Coach Bongi Mhlongo held her birthday fitness celebration on April 18 by hosting a military-style community boot camp that turned the Southern Suburbs Recreation Centre into a hub of fitness.

Coach Bongi opened BonFit Gym Company in 2020 and has been hosting fitness seminars and events in Joburg south since then.

Attendees showed up in the event’s Black & Blue theme to take on the 15-station obstacle circuit.

The full-body challenge included skipping rope, big tyre flipping in a circle, shuttle sprints, burpee obstacle courses, stair work with water bottles, rope crawls, partner stretches, and more.

The jumping castle kept children entertained while parents took on the course. Food, refreshments, and a birthday celebration followed the workout, with families staying to celebrate with coach Bongi.

Speaking after the event, coach Bongi said the turnout was her best birthday gift.

“Turning 48 is a privilege, and celebrating by moving with this community was incredible. Today wasn’t about being the fittest person on the field; it was about showing up for yourself and for each other. We designed 15 stations so everyone, from beginners to athletes, could find their challenge. Seeing parents, kids and friends in their black and blue, pushing together, proved that fitness is family. Discipline started with that first step this morning, and victory was when we finished together.”

“I started BonFit because I believe movement heals and connects us. To see grandparents doing partner stretches while their grandkids cheered them through the burpee station – that’s why we do this. My body is 48, but my spirit feels 28 after a day like today. This is only the beginning. Southern Suburbs, we’re just getting warmed up,” said Bongi.