Cape Town - Forget about wanting to be stick-thin – looking strong and healthy is the latest fitness trend.
Nowadays more women want Khloe Kardashian’s ridiculously toned but hour-glass body and Michelle Obama’s arms.
Personal trainer Rushda Ebrahim of Rush Tush has made a name for herself by helping women lose weight and get fit through consistent exercise. She talks to us about her training programmes and how to get that toned body for summer.
Tell us a little about yourself?
Dynamite comes in small packages, 1.55cm small to be exact. I’m terribly passionate about women’s bodies. I live to empower every client through my training style and thinking.
What got you interested in fitness?
Years ago I battled with injuries after losing some weight and wasn’t entirely satisfied with my body. I discovered functional training that reinforced my body, transforming my weak body into a bullet-proof piece of work. My growing passion and transformation inspired so many women to start to (weight) lifting. The moment a life changes because of what you do, it becomes a responsibility, a gift to give back to all those women.
Tell us about the training programme/s you offer?
I cater for women only. Women who want to feel confident, stand tall and have their best body. It’s the Goddess Body: your ultimate shape. Women should be feminine, but strong.
How much time would I, as a client of yours, need to set aside each week to effectively reach my fitness goals?
You would need to do weightlifting with me twice a week. All you’d need to do is arrive on time for your session, I’ll take care of the rest. Cardio every other day is necessary – 45 minutes per session, including a 1-kilometre run.
How does your technique differ from other workouts?
I focus solely on women’s bodies, because women are such dynamic and diverse creatures. There are so many factors to consider when training a female, from hormones to diet, to body structure and genetics. If you as a trainer cannot identify their weaknesses and challenges, you will be running into a brick wall. Each and every one of my girls achieve positive results. I say positive results, because anyone can get results, but are they the ones you want? You have to put what you want aside, listen to what your client wants and give them the correct tools to achieve the desired result. All exercises work, but not all exercises work for you.
Why is a healthy lifestyle so important to you?
Because prevention of chronic disease through nutrition and exercise is far more appealing than a sick and medicated life. Even “healthy diets” nowadays are glorified processed foods. People are complicating their lives. Instead, we should simplify it.
How important is diet when training?
Are abs really made in the kitchen? Yes, for females especially, nutrition is 80 percent important and exercise is 20 percent. You can’t out-train a poor diet. I say poor and not bad, because there are no bad foods.
Do you have any particular diet restrictions?
I’m allergic to carbs, I get fat. Just jokes… no, I eat whatever I want.
What are your top pre-exercise snacks to fuel a workout?
Green tea or a small coffee, and a boiled egg.
What are the most common mistakes that can easily be avoided when trying to keep fit?
Going from zero to hero. You have to follow a programme. You can set yourself up for injury, burnout or the flu, all of which will derail your efforts.
Do you have any tips to living a healthy, lean and fit life?
Start by making small manageable changes. Don’t give everything up all at once. Start moving.
Last word?
My goal is to help women beyond my studio at Glow. I receive many e-mails from women unable to train with me because of where they reside, so I created a series of DIY workouts, available on my website, to purchase.
The biggest project has been NEWBIE BODY, which is an eight-week programme. I also have GLOW CLEANSE, which is four- week detox programme, all available on my website, www.rushtush.co.za
* Rushda Ebrahim is a trainer at Glow Women’s Physique at the Tulbagh Centre in Hans Strijdom Street, and an online trainer for Glow Guide Bodies. Drop her an e-mail at [email protected].
Cape Argus