Sweat it out to the beat! Saturday Night Fitness is back

JOHANNESBURG - One of the more popular forms of working out the world over is group exercise. And sharing one's pains and gains is once again accessible to fitness fundis and beginners alike with Saturday Night Fitness. 

With a combination of camaraderie and endorphins, two of the best aspects of fitness, you'll have plenty of both on 17 August when Montecasino, Fourways will host the biggest fitness celebration in South Africa.

The event aims to raise awareness of health and wellness as a vital lifestyle option, and the fact that everyone can join in on the fun and kickstart, or elevate, their fitness journey.

Francois Malan, Head Diverse Revenue Projects, Media24 Lifestyle, spoke to the uniqueness of the upcoming event. 

"Saturday Night Fitness is a one-of-a-kind event, creating a safe environment where friends can get together and burn away the calories as well as stress all in an atmosphere of solidarity and endorphin-busting fun. It gets people of all shapes and sizes together to sweat, network, and just have fun, while ticking the health and wellness box".

With an emphasis on self-love and community, Malan said an event like Saturday Night Fitness, with 2,000 people set to attend, focuses on concepts like "healthy body equals healthy mind, the energy of mass participation, the impact of body positivity, and, of course, as a launchpad for new fitness trends".

So, what can participants expect? 

Jam out to beats courtesy of DJ Miss Bee as you work out with celebrities like Ceri Hannan and Lydia Hannan for the Rockstar Party Starter. Participate in workouts you wouldn't find in your typical gym, such as Monique Fit: High-intensity interval training (HIIT), yoga with Nathi Thee Zulu Yogi, Yolanda the Dynamite, Chunky Phiri's, No Ifs... Just 'Butts!' 

"The format of six 20-minute classes give participants access to regimes they won't necessarily find at their local gym. It is all lights and music that will accompany the classes, with our resident DJ Miss Bee pumping the tunes while our amazing trainers do their thing on stage from 4:30 into the evening. It will feel like a real rock concert with the best beats and best acts on stage," said Malan. 

In an interview with Nathi Thee Zulu Yogi, he expressed his excitement for the Saturday Night Fitness event.

"I'm excited to be a part of the team of instructors that will be having a great time and doing what we love on stage at the best event in South Africa. I really look forward to seeing everyone, and I mean everyone, there." I'm excited to be on such a large platform for the first time," Nathi remarked.

Everyone is welcome, regardless of size, shape, or degree of fitness. And the only equipment needed is your enthusiasm. 

"They say that summer bodies are made in winter, and what better way to start getting ready for summer than with good friends, good music, and good fitness vibes! These short classes shows that you don’t have to dedicate too much time to your fitness to start living healthy, but just that you have to get up and do something," Malan said. 

"The positive effects of exercise on physical, mental and cognitive health cannot be stressed enough. From lowering your blood pressure and cholesterol, to releasing endorphins and increase serotonin levels to sharpening your memory, this event highlights the benefits of fitting exercise into your daily routine."