Who is FitnessDoc ?
Two experts from the Sports Science Institute of South Africa manage this forum:
Ross Tucker
I am currently studying for an MSc (Exercise Science) degree at the Sports Science Institute of South Africa and University of Cape Town, having originally completed a BSc in Physiology and Biochemistry, also at UCT. On the research front, my areas of interest are the regulation and control of exercise performance by the brain, the generation of the sensation of fatigue, exercise in the heat, and high altitude physiology.
One of the privileges of being at the Sports Science Institute is the opportunity it affords me to be on the front line of the latest in research, and then even more importantly, to be in a position to make this information available to everyone, in a form that is applicable. The wonderful thing about exercise is that it is relevant to everybody, from the elite down to the recreational. Everyone benefits equally and experiences similar ups and downs, and so to be in a position where I can interact with all these groups is very special.
I have over the years tried my hand at pretty much every sport, ranging from cricket to soccer, basketball to golf. I am very passionate about cycling and athletics in particular, but sport is very much a way of life, from the studying, right down to the participation. I am also very involved in coaching athletics. I really believe that the absolute essential ingredient in training and exercise is enjoyment, and I think it's really important to find ways to 'play' - sport is after all a form of play, and it is exciting to find ways to encourage and possibly assist people in finding ways to achieve this. It's a real privilige to work with people on a day to day basis doing something that is both worthwhile and enjoyable.
I hope that my involvement with the site allows people the opportunity to gain knowledge regarding their exercise and training programmes, and to be able to encourage people to implement this advice to get the most out of their exercise.
Kathy McQuaide
I have always been an active person, and over the years have become increasingly passionate about the value of exercise and a healthy lifestyle for a person’s general well-being. I was keen on sport at school, then went on to become an aerobics-fanatic and instructor during my varsity days, before becoming an avid runner! Having now completed two Comrades Marathons and many other ultras and marathons, running is definitely my favourite exercise. As an Exercise Scientist and Health Promotions Manager of the Sports Science Institute, part of my portfolio is to promote the importance of a healthy lifestyle to all South Africans. Considering that we have but one life, I feel that it is essential to keep our bodies in excellent health, so that we can live the best life possible.
Because of our increasingly sedentary lifestyles as well as the less than optimal diets we eat, it’s so easy to get out of shape. That’s one of the reasons I decided to develop the interactive exercise programmes “War on Wobbles” and “Shape up for Summer”. If you follow these programmes closely, there are so many wonderful benefits you should attain aside from getting rid of unnecessary wobbles and getting into great shape! One of the best tools associated with these programmes is their interactive ability. Let’s face it, we usually do better at something if monitored and if we are led through the process step by step.
Before you know it – you’ll be hooked on physical activity, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t become more active sooner. Exercise warriors out there who are already active, will bear me out here – that is why they are exercise warriors!
Remember, if you have any queries or worries, direct them to Fitnessdoc. We are certain that this programme is going to be very successful and hope that we will be part of the process of making you a fit, healthy and happy person.
ENJOY YOUR JOURNEY TO FITNESS!
Find the FitnessDoc FAQs here.
