Fitness enthusiast speaks on mental health

November 19 marked International Men’s Health Awareness Day, and Zacko Smit, the owner of 3 Dimensions Fitness, prioritises his mental health by going to the gym regularly and eating healthy and nutritious food.

Men’s Health Awareness Month, also known as Movember, is a global campaign that encourages men to grow their moustaches and participate in activities to raise awareness of issues like mental health, physical well-being, prostate cancer, testicular cancer and suicide prevention.

“Dealing with depression, anxiety or stress can be quite difficult as a man, especially in today’s world that is full of controversies and stereotypes. I get through those using the old basic health routines, which are changing lifestyle, eating correctly, and improving physical fitness. When you do that, you are immediately going to start feeling better in other aspects of life as well,” he says.

Zacko recently won the Men’s Health Magazine Cover Guy Search competition, where he beat over 500 other fitness enthusiasts. The Top 20 was announced in August, and the final photoshoot took place in Cape Town in September.

During this competition, Zacko was named the ‘comeback kid’ after sharing his inspirational and courageous fitness journey.

“In my school years, I used to play rugby, following in the footsteps of my brother. Unfortunately, in high school, rugby almost crippled me, and I had three major surgeries that involved my knees and cheekbones. I then decided to focus on CrossFit [which is a competitive fitness sport]. I again had another terrible injury that involved my shoulder lab, and I had to undergo surgery and rehab.

“After that, I decided to shift my focus to strength, conditioning, and men’s health.

“When I was in Cape Town for the photo shoot, I felt confident even though it was something that was out of my comfort zone.

“Being on the cover means you are noticed; you’re seen as someone living a healthy lifestyle – the epitome of fitness,” shared Zacko.

Zacko won amazing prizes, including a treadmill for his gym and an ambassadorship for Men’s Health Magazine.