. “Nico helped me feel comfortable with handstands and Riley with box jumps. I was terrified of these movements.”
“It’s a culture. A diverse group of like-minded people who inspire you when you need it, support you on the days you’re not feeling it and push you when you’re ready to give up.”
It didn’t take long for Sinikiwe to realise that False Bay Fitness was different from other gyms she had tried. It wasn’t just the workouts it was the people. “I love the banter we share during tough workouts, it makes pushing through so much easier. Everyone is so motivating. I still remember the first time I saw Lauren doing a heavy back squat; I was both impressed and inspired to keep pushing myself too.”
For Sinikiwe, the community is everything. “It’s a culture. A diverse group of like-minded people who inspire you when you need it, support you on the days you’re not feeling it and push you when you’re ready to give up.”
That culture and her own perseverance has paid off. “I lift heavier beyond my wildest dreams,” she says with a smile. “And my running improved without specifically training for it. Before I joined False Bay Fitness, it would take me an hour to run a 5km. Now it takes me 29 minutes.”
There have been standout moments too. “I had been aiming for a 100kg back squat for a while but didn’t think it was possible. Nico gave me the confidence to go for it and I got the PB I wanted!”
But the benefits go far beyond the barbell. “My life has changed significantly. I sleep better, eat better and feel less stressed,” Sinikiwe says. “Training is my outlet. It gives me a positive outlook on life and confidence in my body. It’s improved my mental health so much that I can handle the hard tasks at work with ease.”
That mindset shift has been profound. “I feel confident in my body! I actually look forward to training with the regulars of the 5am/6am class,” she says with a grin.
When asked what advice she would give to someone thinking about starting, her answer is simple: “Just come in, you will not regret it. It has become such a huge part of my life that I don’t want to move too far from the gym. And if you’re nervous, that’s normal be patient with yourself. I couldn’t even do a box jump or a wall walk when I started.”
And here’s something most people might not know: “The gym helped me complete my PhD in commercial law because it gave me structure,” she shares. “I’ve also continued to thrive in my academic career.”
Sinikiwe’s story is proof that strength training isn’t just about lifting weights, it’s about lifting yourself into a stronger, more confident and more balanced life.
Ready to start your journey? Book a trial class at False Bay Fitness today and see what’s possible for you.
