By Nkhensani Mthombeni
• Personal trainer Vuks says many clients have stopped paying for gyms and personal training because groceries, school fees and household bills now come first.
• Despite losing clients, Vuks says exercise is more important than ever because it helps fight obesity, stress, anxiety and poor mental health.
The rising cost of living is forcing many South Africans to make difficult choices.
For many families, the gym is one of the first expenses to be cut.
Vuks, a personal fitness trainer from Nkowankowa near Tzaneen, says he has watched many of his clients cancel their gym memberships and stop using his services because they simply cannot afford them anymore.
Instead of spending money on fitness, they are using it to buy food, pay school fees and cover other household expenses.
“The economy has changed everything. Many people still want to exercise, but they have to put their families first. Groceries and school fees are now more important than paying for the gym,” he told Scrolla.Africa.
He said many people now see gym fees and personal training as a luxury they can no longer afford.
But Vuks believes giving up exercise comes at a cost.
He said regular exercise is more important than ever because many people are eating unhealthy food, battling obesity and struggling with stress, anxiety and other mental health challenges.
“Fitness is not just about looking good. It helps people stay healthy, reduces stress and improves mental health. We need it now more than ever,” he said.
For Vuks, fitness is deeply personal.
He turned to exercise after losing a close friend, a painful experience that left him struggling with his own mental health.
“Gym and fitness helped me through one of the darkest times in my life. It gave me purpose and helped me heal. That is why I decided to make fitness my career and help other people improve their health,” he said.
As fewer people can afford personal training, Vuks has found other ways to earn a living.
He organises hiking trips around Tzaneen, hosts aerobics classes and speaks at community events about healthy living and fitness.
He has also become a strong campaigner against substance abuse.
After seeing many young people in his community become addicted to drugs, he started organising fun walks and awareness campaigns to educate young people about the dangers of drug abuse.
“I have seen drugs destroy the lives of many young people. I want them to choose fitness instead because exercise can change lives,” he said.
Although business has become tougher, Vuks says he remains committed to helping people live healthier lives.
He hopes that when the economy improves, more South Africans will once again be able to invest in their health.
Until then, he encourages people to stay active in whatever way they can, even if they cannot afford a gym membership.
“Your health is one of the best investments you can make. Even a simple walk or exercise at home is better than doing nothing,” he said.
Pictured above: Personal trainer Vuks says many South Africans are cancelling gym memberships as they struggle to cope with the rising cost of living. Pictured above.
Image source: Supplied.
