Colleen Petersen went from corporate stress to CrossFit success as she added a fitness business to her already impressive repertoire. And she hasn’t looked back.
With her marketing agency and business solutions company already in full swing, Colleen Petersen’s latest passion project is all about blending health, hustle and heart. Her mission? To inspire others to chase their wellness goals and live their best, balanced lives.
Now, she’s the proud owner of AniWaYa Fitness, a vibrant CrossFit centre right in the heart of Ruimsig.
Her fitness journey started in the most relatable of ways … corporate burnout. Always active in school sports like swimming and hockey, she turned to CrossFit to cope with the mental strains of her career. What started as a stress-relief mechanism quickly turned into a love affair with the sport. The way CrossFit made her feel … strong, confident and unstoppable, was transformative.
“During this time, I was fortunate to be surrounded by a strong community. People who wanted to see me push through every rep and the sweat and tears. I loved what it represented in life. And so, I wanted to create a space where others could have that exact experience. A safe space to leave it all on the box floor and leave feeling a little lighter.”
Motivated by setting an example for her three-year-old daughter, Ayla Graye, she decided to get qualified and turn her passion for fitness into a business.
“I’ve always believed in leaving parts of me behind for Ayla Graye. I want her to know, with every fibre of her being, that she can be the best version of herself too one day. And so, WaYa Fitness was born last year. By January, it had affiliated as CrossFit AniWaYa. Starting with just 20 members, we’ve since tripled our membership.”
While rooted in CrossFit, this gym spices things up with basic functional fitness movements to reel in a wider crowd. Members live by the mantra Home of the FitClan … a motto that welcomes newcomers in a warm, sweat-soaked embrace. To put it simply, it’s not just a gym, it’s where fitness and community collide in a big, heart-thumping hug.
A people’s person at heart, CrossFit is not just about the dynamic and versatile training style, but also, its ability to connect with others. And, when she’s not doing just that, you’ll most probably find her swimming, chasing an energetic little Ayla around, and indulging in a well-balanced diet. Think high protein, moderate complex carbs, and low fats. But she’s no stranger to life’s guilty pleasures. When a burger or jelly babies call her name, she answers. Because hey, life’s all about balance, right?
A two-time podium star as a Masters athlete, Colleen’s crowning glory remains opening the doors to her FitClan. It’s her dream turned reality, and it’s more fab than ever.
At home, she loves to kick back with some Netflix, at least until little Ayla decides it’s time for a new adventure. She’s got some hidden talents up her sleeve, too … playing the piano and some guitar, too. Lucky for Colleen her husband, Feron Somiah, and Ayla share her love for staying active, turning family time into a whirlwind of fun, shopping sprees, and dining out.
Her not-so-secret indulgences? She just loves a good G&T or a smooth glass of red wine, and let’s just say there’s no off switch when it comes to jelly babies. Coffee is also a daily must-have, perfectly balanced with plenty of water.
Colleen is the kind of person who makes things happen … blending entrepreneurship, fitness, and family into one heck of a vibrant life. One thing’s for sure, Colleen is on a path to achieving extraordinary things.
Details: Visit her website waya.fitness or follow @wayafitness on Insta and TikTok and @crossfitaniwaya on Facebook.
Your fave part of the job?
I love the chats before and after each session. This is the best time to find out more about our FitClan. What’s happening in their lives, the challenges they have with some of the movements, the joint pains and especially the muscle pain from a good session the day before.
Why would you encourage women to take it up?
For women specifically the weight training aspect assists with improved bone density that essentially helps to prevent osteoporosis. CrossFit is high-intensity and can assist with weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight. Strength training also plays a key role in hormone balance, aiding in controlling stress hormones. And with all the hats women wear, it is definitely beneficial to mental health, and feeling confident and strong.
What makes CrossFit unique?
It’s never boring and is constantly varied. Even though the focus might be, for example, on your core, you are still bound to get a 360-degree full body workout.
Your life motto?
Be stronger than your strongest self. Although my FitClan would say No-Rep, lol!
One goal you’re never giving up on?
My goals I think have changed over the years, but one thing remains unchanged, and that’s to inspire people to really be their strongest selves. Whether it’s physical, emotional, or whatever it may be … just believe that they can really live the lives they want.
What’s next for Colleen?
I want to continue beining a serial entrepreneur. Who knows when opportunity will strike? I’m always open to new challenges. And every step along the way is making sure my daughter has someone to look up to.
Main image: RYNO MARAIS.
