The Taylor story is one of chance meetings, bold risks and building both a family and a business they’re proud to call their own.
Chaz’s journey began in Mbombela, where he was born. At the age of 11, his family moved to Durban, but a decade later he returned to his roots in Nelspruit. It was here, in 2006, that fate led him to Gizelle at local restaurant, Costa do Sol.
Gizelle, a lifelong Mbombelan and a former ballerina-turned-ballet teacher, was working as a waitress at the time. Chaz recalls the moment vividly. “She walked up to our table, and I was immediately captivated by her smile,” he says. “It was the most beautiful smile I’d ever seen.” His father, equally charmed, remarked: “My boy, that’s poetry in motion.” Their first date soon followed, and as Chaz says, the rest is history.
In 2010, the couple got married, and Gizelle decided to leave the world of ballet to join Chaz in the fitness industry. Together, they began building a career as personal trainers. As their careers flourished, they began to dream of creating something uniquely their own. The idea of a boutique training experience took root, and with the support of Chaz’s father, they decided to build their own gym on a piece of his property.
It wasn’t an easy decision. “We knew it required a lot of risk and hard work,” Gizelle explains, “but we decided we’d rather regret risks that didn’t work out than chances we didn’t take.” On June 20, 2016, Core360 opened its doors. The early years were a whirlwind of long days and late nights, hard work, determination – the proverbial blood, sweat and tears, Chaz smiles, with little room for anything else. But the couple persevered, fuelled by their passion for what they were doing and their commitment to making it work. Weekends became a sanctuary, often spent binge-watching their favourite series or lounging by the pool.
As Core360 grew, so did their dream of a family. A pivotal moment came on New Year’s Eve in 2017. Over a romantic dinner, Chaz turned to Gizelle and said: “I think it’s time.” In 2019, their first son, Cruze, was born, followed by Zach three years later. With the addition of children, life naturally changed. The gym expanded into a dynamic team, allowing Gizelle to step back and focus on raising their boys. “The Lowveld is such a wonderful place to raise children, it’s life on a completely different scale,” she smiles. “We’re very grateful to call such an incredible place home.”
Despite the challenges of parenting and running a thriving business, Chaz and Gizelle always strive to make time for each other. They share a love of eating out, playing padel and competing in fitness challenges. In March, they plan on tackling the Hyrox competition together, a testament to their shared passion for health and sport. “It’s tough to make time for each other with small kids,” Gizelle admits, “but we do our best to carve out special moments that are just for us.”
Chaz’s romantic side shines in their relationship. “He loves to spoil me,” she says. The couple’s favourite escape is a long, leisurely lunch at Oliver’s Restaurant in White River. They also make it a priority to get away without the kids at least three times a year, to reconnect and unwind. Closer to home, they love sitting outdoors on their stoep, enjoying the view with a glass of wine while watching Cruze and Zach play. “It’s important to us that our children grow up in a happy, secure environment. Home must always feel like a safe place,” Gizelle adds.
Their shared love of fitness is not just a career, but a lifestyle. Over the years, Chaz and Gizelle have competed in numerous fitness events and races. “We draw so much inspiration from our work,” Chaz says. “Seeing our clients achieve their goals is incredibly rewarding, and that success is what keeps us motivated.”
“At the end of the day,” Gizelle says, “it’s about doing what you love with the people you love the most.”
Core360 is a testament to this go-getting couple’s determination, and their plans for the future are as ambitious as ever. They dream of expanding their offerings while maintaining the personal touch that has become their signature.
For the Taylors, it’s not just about fitness – it’s about creating a life filled with love, purpose and the courage to chase their dreams. Whether they’re building a business, raising their boys or taking time for each other, Chaz and Gizelle embody the spirit of partnership in every sense of the word. “At the end of the day,” Gizelle says, “it’s about doing what you love with the people you love the most.”