It wasn’t an easy decision to determine who the top 6 would be in the #BiogenFaceOfFitness2021, but after much deliberation by the judges we now have 6 aspiring fitness models who will embark on their 3 day photoshoot experience, all competing for the cover of Fitness magazine. We caught up with them prior to their big photo shoot experience to get to know them better!
What made you decide to enter the Biogen Face of Fitness?
I have followed this competition since the year 2018. I have been wanting to enter it ever since then, however I did not feel that I was in the space that I needed to be in order to motivate and inspire other woman to achieve their health and fitness goals. It has been three years of working on myself and improving myself in every aspect of my life physically, spiritually and mentally. Within a few weeks of qualifying to be a doctor of chiropractic, I feel that the knowledge I have gained through my 6-year master’s degree, together with my passion for health and fitness, I feel that I am finally in the correct space to assist other woman to be their best, be the same inspiration to other woman as those ladies that entered previously were to me and motivate a “younger me” to achieve her goals.
Every day I help individuals achieve a healthier sate of living through conservative treatment, reduce their pain levels and help their body to function at its optimal state in order for them to achieve their goals and live an overall better quality of life. I have also worked with many athletes in the fitness industry before and I see the benefits on their performance levels, recovery and prevention of injury.
I want to be able to educate woman and other individuals on a broader spectrum in which I believe this competition will provide me with this opportunity through their platform.
What would you say are you most excited about with regards to the competition?
For me, definitely the exposure and growth that entering this competition brings along with it. During this entire journey so far, I see that I am able to tell my story which is reaching more woman far and wide than ever before. My goal is to be a voice that comforts and inspires woman and this platform provides me with this.
Before the competition even started, I had the courage to message Sean from Juiced media to take my entry photos and from the word go, I had learnt so much from just one shoot.
It has been an upward climb of growth for me. Interacting and meeting the previous years top 6, the discussion I had with them provided me with so much insight that has contributed to my growth through this competition.
Having discussions with Brandon and Logan, again they are filled with so much wisdom in which I can learn from and I try to absorb every ounce of the information I have gained from them and apply it.
Meeting the top 32 ladies and especially now the top 6 ladies, we all come from different backgrounds and listening to their stories have aided in my growth as well. This competition also brings along with it many spoils that I cannot even deny I am excited about! The spoils from Biogen, Decathlon, Moove Motion Fitness Club and the Maslow hotel experience is something I only ever dreamt about experiencing and now is finally becoming a reality!
Did you ever think that you would make it this far?
This is a double edge question because I am confident about myself and my abilities and also know what I can bring to the table. HOWEVER, self-doubt and seeing the entire amazing and talented woman still shocked me when I was chosen. It was as if the team validated what I have been working so hard for. Of course, winning is the goal, but top 6 was the destination and looking back from the start, I knew I had it in me to do well, but deep down I never thought I would actually make it this far. From the start of this competition, I always said to myself if I don’t back myself up, no one will. I always said “believe in yourself”, “stay true to who you are”, “remain humble”, and “believe in your God gifted capabilities and what you have to offer” and if it is meant to be and this is the path that I am meant to take, it will be.
What do you hope to achieve through being in the Final 6 of the Biogen Face of Fitness?
To be a face that inspires other woman to take the leap of faith, follow their goals and dreams and be a good representation on how woman can have a healthy balance between their body, mind and soul all while still trying to partake in their other daily activities.
I would love to be given the opportunity to pitch my ideas I have to fitness magazine and sponsors on how I would incorporate and educate followers on exercising and viewing fitness from a chiropractic perspective. Ideas such as possibly starting a blog or column in fitness magazine/ on social pages once a month. Giving my medical knowledge on the effects of exercise regimes on your muscles, nerves and overall health and giving more natural alternative methods to recovery and injury healing or how to train through certain injuries. I feel by making it into the top 6 and myself being in alignment by such well known industry names, will give me the extra edge and trust to start up events and programs which people can attend to educate on holistic fitness regimes. Not only in the fitness industry but in the sporting world as a whole.
Where/When/How did your fitness journey begin?
My fitness journey began from the age of 6 years old when I started ballet and modern dancing. Dance created the foundation of my physique to what it is today. During primary school, I noticed I had a talent and passion for sprinting and started participating in these activities ever since. During my high school career, I started to get more competitive, I represented D12 and Gauteng championship’s for 100m and 200m sprints as well as represented South Africa locally, provincially and internationally for ballet, modern and jazz dancing in Croatia 2011, Slovenia and Poland in 2017 and Spain in 2018 where I received my provincial and South African colours.
