19 Aug 2021

As the local fitness industry increasingly becomes accessible to those who wish to pursue a profession as physical trainers or fitness instructors, emerging trainers like Tshepho Goitsemang are continuing to prove their worth.

 The physical trainer, who needs no introduction once on the gym floor, is proving to be an instructor par excellence. He can be counted alongside local fitness trailblazers such as Chyna Mokaila who continue to impress not only in the country but across the border.

In a recent exclusive interview with BOPA Goitsemang, who is popularly known by his first name Tshepho in fitness circles, shared that his track record spans over five years, an experience that has given him the opportunity to position himself better as the industry grows.

His skill has landed him the responsibility of an instructor for a number of scheduled classes at Virgin Active health club, a personal trainer and a physical trainer for the women national team.

Tshepho’s rigorous style of training, which is revered by many, is tough enough to make one come up with an excuse just a few hours before the scheduled workout. 

It seems though that despite the intensity of the workouts, those he trains are always willing to come back motivated by the gains they see, for they understand that no pain no gain, no gain no glory.

Equally so, this has also earned him the nickname ‘Master’ from those who have gone through his intensive training which focuses on strength, core and glutes to name a few.

He credited his previous employers; Superfit gym and Jacks gym for the experience, saying although he was eventually hired at Virgin Active after failing four interviews, it did not come easy.

“In the last interview I even asked the then fitness manager where I was going wrong since it appeared they cannot hire me,” he quipped adding that it seemed one particular day he was at the right place at the right time following an invitation by the health club to attend a workshop.

Perhaps one could say on that day, ‘Lady Luck was smiling on him, the words which somehow sums up his journey to Virgin Active.

 “I got hired on the spot by the regional manager for Virgin Active South Africa. He was impressed by my knowledge of many aspects related to fitness and training,” he said.

Tshepho’s focus on his work has been able to open opportunities for him as he currently has a number of contracted clients who have engaged him as a personal trainer. To this, he thanked his current employer for having given him the platform to advance his career among them getting qualified as a personal trainer.

“I have always wanted to work with big brands like Virgin Active. Through their learnership programmes, I have gained immense experience and international exposure. The kind of revolutionary equipment the club has and the cutting edge classes complement my expertise,” he said.

Like the saying dynamites comes in small packages, the 29-year-old’s attitude to his trade has earned him a position as the physical trainer (strength and conditioning coach) for the Under 20 football women national team.

Through his input, Tshepho said he had been able to help the team beat Namibia home and away during the preliminary world cup qualifiers early last year thereby qualifying for the next round. He said by creating training programmes that centred around fitness-physical, and also borrowing from the coach’s objectives in terms of the tactics to employ assisted the team to put on a winning streak.

 “I went an extra mile by training players individually according to their needs and making sure that all player’s fitness demands for the competition were met according to their positions,” he said.

He is also the interim physical trainer for the senior women nation team as they embark on the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers billed for Morocco in 2022.

Equipped with a Degree in Physical Education or Sports Science from the University of Botswana, Tshepho said he decided to follow his passion as he had always engaged in sports activities from primary school through to senior secondary school.

 “I felt most comfortable doing something I am passionate about after realising that my passion for sports has grown through the years looking back at the time when I was part of the school’s athletics team and the soccer team,” said the Serowe born fitness fanatic.

His profile is decorated with qualifications which he mostly obtained in South Africa ranging from personal fitness training, posture specialist, pre & natal instructor, core specialist, Gun-ex strength and power trainer, sports massage, sports strapping and tapping to mention a few.

Tshepho has spread his wings to include fitness training for expectant mothers after realising that majority of pregnant women do not exercise consistently. He said this was despite research having shown that women who exercise throughout their pregnancy have a decreased need for medical intervention with quicker and easier recoveries once the baby is born.

“That is where I fit in for women who had always exercised and wished to commence or continue with their exercise programmes during or post-pregnancy to maintain their health and quality of life,” he said, adding that his training in Pre and Post Natal from the Institute of Fitness professional has equipped him with the necessary skills.

He has also worked with BOMAID, Botswana Bureau of Standard as well as Associated Fund Administrators during their corporate wellness events. Even so, just the mention of his name at the University of Botswana sports arena is enough to give you a thumbs up for his work.

Hazel Maswabi, one of those who have engaged Tshepho a personal trainer said she had been working with him for almost three years now. She said Tshepho had been able to push her to do her best. Maswabi said she had been able to transition to heavier weights and was now able to cruise through her training sessions with confidence. “Tshepho instills motivation. It’s worth it to have him as a trainer,” she said.

For her part, head coach for the National under 20 girls team Jacqueline Gaobinelwe described Tshepho as a jewel to the team. She said through his style of work and friendly personality, Tshepho had been able to create a conducive environment for the girls.

 She said Tshepho would go an extra mile by assessing each player and training them according to their needs. ENDS