For people who are not on social media, who are not familiar with your content, who would you say is Samantha Shabalala?

I am Samantha Shabalala also known as Sam_fit10. I am an avid health and fitness enthusiast, I am a big advocate of the positive effects movement has on the overall physical health but also mental health. I also work in corporate, in the financial services sector.

Tell us more about your fitness journey.

My fitness journey has been a constant in my life from when I was a kid playing sport and that filtered through to my adult life so it’s become a lifestyle.

 What does a day in Sam’s life look like?

My day includes waking up at about 5am, meditating and reading then going to the gym and thereafter I go to work for the rest of the day.  

For how long have you been training?

Well in terms of weight training, it’s been about 5 years but I’ve always been active through sport from when I was in primary school.

Do you take any supplements and are there any that you would recommend?

 I only take whey protein as at times I’m unable to meet my daily protein intake from food apart from that nothing really I’m not the best person when it comes to supplement advice.

What are some of your favorite workouts?

 A good CrossFit workout, running and some functional training. 

What’s the end goal, health or a hot instagrammable body?

I don’t have a defined end goal I just really enjoy moving my body, it’s a part of who I am and in recent years, it’s been good for my mental health as well.

What are some of the biggest misconceptions about weight training for women? 

The idea that you become bulky and manly, I mean naturally women don’t have that amount of testosterone levels one would need to have been lifting heavy for a significantly long time even then it’s unlikely, unless you are on something.

 How important is your diet when you train?

Your diet is extremely important, food is energy which the body uses to perform day to day activities like breathing and more. Food is also a significant factor in you reaching your ‘fitness goals’, eating the right kinds of micronutrients in terms of fats, protein and carbs and at the right portions is extremely important. You can never outwork a bad diet.

How often do you train?

I train about four to five times a week. 

What are some of the tips you would give to people that want to be as strong and fit as you?

Be consistent, focus on nutrition, stick to a set program and always push yourself. Lastly patience, it’s a journey it doesn’t happen overnight.

 How important is rest?

It’s important, it’s like sleep, the body needs to recover and repair itself.

Is there pressure to train all the time? 

No not at all maybe pressure to look a certain way but I don’t really focus on that, I just train and I know inevitably my body will reflect this. 

@sam_fit10