Since I’ve been walking regularly, I’ve noticed that one of life’s great divisions is between those who possess activewear and those who don’t. I belong in the second category, which automatically excludes me from the gym (hooray!) and Saturday parkruns. I did try one, once: intending to walk the route, I turned up at the crack of dawn to find half the world gathered on the Greenbelt in Constantia – the half that has the right gear and the right competitive attitude. Possessing neither, and drenched in the humiliation of being the only participant with a handbag, I never went back. I hardly need add that I don’t own a watch that tracks my steps, heart rate and blood pressure, either. The mere thought of all that constant monitoring is enough to bring on palpitations.
Why the Active Ones choose hideous Lycra garments that make them look like locusts is a mystery. Do the outfits make them feel more athletic? Or is it about air flow and sweat management? There must be some advantage that makes up for the unfortunate lack of style, but it’s one of those things I’m destined never to know.
Jeans, a light jacket and a comfy pair of shoes are all I need for my daily tour of Rondebosch Common. Admittedly, I’m not aiming to perspire. I feel pleasantly warm as I stride along, and I hope that calorie-burning, weight-bearing, circulation-promoting, heart-helping things are happening in my body, but they aren’t top of mind. What started as an enforced outing for a dose of fresh air, a stretching of muscles and a break from the computer has morphed into something else entirely.
Inhabiting my days
This story is from the March 2020 edition of Fairlady.
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 March 2020 edition of Fairlady.
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
'DESIRE IS NOT WHAT MATTERS'
Emily Nagoski wrote the book on women and desire - literally. And then her own sex life dried up. Here's what a prolonged sex drought (and a load of research) taught her about maintaining intimacy in a long-term relationship.
'We have to tell HARD STORIES'
Theatre director and playwright Yaël Farber is spending time in South Africa after her critically acclaimed run of King Lear at the Almeida Theatre in London. We chatted to her about the importance of the pursuit of truth.
THE WHY, THE WHICH & the wardrobe
We really got into it this month! Read on for more on the allure of a loosey-goosey jumpsuit, vintage-hunting and jingle-jangling jewellery, the best places to find quality African design and short-girl styling tips.
LIFT your GAME
Thought weightlifting was just for bodybuilders and powerlifters? Not so. In fact, 'lifting heavy shit' may be the secret to longevity, hormone regulation and mood for women through perimenopause and beyond.
TREATMENT PLAN ON YOUR MARKS
Armed with a six-month programme from Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates, Jennifer Morin set about tackling her sun damage and melasma.
PLAYING YOUR CARDS RIGHT
Here's how to get the most out of loyalty cards.
BIG SKY Country
Namibia. Twelve friends, five vehicles, 4000 km, thirteen days. Eight punctures, one angle grinder. One martial eagle, one full moon, one ghost town. Plenty of top-quality braais, maybe not quite enough oysters... and the best time ever.
IS YOUR HOME MAKING YOU SICK?
Leaks, damp and poor ventilation in old or poorly built new homes are being fingered for a growing health concern: mould.
HOW TO REALLY GET TO KNOW SOMEONE
The Korean word 'nunchi' describes 'the ability to be sensitive to other people's moods and thoughts'. It's an underrated skill that we seem to have lost.
How to write a memoir
Whether you want to share your experiences and insights with the world, leave a legacy or track pivotal experiences for yourself, writing your memoir can be a grand and worthwhile adventure. Here's some advice on how and where to begin.
