Words: Carla Louise Gailey…with personal trainer and plant-based enthusiast Nicole Shreuder.
Tellus about the woman behind (as we fondly know her as) Zigi's Life?
My name is Nicola Schreuder, I am a 25-year-old fitness influencer and personal trainer. Originally, I am from a small fisherman’s town on the West Coast. I recently relocated to Durban as my fiancé Dan Jooste plays for The Sharks. I am very grateful to live in Durban and be so close to the ocean-since it is my favourite thing about the earth.
Tell us about your fitness career.
Actually, it’s a very funny story! I almost studied marine biology but instead, I went on to complete a BSc at Stellenbosch University, in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology and majored in Genetics and Biochemistry and was privileged enough to do an extra major in sports science. I’ve always been into sports, but in my third year in University, I ended up being on the house committee and one of the profiles they gave me was the sport! At first, I was a bit confused as I was the head of the a capella group and had music as a subject in high school, I for sure thought I would get the culture profile.
Looking back, I think that was when I truly fell in love with training and combining exercise with science. I started @Zigis_life at the end of 2019 when I decided to start sharing the workouts that I had been doing in residence on my Instagram. Initially, a lot of people thought it was weird, but I just pushed through and got my first collaboration deal in January 2020. That year is when my fitness career took off as everyone was looking for motivation to train at home. When I move to Durban, I got offered a job at Strength Society – which I am super grateful for. I am so blessed that Monday blues aren’t a thing for me. At the moment I coach at Strength Society part-time and take on online clients for one-on-ones.
What advice do you have for anyone keen to switch to a more plant-based eating plan and lifestyle?
For me, it’s something you can’t judge before trying to do it yourself. If you are thinking about doing it give it a go but start slowly with your favourite meals and try to “vegan-fy” that before just trying to think of a completely new menu of meals that you have to make. Find your “Why” and do not just do it because of the wrong reasons, do your research and go see the right professionals for advice.
What are the misconceptions about plant – based eating for athletes? C an you still eat plant – based and achieve your athletic and sports goals?
Oh, for sure! There are so many studies that have proved the benefits of it in recovery, endurance etc. Some world-known athletes can prove this, for example, Novak Djokovic, Venus Williams, and Sir Lewis Hamilton to name a few.
Do you have anything big that you have planned that you’d like to share with the readers?
Yes! Well firstly, I am getting married to the love of my life in August of this year (took him long enough since we are high school sweethearts). And then, I am also currently studying for a diploma in sports nutrition and hopefully will be able to help existing and new clients take their fitness lifestyles just to a whole new level.
Talk us through a regular day in the life of Zigi.
I wake up at 4:30 am every morning, make coffee at home and drive to the gym to open up at about 5:10 am. I coach for three to four hours depending on which day it is and then I’ll work out for an hour. I get coached by my colleague Shilo who honestly has taught me so much about this industry and training people in general. After gym at about 10 am, I will head home to eat breakfast and answer emails, wash the laundry and tidy the house. If I have campaigns, I will work on those during the afternoons up until 3 pm and go back to the gym to coach until 7pm. Every day is different, but that is about it! I am also studying for a diploma at the moment so when I have spare time, I would somehow work that in during the day.
Tell us about your plant-based lifestyle.
This is such a long story but to summarise it very quickly I started eating plant-based in mid-2019. I was a vegetarian for two years before that. The main reason for me to have switched to a plant-based diet was within the degree that I was studying we were learning a lot about cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes etc. My dad has high cholesterol and has been on medication for most of his life. I remember before I went vegan, I encouraged my dad to eat plant based with me for 30 days to see if he could lower his cholesterol, after the 30 days he noticed that his cholesterol was the lowest it has ever been in his life. I choose to eat plant base to prevent myself from getting high cholesterol and needing to go on medication.
When you’re not being a boss babe and smashing your PBs, what do you like to do in your downtime?
I love to read, go for walks with coffee of course, and used to love swimming in the ocean, hopefully, we can enjoy our beaches again soon.
What are some of your favourite places to frequent in KZN?
Oh my, this is such a beautiful province. Daniel and I try to visit the Midlands at least once every three months, I also love the Hluhluwe area and then, of course, Durban!
Tell us three fun facts about yourself.
I can play three instruments: the cello, piano and ukulele. I LOVE baking. I have a 23-year-old brother with special needs, he has Angelman syndrome and he is my absolute favourite human in the whole world (sorry Dan).
