Connie Ferguson made my heart rate spike twice in one day. First: an unexpected SMS that read: “Can I call?” My immediate thought; “Yes, Connie Ferguson, award-winning living icon, producer, entrepreneur and actress, best known for your roles in South African soap operas like Generations, Rockville and The Queen. Yes, you can call me.” The second time: a few hours later – in a boxing studio. She had invited me to join her for an afternoon class at Fight Club and 30 seconds into the boxing routine, my heart-rate monitor was flashing red. Connie smiled at me the entire time, waiting for me to finish my round so I could interview her for this cover story.
When you meet Connie, it’s kind of hard not to be awestruck: she has a regal yet calm presence and her confident gaze is accompanied by a disarmingly warm smile. And the reason she’s on the cover? Just check out that post on Insta (which has over 600K views, by the way) – it had the nation hailing and praising the demigoddess of the silver screen for her next-level abs and toned physique, which were on full display. So, I’m sure you’d be surprised to learn that her current workout of choice, boxing, is a fairly new discovery.
GETTING HOOKED
“For the longest time I didn’t go to gym. I preferred to train at home,” says the mother of two and grandma to one. Her go-to home workout? A collection of DVDs. “There is actually a DVD that I got from Women’s Health a few years back by Amy Dixon. I also have Cindy Crawford, Tae Bo, Hip hop Abs and Zumba. Depending on my mood, I would alternate between those. And then I discovered boxing.” She only started five months ago and she’s already connecting with the pads like she’s a pro.
This story is from the October 2019 edition of Women's Health South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 2019 edition of Women's Health South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Irreconcilable Differences?
You’re one-upping your partner on all health fronts and now your relationship has more tension than your new resistance bands. Here’s how to get over the hurdle of mismatched goals.
Hot And Bothered
Inflammation is all the rage in health conversations right now and research is establishing it as a major player in all sorts of issues you don't want to deal with. But! You can safeguard yourself from the smokin' internal inferno with these smart strategies.
Self-esteem under the microscope
The term brings to mind positive-thinking memes with sunset backdrops and swirly lettering. But could I you sum up self-esteem when asked as part of a pub quiz? Didn't think so. And there's more at stake here than winning the points.
the reset
IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO START OVER
Mind Over Muscle
Could you level up your strength training just by putting your mind to it?
ON BEING THE HEROINE OF YOUR OWN LIFE
Olympian. All-African Games winner. African champion. Record-breaker. Javelin athlete Jo-Ané van Dyk talks mental fortitude and what it takes to live up to your own hype. If there's one thing she can do, it's to throw down. And it's all about to reach peak levels.
Why Women Are Choosing to Be Child-Free
The choice can be liberating, yet stigmas persist. Here, how to cut through the noise with clarity and confidence to make the decision that's right for *you.*
FUEL YOUR SKIN
Inside your body, there's a crew of unsung protein heroes that scientists believe are the key to a healthy, glowing complexion. Heads-up: your routine is about to change for the better.
How To Be Decisive
You could use a Magic 8 ball to help you make a choice. Or, while you're waiting to 'ask again later', let our experts explain the best ways to get unstuck.
Build A Strong Base
You heard it here: the pelvic floor is the forgotten core - and you're selling yourself short by waiting for a specific life stage to train it. Your four-move workout is here.