29 August 2023

Almost time to say goodbye to winter

New fitness goals, new motivation

Greetings to all our Maties Gym members and welcome to the August edition of our Maties Gymnasium newsletter.  We are thrilled to bring you the latest updates, tips and motivation to keep you on track in your fitness journey.  As we embrace the last few weeks of winter, let’s continue to prioritize our fitness, health and overall well-being.  Let’s dive into what is happening at Maties Gym.

Maties gym facilities update

We’ve completed the maintenance work on our men’s change room and the sauna is also in working order again.  Please bear in mind that the sauna will still need to be rebuilt, and we are currently in the process of finalising this project. As soon as the appointed contractor confirms the dates by which the sauna will be rebuilt, we will communicate this. Thank you for your patience and understanding throughout this project.

We are also redoing the audio system across the gymnasium during the recess week of 11 to 15 September 2023. During this week, things may be a little bit quieter than usual, but we are planning to make use of portable sound systems so that you can still enjoy an energising and uplifting workout environment.

There are also a couple more exciting projects in the pipeline that are tentatively scheduled for the end of the year, so watch this space for communication and updates 😉
If you have not been to the gym in a while or would like to show your friends and family what we are all about, please go to our website and see the remarkable tour done by Skypixels.co.za. Click on our home page at Home – STB – Maties Gym (sun.ac.za) and scroll down to Take a Tour.

We are looking for talent:
who will be our member of the month

Maties Gym launches a brand-new initiative  this month to showcase and celebrate our members’ hard work, dedication, and achievements.  This will also serve as a source of inspiration for other members to see what is possible through hard work and determination.   Have a look at our Instagram and Facebook pages and cast your vote by tagging your nominee in the comments section.  We will announce the winners on Instagram and Facebook so ensure you keep a close eye on our communication channels.

Tired of your old routine?
Ask the fitness team to help!

If you have been following the same routine in the gym and cannot seem to reach your goals, please get in touch with our fitness team. This team has the know-how to help you develop a new programme. Depending on your goals, the Fitness Instructors can give you expert advice and tailor-make an exercise program to help you reach your goals. Please send an email to fitness@sun.ac.za or catch them on the gym floor. You can also view their profiles on our website at Staff – Maties Gym (sun.ac.za). Scroll down to Fitness Instructors and meet the team.

Here are few useful tips to keep in mind:

Mix it up: Keep your workouts exciting by trying new exercises or classes. Our diverse class schedule ensures you’ll never get bored.
Set goals: Whether it’s lifting heavier weights or improving your endurance, setting specific fitness goals can help you stay motivated and track your progress.
Recovery matters: Don’t forget to give your body the rest it needs. Incorporate stretching, foam rolling, and adequate sleep into your routine.

Why group exercise classes?

Our group exercise classes have been a key feature of our products and service for several years already. In addition to investing in new equipment, new and upgraded sound systems and new flooring, we have also partnered with the best to ensure that you can now take group exercise wherever you go.

Through our partnership with Les Mills (we are sure you have seen our incredible new classes like Grit Strength, BodyBalance and BodyPump) you, as valued Maties Gymnasium member, are now able to subscribe to the Les Mills On Demand platform at a 25 percent discounted rate and receive a free trail month. For free. On us!

Simply head over to https://link.lesmillsondemand.com/SH1MO and get access to over
2 000 science-backed workouts. Do not miss this amazing opportunity to take fitness with you wherever you go.

Group exercise classes can benefit you

Participating in group exercise classes at the gym offers a wide range of benefits that can contribute to your overall health and fitness journey. Here are some key advantages:
Motivation and accountability: Group classes provide a sense of community and camaraderie, which can motivate you to attend regularly and push yourself harder. Knowing that others are expecting you can create a sense of accountability that might be lacking when working out alone.

Structured Workouts: Group classes are typically led by experienced instructors who design well-structured workouts. This can save you time and effort in planning your own routine and ensure that you are engaging in effective exercises.

Variety: We offer a diverse array of group classes, such as yoga, spin, HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training), dance, strength training, and more. This variety helps prevent boredom and plateaus by constantly challenging your body in different ways.

Professional Guidance: Instructors guide you through the exercises, demonstrating proper form and technique. This reduces the risk of injury and helps you get the most out of each workout.

Social Interaction: Group classes provide an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals who share your fitness goals. This social aspect can make workouts more enjoyable and encourage long-term commitment to exercise.

Mental Health Benefits: Exercise is known to have positive effects on mental health, and participating in group classes can amplify this impact. The social interaction, endorphin release, and sense of accomplishment contribute to reduced stress and improved mood.

For the inner cook in you: try our recipe of the month

Grilled chicken and veggie skewers

Ingredients:

  • Skinless chicken breast, cubed.
  • Peppers (red, yellow and green) sliced.
  • Red onion, sliced.
  • Zucchini, sliced.
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Olive oil
  • Lemon juice
  • Garlic, chopped.
  • Salt and pepper to taste.
  • Wooden skewers

Method

In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Thread the chicken and veggies onto the skewers, alternating between the ingredients.
Brush the skewers with the olive oil mixture
Grill the skewers on medium heat until the chicken is cooked through, and veggies are slightly charred.
Serve with a side salad or whole-grain rice for a complete meal.

Social media boast a new look and feel

Are you keeping up with our latest news, exercise tips, launches of new Group Exercise programs and so much more?  Give us a like and follow us on our Instagram and Facebook pages below:

Instagram: @matiesgymnasium
Facebook: Maties Gymnasium

We will be adding more interactive content, motivational tips, podcasts, recipes of the week on our platforms.

News from our Tygerberg facility

Discover the latest from us on Instagram @matiesgymnasiumtygerberg for exclusive glimpses of our express classes, offering a preview of our fantastic workouts. Embark on an exciting journey with our brand-new daily 10-minute power fitness sessions, featuring quick bursts of core, HIIT, and cardio exercises. Don’t miss our complimentary weekly staff class, Thursdays at 12:30, promoting wellness on the Tygerberg campus. Keep an eye on upcoming events and explore our group exercise class schedule. Your support fuels us to deliver the best. Let’s conquer fitness goals together.

We value you feedback

We always value your opinion so if you have any suggestions, feedback, or success stories you would like to share, please reach out to our front desk or email gymsales@sun.ac.za. Your input helps us improve our facilities and services  to ensure you receive a world class experience and excellent customer service.

Thank you for being a part of the Maties Gym community. Together, we are achieving our fitness goals and fostering a healthy lifestyle. Stay motivated, stay active, and have a fantastic spring season!

Yours in health,
The Maties Gym Team