{"id":20420,"date":"2025-04-16T10:28:48","date_gmt":"2025-04-16T08:28:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/lowveld\/?p=20420"},"modified":"2025-04-16T10:29:38","modified_gmt":"2025-04-16T08:29:38","slug":"20420","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/lowveld\/blog\/2025\/04\/16\/20420\/","title":{"rendered":"One adventure at a time with Thea Alice McDonald"},"content":{"rendered":"

Born and raised in the Lowveld, Thea laughingly explains that while she did venture out to explore the bright city lights, her heart always knew where home was – right here in the Slowveld. Growing up in Barberton, surrounded by breathtaking mountains and scenery, helped shape her love for nature.<\/p>\n

Like so many, Thea started down one path before she realised that her true passion lay elsewhere. \u201cI initially pursued a Bachelor of Computer Sciences,\u201d she says, \u201cbut it didn\u2019t take long for me to realise that sitting behind a desk all day wasn\u2019t for me.\u201d She found herself drawn to the travel industry and then the world of movement and fitness, which is where she discovered her true calling.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor me, fitness is so much more than just staying in shape,\u201d she explains. \u201cIt\u2019s about growth, discipline and pushing boundaries. There\u2019s always a new challenge, a new goal and a new way to test yourself,\u201d she says.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

In 2023, Thea had the opportunity to teach Pilates at The Fitness Studio (The Ladies Gym), which later became part of ANEW Sports Resort. From Pilates, she expanded into stretch classes and Gentle Flow, a yoga-inspired practice. And she\u2019s not stopping there. \u201cI just completed a first aid course,\u201d she says proudly. \u201cKnowledge is power, and I believe in lifelong learning. Every skill we gain adds to our personal growth and, sometimes, allows us to help others in crucial moments.<\/p>\n

When she\u2019s not teaching, Thea is out exploring. \u201cHiking with friends, music festivals and photography, these things feed my soul,\u201d she says. Photography, in particular, has been a lifelong passion. \u201cI picked up my first camera when I was 13, and I\u2019ve never put it down since. There\u2019s something magical about capturing a moment in time, seeing the world through a different lens.\u201d Thea is also a devoted \u2018bunny mum\u2019 to a cheeky little white rabbit called Gwagie, who Thea says is the real boss of the house. \u201cHe keeps me on my toes and makes sure I never forget who\u2019s in charge,\u201d she jokes.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

One of the most unique aspects of Thea\u2019s fitness journey is her love for pole dancing and aerial arts. \u201cI started in 2019 out of pure curiosity. I thought it looked so effortless. Turns out, it\u2019s anything but!\u201d she laughs. \u201cIt takes an incredible amount of strength, control and discipline. But that\u2019s exactly why I love it.\u201d<\/p>\n

When aerial silks and hoops were introduced, she was hooked, even making the impulse decision to buy a Lyra hoop. \u201cThere\u2019s something about the combination of grace and power that just captivates me, it\u2019s such a confidence booster. You might surprise yourself with what you\u2019re capable of!\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Thea has also recently made a name for herself as a bit of a hero. One rainy afternoon, she spotted a stranded mother and child on the roadside, and didn\u2019t hesitate to stop. \u201cSomething just told me I had to help,\u201d she recalls. \u201cLuckily, there was only a minor issue with their car, and I got them back on the road. We\u2019ve stayed in touch ever since!\u201d Her knowledge of cars comes from hands-on experience.<\/p>\n

\u201cI started with a Toyota Tazz, then a VW Citi Golf. When things went wrong, I learned from my dad and Oom Japie\u2019s Repair Shop,\u201d she explains. Her aunt, a workshop manager, also shared tips. \u201cEventually, I had to figure things out myself – whether on the roadside or with YouTube tutorials. Basic car repair knowledge is essential for everyone. A simple toolkit in your car – screwdrivers, pliers, insulation tape, a flashlight, jack, cable ties, water and a first aid kit – can make a huge difference. Knowing how to change a tyre or recognise dashboard warnings could save you a lot of trouble and money.\u201d<\/p>\n

Thea loves travel. She fell in love with the beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere of Byron Bay in Australia, saying it made her rethink how we experience life.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all about savouring the moment. My dream destination is Greenland,\u201d she adds, \u201cI follow an Icelandic photographer and his images of the place are surreal. As a Lowvelder, I\u2019ve never experienced snow, and I\u2019d love to see it for myself.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Thea adds that nothing compares to living close to nature, hiking through breathtaking landscapes, visiting waterfalls and exploring the rich history of the region. She recently took part in a guided walk around Barberton, tracing its history back to its gin-drenched christening over a century ago. The Kruger National Park holds a special place in her heart, as do trips to Kaapsehoop. \u201cNature is my biggest source of inspiration,\u201d she smiles, \u201ca single flower, a buzzing bee, a roaring waterfall \u2026 It reminds me that we\u2019re part of something so much bigger.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

With an infectious love of life and an adventurous spirit, Thea Alice McDonald is someone who throws herself wholeheartedly into everything she does.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":36,"featured_media":20425,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[32],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-20420","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-editor-picks"},"yoast_head":"\nOne adventure at a time with Thea Alice McDonald - Get it Lowveld<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/lowveld\/blog\/2025\/04\/16\/20420\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"One adventure at a time with Thea Alice McDonald - 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