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In conversation with Tafadzwa Mushandu- Cross Fitness Coach at Dynasty Gym

Building community and helping people is the goal for Cross Fitness Trainer, Tafadzwa Mushandu [Taf], as he works with people at Dynasty Gym, Vancouver.
Taf sat with Hogan’s Alley Community Planner Lama Mugabo to talk about his motivations and how his upbringing and life experiences encourage his work ethic.

Taf grew up in Zimbabwe where he learned to play various sports such as tennis, rugby and swimming. He speaks of how different people in his life inspired him to play these sports and compete in local championship games. He cultivated the habit of trying a new sport every year as this w a way to challenge himself.
In addition to having friends and family inspire him to partake in sports, Taf also had an upbringing that encouraged him to eat healthy regularly.

“Growing up in Zimbabwe we always had fresh vegetables available, whether it be at our house, [growing] in the backyard. We had something we call Muriwo which is a staple vegetable in Zimbabwe.”
This, he says, allowed him to eat fresh food at all times.

When he moved to New Jersey, he picked up American Football and played as a linebacker in state level championships. He mentions that his experience with playing American Football has shaped him and has helped him navigate life as an adult.
“Both my coaches at the time were teaching us to be able to stick to the plan when we were down or losing and to always keep our head up, which also applies to life. We don’t get taught to do that at a young age and I felt that it was very valuable because I’ve dealt with the same stuff as an adult.”

Being ever dedicated to challenging himself in new ways, Taf sought out a new athletic endeavour and was encouraged by a Trainer friend to take on CrossFit.
He has stuck with it ever since.
Taf later moved to Vancouver to pursue his MBA and had expected to stop being a trainer. He later found Dynasty Gym which he describes as his home.
When speaking to Lama about his goal as a CrossFit trainer, Taf says,
“I love coaching because I get to help people day in and day out. People come to me for support whether it be fitness, for goals or it could even just be having a friend to talk to. I’m here to support them 100%. Just making sure that we’re building community, that’s my goal as a fitness instructor.”

Insights on fitness and nutrition
Lama: How do you connect fitness with nutrition?

Taf: Well they go hand in hand. You need to make sure that you have a healthy diet, a healthy balance of foods that you’re consuming everyday and that will help you with your fitness goals. Ideally if you’re starting out, you should try your best to get 80% quality foods- more vegetables- get enough water, get the right amount of protein sources whether you’re vegan or you get your protein sources from meat. And then 20% if you like to treat yourself very lightly, you can. Not too much sugar, you have to be careful of that.

Lama: How important is sleep in fitness?

Taf: Sleep is number one. Sleep will help you recover and train. It keeps you clear and focused with your day to day activities like going to work.

Lama: How have you stayed motivated?

Taf: I have stayed motivated by basically changing out my bad habits to good habits, shifting focus on little things day by day. Could be getting more sleep or changing the quality of food I’m eating and trying to stay away from sugar as much as possible. And also being consistent with making sure I work out as much as I can even on bad days, making sure I get movement in.

“I believe on this saying, ‘0.01% better everyday.’ The power of tiny progress.”

You can follow Tafadzwa on instagram @livelifetaf
Contact him via email at taf@dynastygym.com
Visit his website at https://livelifetaf.com/

Posted: 11th March 2022 Written by: Sola Olowo-Ake

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