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Top Billing presenter Ayanda Thabethe has two degrees under her belt, her own marketing agency, Buzzworthy – which has a client list as hot as Durban in December– and is an ambassador for some top international brands.
That includes a sizzling new partnership with Puma that she announced this week.
She’s also fit and has the sculpted bod’ to prove it! And that’s our whole list of New Year’s goals ticked off, thank you for coming. So, of course, we had to find out how she gets it right.
Use Ayanda’s tips to create the life you want in 2019.
1. Set realistic goals for your body
Ayanda’s all about that #doyou life. “We’re all born different and our bodies react differently to anything, thus I focus on understanding my body so that I’m able to set myself personal targets and not be affected by the next person’s gym regime and progress,” says Ayanda.
“Owning your individual journey allows you to stay on course and being accountable to yourself – once you make it about you, it becomes your way of life and won’t feel like a burden on you.”
READ MORE: Get your 10KM PB with these 6 tips from Soweto winner Glenrose Xaba
2. Treat yourself to some hot, new activewear
Okay, if we must. Seriously, though, wearing gym gear that fits well and looks hot not only motivates you to go to gym in the first place, it can also encourage you to work harder.
“My active wear is not exempt from strategic selection – as much as gym is about attaining a great physique, I still need to feel and look good in the gym,” says Ayanda.
“Personally, I am obsessed with gear that hugs my body in all the right places, giving me a bit of sexiness – catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror during a session, kinda gives me a sense of excelling as the results are right there.”
READ MORE: 8 things you need to know about running and your breasts
3. Do what you can
No one knows better than Ayanda how a hectic, unpredictable schedule can mess with healthy habits. But it’s your choice to let a bit of disruption hit your good intentions for six or stick with them as much as the situation allows.
“My world is constantly on the go! No one day is the same and the hours differ from day to day.
It starts off with what I eat before even being in the gym – as I mostly travel abroad and thus miss out on the gym.
Even in my travels I am mindful of my food intake and, no matter the schedule, I always ensure that I find time for some form of physical activity to keep high levels of energy for an extended period of time.
This gives me an added boost as looking and feeling good is key to overcoming any mental hurdles,” she says.
But when Ayanda does hit the gym, you can believe she gives it horns…
READ MORE: What to know when working out with hair extensions
4. Be true to your real self
Sometimes work demands that you put on a persona – especially when you’re in the public eye. But whatever version of you is required for the job, happiness means never losing your true self, says Ayanda.
“The need to constantly recreate yourself and to be agile in order to stay at the top of your game can be quite daunting.
Therefore I keep people around me who believe in me and who are positive. I have a strong support structure of friends and family.
I also am grounded in my spirituality and sense of self, so no matter what is going on, I always return to that.”
READ MORE: Oti Mabuse talks training and eating like a dancer, plus strictly 2018
5. Always have a back-up plan
No matter how well you plan or how hard you work, sometimes life throws a curveball. And when that happens, you need to be prepared. For Ayanda, that meant getting a solid education.
“Education is imperative,” she says.
“Education has given me a “back-up plan”.The entertainment world comes with risks, as your career survives not just on talent alone, but mainly on people’s perceptions – the power of education gives me ease of knowing I will never be out of choice.
I have extensive corporate experience and two degrees that have allowed me to run my race without being anxious about tomorrow.”
This article was originally published on Women's Health.
