Gone are the days where women’s fitness goals were just limited to getting thin and skinny.
Nowadays women embrace the curvaceous and full-figured look and spend hours at the gym maintaining this appearance.
Social media has been celebrating the newer, “thicker” Rihanna who has visibly put on a few pounds.
Personal trainer and the founder of Rush Tush female gym, Rushda Moosajee, has over the years helped women with their fitness goals through exercise and eating plans, possesses a wealth of knowledge on women’s fitness trends.
She said she focuses on the mindset rather than a body fat percentage and the number of digits on the scale. One of her ideals is that having that dream body is a marathon not a sprint and that it takes time, consistency and structure to have great results.
We caught up with her for tips, inspiration on how to get into shape - both at home or at the gym.
A post shared by Rushda Moosajee 🍑 (@rushtush) on Jul 12, 2018 at 12:55am PDT
Who are you and what exercise programmes do you offer to women?
I’m 33-year-old mother to a one-year-old boy and I transform women’s lives through health and fitness in my studio and via online coaching platform, Glow Guides.
I offer specialised small group training for women and facilitate online transformation challenges where contestants can win a cash prize for the biggest transformation. I have women all around the world who are following my glow cleanse, momma glow diet-for nursing moms and newbie training guides and more. I also host events for like-minded women to come together and learn the foundations of changing their lives.
Your current workout routine?
Because it is winter I’ve been doing weight sessions indoors, I utilise free weights and my body weight to sculpt my body. My goal right now is to maintain the muscle I’ve worked on over the past ten years. I’ve reached my body goals. For me it’s about being physically able, feeling strong, fit and light. I love being feminine with a natural physique with subtle muscle definition. I love boxing because working my co-ordination is valuable. I also often take my son for a run, pushing him in the pram is very intense, I’m looking forward to many more fitness adventures with him.
Your favourite exercise tool?
Using kettlebells, no doubt. It’s the most versatile tool to transform your physique from within.
The kettlebell is the reason I have my strength, it has made me such a strong performer. I run harder and stronger because of it.
My most rewarding training past time is solo trail running. Time alone in nature is so therapeutic.
It’s winter, what inspires you to get out of bed to exercise?
I don’t need inspiration. Training has become part of my lifestyle, like brushing my teeth. Some days I’m not as excited as others. I still do my bit. Consistency is what matters.
What is the importance of diet when training?
Nutrition is key, it’s 80% of the work. Even if you are unable to exercise you can be strong and fit.
It depends on what you want. I want to live a balanced life, I enjoy food, and at the same time I enjoy my strong body.
Advice for good a workout schedule?
Plan your week ahead. Start with two weightlifting sessions per week.
Focus on reinforcing your body and work on your strength and technique. Add 3-4 cardio sessions per week. Thirty to 45 minutes each.
Have a rest day and get some sleep. Start off a manageable programme, you can’t go from zero to hero. You will get sick or injured.
How can people build a home gym?
Start off with some music. You don’t even need trainers. Plan your workout before you start. That way you know what’s up before you kick off. Stay focused. I love a jump rope.
It’s cost effective and you can get it anywhere. Use your own body to do your workout. Build up an inventory as you progress. I love a medicine ball, a kettlebell, a pair of light dumbbells and a pilates ball.
None of these things will ever go to waste. Lastly, track your progress by measuring your limbs and taking some photos. Often we get discouraged when we don’t see the results.
We have all come so far. It’s always time and consistency over intensity and exercise spurts.