The end of high school was where I started weight training and developed a passion for this. This set the tone for my fitness journey and I incorporated ballroom and Latin dancing into my regime from the year 2018. These past 6 years I feel that I have grown more and more passionate about the feeling and results that I achieve from being fit and active and have modified my approach to exercising and weight training to achieve the fitness goals that I want. Dancing is still a part of my life to this day and I recently got my provincial colours again through national championships for modern dancing. My view on fitness has changed to one of holism ever since I started to study chiropractic. Due to my job being extremely active and physical, I have noticed the benefits that weight training has had in maintaining my physical strength and endurance in order to continue to carry out my work, perform optimally and prevent injury.
How do you think fitness has changed your life?
Fitness has changed my life for a number of reasons. Firstly, the degree I studied and the opportunities I have had with my dancing and now during this competition, would not be available to me if I never developed a passion for fitness in my younger years and I believe my life would have taken a different course. Secondly, fitness has given me my life. Being in the medical field, I fully understand how fitness has benefited my health internally and externally. I am healthy and alive today, because I keep fit and fuel my body correctly. Thirdly, fitness has helped me developed dedication and a stronger mindset. Fitness keeps me sane and provided me with an outlet from life stressors, to re-focus and keep my mental health strong. I believe if you start working on fitness from a young age it shows you practically what hard work looks like and how goals can be achieved. It lays a foundation to consistency and prioritisng yourself and health so you can be a better version of yourself in whatever area of your life you find yourself in. Fitness wears so many different hats for some it’s gym or as kids doing extra murals or outdoor activities, as long as the blood is pumping and those endorphins are being released…its being FIT. So Fitness is a complete GAME changer.
What are some of your favourite ways to keep healthy and active?
Honestly speaking, my family and the home I was brought up in always focused on being active. Even when we went on holiday it was always about being active in FUN & exciting ways.
Firstly I love weight training, it makes me feel strong. Stretching helps my muscles remain supple, aids in active recovery, maintain range of motion and prevent injuries from occurring.
My Dancing provided me with the opportunity to partake in aerobic exercise and helps strengthen my core… and “who doesn’t love to dance and feel the beat of the music?” Keeping healthy is also visiting my chiropractor (which I have been doing since I was 10 years old, because of my scoliosis and dancing injuries). It helps with restoring the neurological input to my muscles and soft tissue structures so that I can perform optimally. I also believe in order to be healthy; my spiritual and mental game needs to be strong and firm.
I prioritize praise and worship, praying and setting quiet time aside to re-focus and set my goals for the week ahead. I am an adrenaline junkie (thanks to my Dad), so being active = outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, trail running and water sports. HOWEVER I’m not a fan of dieting, I believe in a healthy balance of eating. I enjoy trying to incorporate eating delicious foods that are prepared and cooked in a healthy manner.
How do you intend to inspire other women to pursue becoming the best version of themselves?
When I think of inspiration and how I get inspired, it is when I see other woman being real and normalizing realistic body goals and images. I am surrounded by woman in my family with all completely different body shapes, however maintaining a healthy lifestyle is what inspires me. So, inspiration should come from setting a goal that is attainable. In order to achieve this, it is to make lifestyle choices that will equip woman to feel their best and function at their best self. In order to achieve this, I need to be myself, educate and use my knowledge to guide and help woman in the right direction. By trying to be authentic as possible will hopefully inspire a woman to be her best self.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time within the fitness industry?
5 years time… on one of the Billboards in the MOOVE MOTION fitness clubs ☺. But honestly, to be a well known sports chiropractor that works within the fitness and sports industry and to be “the first name” that is thought of when this topic comes up (regardless of age). To be a woman well recognized in the fitness industry that other woman can feel inspired by and collaborating and working with well known health and fitness brands that focuses on holistic living so that we can educate a true form of working, training, healing and preserving of ones body.
Do you have any other hobbies that you enjoy?
Besides chiropractic, weight training and dancing. I absolutely love hiking. I have participated in a few well-known hikes extending over a 3–5-day period. I love being outdoors and in nature and will never say no to camping. Any water and adrenaline activities I am down for without a doubt. Spending time with my family and boyfriend is always on top of my list whenever I have free time. We have a Lapa at home in which most of our “chill”, “jive” and “sokkie” time takes place in. PlayStation, well yes that’s right, I usually play online games with my boyfriend to wind down and forget life stressors.
YAY OR NAY!
- Cheat days? Yay
- Functional training? Yay
- HIIT workouts? Yay
- Lifestyle dieting? Yay
- Meal prep? Nay
- Training every day? Nay
- Mobility sessions? Yay
- Active recovery? Yay
Author: Logan Leigh Rix
Logan blends her passion and profession by working as a digital and social media marketer and content creator in the fitness, health and wellness industry. She’s also a personal trainer, former Face of Fitness finalist and Fitness Magazine featured athlete.
Leave a Reply