Become as fit as a fiddle with Beulah
With three upcoming races, Beulah Botha and her trainer Terence Byrne are working hard to get her fit as a fiddle.
RandMark’s Beulah Botha (49) who is training hard for upcoming races gave some advice to others about keeping fit at any age.
She explained on November 9 she is taking part in the aQuelle Jacaranda City Challenge followed by the Virgin Active Ride Joburg on November 17 and finally, the RAC Tough One on November 24. She noted that each participant who takes part in the RAC Tough One and Virgin Active Ride Joburg receives a special medal for doing these two after one another.
She explained to prepare for these races, her trainer Terence Byrne, owner of Fitness Freaks Gym, helps her with strength training and she does the running and cycling on her own and with her club.
Terence noted the strength training involves among other cardio and weight training to ensure flexibility and mobility. Beulah uses a sled to work her arms, legs and also her chest to help with breathing.
Beulah stated, “Your strength decreases as you get older. Your bone density and metabolism also decrease, keeping muscle mass can help.”
Terence added muscle mass keeps a person younger and helps them with flexibility. He explained from the age of 40 a person starts to lose muscle mass and without weight training and exercise, people can lose almost 2% of their muscle mass per year.
They emphasised the importance of mobility.
“I don’t want to be fast anymore, but I still want to be able to do things. I want to keep running for as long as I possibly can,” stated Beulah.
For her diet, they focus mostly on foods rich in energy including good starch, fruit and good protein.
Beulah advised prospective runners and cyclists to just start.
“Start running or cycling, even if you are slow at first and even if you are only walking or cycling a 5km distance. Also get a group, when you have a group, even if it’s just one other person. A group keeps you accountable, if you know someone is waiting for you, you won’t let them down.”
Terence added the importance of just starting and added every week you will improve if you just keep going.
