Simhle Belinda Plaatjie is a vibrant, energetic hockey player, fitness model, TV personality, actress, fine artist and influencer.
The young multitalented 26-year-old has steadily carving her spot as South Africa’s next best sport and media personality.
With a strong and lovable personality, distinct beauty and a passion for sport and all things lifestyle, her layered talents keep people glued to her blooming career in the industry.
Simhle grew up in the Mother City where she fell in love with hockey - at the age of 7 years old. She played the sport throughout her primary and high school days at Wynberg Primary and High School. She then leaped and moved to Johannesburg to pursue her countless passions.
The dynamic 26-year-old’s shot at fame started with being part of Top Actor Africa in 2016, where she made it to the Top 12 finalists. It was through this show that South Africa witnessed her unique beauty, bleached short hair and colourful character.
Simhle is now a brand ambassador for Under Armour Athlete, a model for ALUSHI Modelling Agency and a fitness guru. She is also the lead character in the current 4th Street wine TVC and she is also showcasing her daily fitness routines on her social media pages.
Simhle continues to build a solid fan base on platforms such as Viva Nation TV (Content Connect Africa) with her show ‘Bodied with Simhle’ and as a co-host on Dished Out—a radio programme on Trans Africa Radio.
As a Provincial hockey player, Simhle was also part of the Gauteng Ladies Team that won gold in the 2019 IPT. She is currently studying Personal Training and Specialized Nutrition at Trifocus Fitness Academy.
She describes herself as “passionate, driven, lovable, creative and ready for anything,”.
As busy as she is, she still has the heart of giving back to the community, and spoke to GLAMOUR South Africa exclusively about her fitness routine and career.
What sparked your passion for fitness and living a healthy lifestyle? Was this always important to you, or did a certain instance in your life inspire it?
I started playing sports when I was 7 years old. It was through sports when I realised the importance of fitness and living a healthy lifestyle because that's what helped with my performance on the sports field.
Knowing that the time factor of working out is a major deterrent for many people, how is it that you can manage the demands of your busy schedule and still make time to incorporate fitness into your lifestyle?
Life is all about finding the balance and prioritising what's important. fitness is a lifestyle, it's a part of my life, I live it, so it doesn't feel like a chore when practicing it.
What is your fitness mantra/philosophy, and how has it evolved?
With Consistency and discipline, you won’t need to look forward to results, they're guaranteed. Helping people stay fit and in shape has kept me on top of my game because I have to look the part if I'm going to be in the industry of health and fitness.
What sorts of strength training exercises are most beneficial in developing strong muscles and keeping a high level of physical fitness? Weight training vs cardio? What muscle groups? What is your current fitness regimen, and your nutrition plan you use to stay in shape?
We have been under lock-down so sadly I don't have hockey, I'd be on the field 3 times a week and in the gym for strengthening twice a week, and maybe speed and agility once a week. It's an active lifestyle and under lockdown, I have been sticking to being creative with my fitness regime from home, doing boxing sparring, climbing stairs using ankle weights, and hiking. I don't follow a specific nutrition plan. I just stick to eating healthy most of the time and I stay away from refined carbs, processed foods, refined sugar, and fizzy drinks.
That's how I manage the balance when I crave junk I have it guilt-free because I know I'm a lot more consistent on the healthy side. I take mineral and vitamin supplements every day. My current fitness regime is mostly strength training using bodyweight and I incorporate resistance bands and ankle weights in my workouts.
I do boxing at least twice a week as my cardio workout and uphill sprint repeats. I follow a pescatarian diet most of the time. I practice a well-balanced healthy diet.
What is the best fitness advice you have ever received, and from whom?
My hockey physical trainer mentioned putting in more work after hours when you’re not with your team and remembering to rest, those things set you apart because you can only better your score by putting in more effort and work because we are what we repeatedly do.
What's something most people may not know about you?
I’m an artist and I studied graphic design.
What's the biggest mistake that fitness newbies make?
Using quick fixes to get results and buying into unrealistic marketing of products that don’t work like waist belts that people believe will help them shed fat. Creating unrealistic fitness goals like wanting to be a specific shape that you’re not born with and can’t achieve without surgery. Not having a scheduled plan jotted down.
Why is it important for people to stay fit… and how can we overcome procrastination and fear of working out regularly?
Health is important, staying fit can keep you from experiencing lifestyle diseases. It helps you think better, and feel better. Make it a lifestyle so it doesn’t feel like a choice and just simply becomes second nature or a part of your routine makes it feel less like a chore. Switching it up, So that it doesn’t become boring or monotonous. Making it fun and trying new things like joining a hot yoga class or hiking.
