Letshego Zulu has been dubbed the epitome of strength and grace by many South Africans.

The former reality TV star with a passion for fitness has made her mark in the industry and is well recognised by most fitness fundis, including her 127000 Instagram followers.

In July 2016 the biokineticist, fitness lover and adventure enthusiast, lost her husband – South African racing driver Gugu Zulu – while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

The climb to Africa’s highest mountain is an annual Mandela Day initiative to raise funds for sanitary pads to keep girl children in school.

A year after her husband’s death, she returned to Tanzania to summit the mountain in honour of Zulu, and to “finish” what they had started.

With her business partner, Khethiwe Mlangeni, Zulu founded the PopUpGym to demonstrate to people that they can turn any space whether it’s an office, parking lot, living room, a hotel room, or even the beach into an exercise space.

Many women admire her for continuing to raise her daughter, Lelethu, while juggling her busy fitness adventures and being an entrepreneur.

We spoke to Zulu before the Absa Cape Epic, an annual mountain bike stage race, to find out about her training, fitness, and to find where she is in her career.

Who is Letshego Zulu and where are you in your career?

I am a qualified biokineticist whose primary aim and focus is to transform the face of health and fitness. I would say I am well on my way to doing so with PopUpGym Corporate and PopUpGym events.

What is your exercise routine?

My routine changes, depending on what I’m training for. I’m currently training for the Absa Cape Epic which is taking place at the end of March. My current routine is watt bike session three times a week, two functional training sessions and two long rides on the weekend.

Do you follow a specific diet and why?

I don’t, purely because I generally eat quite healthily. I use the principle that my stomach is my engine so I give it fuel to ensure it functions optimally

How did you get involved in the fitness industry?

I studied sport and exercise technology, specialising in biokinetics. I was in private practice for five years until I decided to focus my energy on conceptualising PopUpGym.

Tell us about the concept of PopUpGym and how it started?

It’s a movement that shows individuals, especially those that aren’t too keen on exercise, that exercise can be done anywhere and anytime

How do you ensure that your mental health, fitness, and spirituality are taken care of?

It’s a combination of meditation, regular exercise, healthy eating and my relationship with God.

What do you miss the most about your husband?

His constant support of my passion.

What is your typical lazy day at the gym?

If I’m being lazy I get on the treadmill for 20 minutes and then I do the super circuit.

What are some of your favourite full-body exercises and why?

Burpees, a physical exercise consisting of a squat thrust made from and ending in a standing position, and mountain climbers… calisthenic exercises that challenge your balance, agility, proprioception and co-ordination.

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AUTHOR: Daily News Edition