With the far-reaching impact of the coronavirus on sport, MAKAZOLE MAPIMPI shares how he has adapted his routine to accommodate physical distancing and staying home while still keeping physically fit and mentally strong.

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TRAINING

How are you keeping in shape?

This has been a very hard time for all sports professionals, however, it is understandable that we need to be responsible in order to beat this virus. So, I’ve had to do work out at home, cycling, using the wide bar, sit ups, planks, push ups and star jumps.

Your Instagram feed includes images of you pounding the punching bag - do you have a bag at home you can use?

Lol, no I don’t have a bag at home. What I enjoy about working out is the mental challenge that I must go through and finding new ways to improve. Most people think the physical work out is the hard part, but training is more mental than physical effort.

Have you needed to adapt your training?

Yes, normally you go to the gym with a friend. You get to go outside, meet people take pictures and work out with someone. You also have lots of machines available. Now, you don’t leave your house, you must be very disciplined in what you eat, drink and the level of effort you put in when training. This is because there is no one to encourage you while you train. If you cheat your training you cheat yourself. So, it is extremely challenging, and it's the new way of life during lockdown.

What shoes do you train in?

I enjoy the PUMA SPEED and LQDCell ranges as they are very light, responsive and comfortable. I’m just so used to using this brand. The sporting wear is very comfortable. I’m so grateful to be part of the PUMA Family!

Have you had to adjust your diet to maintain your “fighting” weight?

No, I have not changed my diet. I have kept it the same as I am used to this lifestyle and way of living. Trying to keep things as normal as possible. This will make it easy for me to adapt once the season restarts.

Have your club, manager, agent been checking in?

Yes, we keep in contact via email and WhatsApp groups.

Tell us about the gym you plan to open in your home town?

This is still in the planning phase. It has been very difficult. A lot of education needs to be given to potential customers. We have had to park the project and will assess our options once the pandemic has been brought under control.

MENTAL

How do you stay motivated?

I grew up struggling for what other people would call “normal things”. I want to leave a legacy. I want my name to live forever. I’m working for the future of my offspring (no children yet). I want my children to have a better life than what I had. That is my everyday motivation!

What words or message do you live by when faced with challenges?

Live for every moment. Sport has a very short life span; we need to capitalise and maximise the opportunities we have been given.

The past 12 months include you scoring a try for South Africa in a RWC final. Can you share what these achievements mean to you in terms of your life goals?

It’s a moment I struggle explaining to people. We were so focused on what we needed to do. When I scored, I was just happy that I was doing the job I had been assigned to do and was adding value to the team. You only get to feel the jubilation once you see what it means for the people of South Africa. Then you are just overwhelmed. You feel all sorts of emotions. It was THE best feeling. No words can explain it!

Teamwork, standing together and supporting one another is key to winning the RWC, do you think all of us can learn from this at this challenging time?

Absolutely. Like it or not, you will always need someone. “No man is an island”. Very important, you need leadership, and you need clear instruction and total buy in. That is important!

DISTRACTIONS

Your Instagram feed shows you were given a PS4 in December by one of your sponsors, what are favourite games?

FIFA 20 and God of War

Tempted to do the toilet roll challenge popular with footballers?

I’m not a good soccer player. I would rather post quarantine videos. What workouts people can do to while at home during the lockdown.