Written by: Hennie Fisher
One often hears of people who work in Johannesburg but live in Pretoria – and when questioned, they admit that Pretoria has a different pace, a different role more suited to modern lifestyles, but without the pressure. Johannesburg is vibrant and buzzy, but it is also busy, while Pretoria is much slower, much less manic, and more laid-back. Many people play sports not only for the health benefits, but also for the emotional benefits and well-being that physical activity generates.
Of course, one does not have to play rugby, soccer, or tennis to be ‘physical’. In fact, physical and mental wellness can be gained from merely gathering with like-minded people, which is as healthy as any sweaty ball sport. Being able to put away your phone and avoid the onslaught of modern life is one of the most important medically proven protections for long-term health and wellness.
It seems that Pretorians are fairly attuned to nature and take up all sorts of outdoor activities. Activities that would relieve stress, activities that may even add a little to one's physical and mental health, and outdoor activities that build community. We do not have huge mountain ranges in Pretoria, like Table Mountain or the Drakensberg. But if you look carefully, you’ll notice that Pretoria is nestled amongst gentle rolling hills called the Magaliesberg range. Think about the Fountains area, where one can take a walk around Groenkloof Nature Reserve.
Close by is the Voortrekker Monument, which has its own hiking trail. And then, on another ‘koppie’, the Freedom Monument offers even more lovely outdoor areas to explore. Across the valley, there is the Klapperkop Nature Reserve with pretty views over Unisa and the rest of Pretoria.
Pretoria offers a range of other hiking trails, including Faerie Glen Nature Reserve, Moreleta Kloof Nature Reserve, Wonderboom Nature Reserve, Rietvlei Nature Reserve, Wolwespruit Mountain Bike & Trail Park, Hennops Hiking Trails, Pretoria National Botanical Garden, Hedianga Farm, Hazeldean Valley Trails, Rosemary Hill, Tswaing Meteorite Crater, Buffelsdrift Trail Park, Smuts House Museum, and Ezemvelo Nature Reserve.
If walking outdoors is too slow and relaxed for you, think of taking up any of the various parkrun events which are organised regularly at venues like the Botanical Gardens, Voortrekker Monument, Hazeldean Farm, Hillside, Onderstepoort Campus, The Reeds, Valhalla, and the Blades Hotel. Ludwig’s Roses to the north of Pretoria organises a Roses parkrun, and then there is the Moreletapark Gemeente parkrun, which takes place on the Moreletapark Church grounds.
If gentle walking or running will not get you into a relaxed headspace, what about joining a yoga or pilates club? Pilates is such a steady form of relaxation that large employers are even offering this activity to their staff during working hours. Employees of the University of Pretoria can contact Dr Rina Buys of the EWP@UP (Wellness Office) for free midday classes.
Other pilates studios include Body Intellect (Menlo Park); Method One Pilates (Hazelwood); ROOKé Studio (Brooklyn); Fitness and Pilates Corner (Garsfontein); The Pilates Haven (Garsfontein); Inner Sense Pilates (Central); Liezel’s Pilates (Annlin) and Cava Studio (Nieuw Muckleneuk).
While pilates may use your mind to master your body, it is understood that yoga uses the body to reach the mind. Some sought-after yoga studios in Pretoria are: Hotpod Yoga Pretoria (Lynnwood); Escape Yoga Studio (Die Wilgers); Yoga Connection (Brooklyn); Shiva Yoga Studio (Lynnwood Glen); Greenspayoga (Pretoria East); YogaSteps and MOVE Yoga Studio (Central Pretoria), and Body and Mind Fitness (Waterkloof Glen).
There are many more enduring, physical activities that may restore heart, body, and mind, such as bungee fitness, traditional gyms, padel, trampoline, rock climbing, swimming, and many more. If you are a little lazy but still like a muscle workout, remember that there are also EMS options, such as BODYTEC, Body20, or EMShape.
Finally, for those wanting to process trauma or simply wanting to minimise the nitty-gritty of everyday life, consider other fun physical but low-impact activities such as dancing, gardening, knitting and crocheting, painting and drawing, cooking and baking, learning to play a musical instrument, birdwatching, tai chi, journaling, board games and puzzles, and of course, reading.
Pretoria offers a slower-paced, less frantic lifestyle compared to Johannesburg, fostering mental and physical wellness through diverse outdoor, mindful, and creative activities. The city features numerous nature reserves, hiking trails, pilates and yoga studios, and hobby-focused pursuits designed to help residents unplug from modern life.