Television presenter, broadcaster, and neuroscience coach Liezel Van Der Westhuizen recently hosted a functional fitness session at Cyprium Hybrid Centre on Bram Fischer Drive, aimed at bringing women together through movement, mental wellbeing, and a strong sense of community.

Van Der Westhuizen said the session was not only about exercise, but about connection. “Movement is important, but so is community.” She noted that many people train alone, which can make fitness feel like a lonely journey. By creating a space where women can meet, introduce themselves, and train together, it becomes easier to stay motivated, even on days when training feels difficult.

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She added that weekends can be especially challenging, as many people would rather spend time relaxing with friends and family. Having a supportive group, she said, helps people push through those mental barriers and show up.

The session also focused on goal setting for the year ahead. Van Der Westhuizen spoke about the pressure many people place on themselves by trying to achieve too much at once. “When we set too many goals, our brains get overwhelmed, and we often end up achieving none of them.” Instead, she encouraged setting goals that are realistic, manageable, and kind to both body and mind.

Mental health played a central role in the discussion. Van Der Westhuizen shared her own journey, which began when she trained for an Ironman event. While documenting her progress online, she received negative comments about her pace and performance. She said the criticism affected her deeply and eventually led her to stop training altogether.

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Feeling discouraged, she decided to work with a mental fitness coach. She explained that many professional athletes, including football and cricket players, use mental and sleep coaches to perform under pressure. Through this experience, she began studying mental fitness and neuroscience, later combining it with business coaching.

Today, Van Der Westhuizen works with athletes, Olympians, and high-pressure corporate teams, helping them manage focus, stress, and performance. For everyday fitness enthusiasts, she said the key message is self-acceptance. “It’s about being okay with what your body can do, and quieting that voice that tells you that you’re not good enough.”

Speaking about her own current goals, Van Der Westhuizen shared that she has started training for HYROX, a fitness race she has long wanted to attempt. Acknowledging that running is a challenge for her, she hired a running coach and gave herself six months to prepare. She broke her training into small, achievable steps, starting very slowly.

Despite still facing negative comments, she has learnt to block out outside voices and focus on her own journey. “It’s not about the time. It’s about having fun, meeting people, and learning about yourself.”

She encouraged anyone thinking of starting a fitness journey to explore different gyms or clubs until they find a place where they feel welcome. Whether it is running, walking, or any other activity, she said community is what makes fitness enjoyable and sustainable, also urging established members to welcome newcomers. “We all know what it feels like to be new. That’s how clubs, gyms, and even businesses grow.”

The session ended on a positive note, highlighting the importance of inclusive fitness spaces where women feel supported, motivated, and part of a community.

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