You Can Do This... Gymnastics
Women's Health South Africa|September 2018

Not only is it the best part of the Olympics; gymnastics-style training is something you can add to your workout now for body sculpting benefits that are so much more exciting than a medal. World champion gymnast Bianca Zoonekynd shows you how

Michelle October
You Can Do This... Gymnastics
MEET THE ATHLETE: BIANCA ZOONEKYND

SHE’S THE WORLD CHAMP

In November last year, Bianca won gold at the Trampoline World Championships in Bulgaria. She executed a high difficulty, double mini trampoline routine just two months after a car accident left her incapacitated with broken ribs and a punctured lung. Her love for the sport is what helped her win. “When I was injured and not able to do anything, I used to sit and visualise all my routines,” she says. As soon as she was able to exercise, she took on scaled versions of her routines, working back up to the real thing.

SHE TEACHES KIDS 

When she’s not competing, Bianca teaches children. Her students also played a huge part in her recovery. “My kids were there and they were waiting for me to get back to the gym so that I could coach them,” she says. “They would motivate me and it helped me.”

SHE ALSO RACES RUBBER DUCKS

Not the bath kind. Inflatable rubber boats (IRBs) are rescue craft and power boats that are also used in racing. Bianca says gymnastics has made her better at this sport since it’s improved her endurance and reaction time to changing surf conditions.

This story is from the September 2018 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.

This story is from the September 2018 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.

MORE STORIES FROM WOMEN'S HEALTH SOUTH AFRICAView All
Irreconcilable Differences?
Women's Health South Africa

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.

time-read
4 mins  |
July - August 2024
Hot And Bothered
Women's Health South Africa

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.

time-read
3 mins  |
July - August 2024
Self-esteem under the microscope
Women's Health South Africa

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.

time-read
7 mins  |
July - August 2024
the reset
Women's Health South Africa

the reset

IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO START OVER

time-read
1 min  |
July - August 2024
Mind Over Muscle
Women's Health South Africa

Mind Over Muscle

Could you level up your strength training just by putting your mind to it?

time-read
2 mins  |
July - August 2024
ON BEING THE HEROINE OF YOUR OWN LIFE
Women's Health South Africa

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.

time-read
4 mins  |
July - August 2024
Why Women Are Choosing to Be Child-Free
Women's Health South Africa

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.*

time-read
7 mins  |
July - August 2024
FUEL YOUR SKIN
Women's Health South Africa

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.

time-read
5 mins  |
July - August 2024
How To Be Decisive
Women's Health South Africa

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.

time-read
5 mins  |
July - August 2024
Build A Strong Base
Women's Health South Africa

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.

time-read
1 min  |
July - August 2024