Author: Sebastien Lagree
When you’re as busy as Thando “Thabooty” Thabethe, health and wellness is a priority to continue performing at your highest level in every aspect of life. Thando - who among other titles is a celebrated businesswoman, actress, and radio personality - knows how important it is to put fitness at the forefront of everything she does, as she feels more mentally at peace when she’s physically strong.
The fashionista - who is always seen stepping out in the trendiest attire - always strives to feel her best inside, so she can look her best on the outside. To achieve this, she sticks by a high-protein, low-carb diet, and goes running every day. “Exercise is very addictive,” Thando exclusively tells GLAMOUR South Africa, later adding: “It's liberating how you are clear-headed after a good workout.”
Read on to find out more about Thando’s wellness advice, how she’s adjusted her fitness regimen during COVID-19, the exciting projects she’s working on, and how she balances mental and physical health.
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?
At around 25, I realised how important being physically fit was for my mind. I lead a very busy lifestyle, my industry also requires my mental strength to always be at its peak. Keeping fit is very important for me to achieve this.
What is your current fitness regimen, and your nutrition plan you use to stay in shape?
I’m currently very big on running. Due to Covid-19, we have had to find different ways of keeping fit. I try to do about 100KMS a month. I also follow a high-protein, low-carb diet.
Knowing that the time factor is a major deterrent for many people, how is it that you are able to manage the demands of your acting career and still make time to incorporate fitness into your lifestyle?
I think we make excuses to do the things we need to be doing, exercising and time being one of them. I have found the fitter I become, the quicker I'm able to complete a workout. The point is to just start. Sparing 30mins within a day is all you find that you need. I try to get up early and get a run in, if not I make sure to do it before the sun sets. Exercising is very addictive.
How do you think that exercise and fitness can be therapeutic?
You are able to be alone in your thoughts. It also energises you for the rest of your day. You find yourself being able to accomplish more than you ordinarily would have.
Who or what gives you the most inspiration and motivation to achieve your fitness goals?
I think it's just myself. I enjoy looking good. I love fashion, and I think to make something look good, you have to look good.
How would you describe your philosophy or motto on health and wellness?
Get it done!
How do you prioritize your mental health with your fitness regimen?
I think the two very much go hand-in-hand. It's liberating how you are clear-headed after a good workout.
How would you define wellness?
I think it’s a healthy mental and physical state, where you understand that the mind controls the body, and not the other way around.
How do you practice wellness in your daily life?
Eating well, working out, doing the work I love, and spending time with the people I love and those who add positive energy in my life.
What tips would you give to someone wanting to live a more healthy and mindful lifestyle?
Just start. It’s always an uphill battle in the beginning. The only way to unlock your potential is to push beyond that which you think you can achieve.
What new projects have you been working on recently?
I got the opportunity to work on an amazing epic series called, Blood Psalms. Inspired by a Xhosa legend, it tells the story of a fierce African queen, Zazi who battles a world-ending prophecy to navigate her people through complexities, politics and endless wars. I think this project will completely change the face of SA drama. I’m also currently on set for a new series which I’m unable to talk about at the moment. I recently also launched my podcast “TV&R” which centres around conversations around TV and Radio. It is available on YouTube, Apple podcasts, Spotify and all major streaming platforms.
What is something people may not know about you?
I’m very competitive. I love hard and I work just as hard.
