Takkies Dinwiddy. Image: Supplied
Dancer and choreographer Nkateko Dinwiddy ( Takkies) and model and entrepreneur Shane Burnell, are adding some local flavour to PUMA's slick and innovative training app, PUMATRAC.
The app features uniquely curated workout sessions to help you reach your fitness goals. You can select a goal from Speed & Endurance; Lean & Fit; Flexibility & Balance; or Strong & Ripped, to enable the app to recommend daily workouts that include running, boxing, ballet, strength, Pilates, high intensity interval (HIIT) and low intensity interval (LIIT). Pick your trainer from a list that includes Takkies and Shane, a session overview, and videos of the trainer demonstrating the correct workout positions.
‘I love being part of PUMATRAC because it feels like your own portable personal trainer,' says Takkies. It’s on your phone so you can take it everywhere and you can train anywhere. Another great thing is that it offers so many different styles of workouts created by a diverse group of global athletes and trainers.’
The Fit Mom, is currently expecting her second child and shows no sign of slowing down any time soon. Takkies shares her fitness goals, eating plan (including a yummy smoothie recipe), her focus in terms of activism, and her goals for 2020.
Is your training currently focused on any specific part of your body, or do you have a specific goal in mind?
When I train, my goal is to be strong and fit for the body I’m in. I love training my entire body with a mix of fun cardio and strength training. I’m currently expecting baby number two, so my focus now is to stay active and move at a pace my pregnant body is comfortable with.
Music is a big part of your life
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what music do you listen to when training intensely or for a yoga style session?
Afro beats all day, every day! It keeps me moving throughout my workout, makes my workout sessions feel shorter and so fun. As crazy as it sounds, I also listen to it while I stretch or meditate.
You stopped eating meat in 2019
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is this still the case and how has it impacted your body?
I’d been assessing the health and environmental impact of being a meat eater for a while before deciding to make the change. So yes, I quit meat and doubt I’ll ever go back. I feel more energised, lighter and healthier and sleep better. My digestive system has improved and over all I feel amazing.
Do you take a protein supplement to compensate for not eating meat or do you get enough through your regular diet?
I’m not taking any protein supplements as I try incorporate enough protein through foods like eggs quinoa, beans, nuts, lentils, oats etc. I also try get some protein in through my smoothies.
The key to a great smoothie and your favourite recipe?
Choose healthy ingredients and flavours you enjoy, and your body needs so that it’s actually a pleasure to drink. At the moment I’m loving anything berry flavoured as it’s quick to make and tastes great.
1 handful of mixed berries/ or berry of your choice (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries)
1 banana
1 teaspoon of Chia seeds/ or 2 spoons hemp seeds (for a nutty twist)
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/2 cup of coconut water
Hydration is critical
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how do you ensure you drink enough water each and every day
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To make my life easier I bought myself a 2l bottle that I fill up every day to be completed by the end of the day. I find it so hard to try keep track of the number of glasses of water especially during a busy day. With my bottle that I take everywhere I can at least see how much water I still need to drink.
Takkies Dinwiddy. Image: Supplied
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what do you enjoy about the training shoe
? I absolutely love how comfortable it is paired with great support to fit your foot. It works well with high intensity training and is awesome to dance in. It’s a great training shoe with a unique design including the touch of the heart rate pattern. You will definitely catch me rocking these cool PUMA Zone XT during training and outside of gym.
What is your focus in terms of your activism and if you were president what would you change?
A personal area is women’s rights and opportunities. In the developing world, despite some improvements, there’s massive change needed in terms of legislation and societal change in most countries.
For South Africa I would be looking at whether laws could be improved, the enforcement of the laws and creating a much better affirmative action framework. To be honest in SA the legal framework is excellent, so it’s much more about culture, and relates to the toxic patriarchy that exists in some areas of society. There is a noticeable shortage of role models who are elevating female issues other than to get votes at election time.
Even if I was president there’s no magic wand because it all runs so deep - the first step I’d take is to have all South Africans sign a pledge to uphold human rights, dignity and equality. Second step would be to fix the broken education system to have more girls completing their education.
Your goals for 2020?
It’s a year of change so focusing on getting set up in London, surviving the British winter and building my digital presence. Plus, I’m having a baby later this year so that will be a big focus for me.
Takkies Dinwiddy. Image: Supplied
