My Journey to Wellness: Tay Malekele

What does living life well mean to you?

For me, living life well means finding balance; physically, mentally, and emotionally. It’s about taking care of my body through fitness and in the kitchen; taking care of my mind by feeding it positive thoughts; and being able to handle my emotions in a healthy manner.

Living well also means simply enjoying the little moments that bring me happiness, while maintaining a sense of gratitude and fulfilment in everyday life.

Can you share a bit about your fitness journey so far?

My fitness journey started as a personal commitment to living a healthier, more active lifestyle. Growing up, I wasn’t really happy with my body, my unhealthy eating habits, and my overall lifestyle. That’s when I decided to take the first step and - over time - it evolved into a deep passion for fitness and overall well-being. I discovered that fitness isn’t just about looking good - it’s about feeling strong and confident in your body.

Through consistency, discipline, and a genuine love for exercise, I transformed my lifestyle and wanted to help others do the same. That’s what led me to become a health coach and to start Fitbae Activewear for women of all shapes and sizes.

My journey has also taught me the importance of balance. I don’t believe in extreme diets or punishing workouts. I focus on sustainability while also enjoying the process.

How do you help others live life well through your training programme and meal plans?

My training programmes and meal plans are designed to help people to become the best versions of themselves - physically, mentally, and emotionally.

I create customised workout plans based on individual goals, whether it’s weight loss, muscle building, toning, or improving overall fitness. Through coaching and motivation, I help clients build discipline and a positive mindset toward fitness. I also educate my clients on long-term healthy habits instead of short-term quick fixes. I believe that when you take care of your body, everything else in life improves, from your mood and energy levels to your overall happiness.

What is your fitness philosophy?

Consistency!

I always remind my clients and social media community that “consistency is

power”. Small, consistent efforts everyday lead to lasting results. Whether it’s training or healthy eating habits.

My other philosophy is: “Take care of your body and your body will take care of you”. When you prioritise your health, your body will reward you with strength, energy, and longevity.

How do you make the time and space to rest and reset?

Because I’m always in the gym - whether it’s for my own training or my clients - I’ve learnt that pushing too hard without taking time to reset can lead to burnout, both physically and mentally.

I prioritise my sleep and resting time. I aim for quality sleep each night and I always make sure that I do rest when I’m tired. It’s essential for muscle recovery and overall well-being. During my rest periods, I enjoy being at home and cooking, as well as hitting a few balls at the golf range.

How do you support your immunity so you can keep active all year round?

I always make sure to include protein and greens in my daily meals, along with foods that are high in nutrients to fuel my body. Because I lead an active lifestyle, I also take a few key supplements to support my immune system and overall well-being. Magnesium helps with my muscle recovery, vitamin B boosts my energy levels, and vitamin C and antioxidants strengthen

my immunity. But my main focus is on eating a well-balanced diet and always staying hydrated.

What are your favourite guilt-free comfort foods?

I enjoy indulging in sweet potato fries and chicken nachos topped with some creamy guacamole and melted cheese. Yum!

Where can our readers find and stay in touch with you?

Instagram: @tay_malekele

Fitbae Activewear: @fitbae_activewear

Tik Tok: @fitbae_tay

Website: www.fitbaetay.co.za