Twinning and winning with the Ebrahim twins

Not only do 30-year-old twins Taariq and Aashiq Ebrahim have pretty much the same DNA, they also share a passion for fitness. Fresh off completing the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in October together, the two agree that their mutual motivation to stay fit is also fuelled by competitiveness. "It's a twin thing," says Aashiq. "Our parents always unintentionally compared what we do so we naturally became one another's main competitors. But it's a healthy competition if you ask me. I'm not sure what Taariq thinks," he laughs.

Taariq agrees: "The healthy competition both in our personal and professional lives allows us to push one another to perform better and of course have more fun. It's been that way since birth." He adds: "I have a set of twins myself and I can't let them outrun me - I have to keep the energy levels up with four kids!"

The pair try as much as possible to participate in sporting events together since joining Team Vitality about seven years ago, but in the past three years, they couldn't participate in races and fitness events as Aashiq left Cape Town for Johannesburg. "My brother and his family also moved here a few months ago and since then we've been gyming, running, and competing in races together," says Aashiq, who has his first child on the way.

It's a winning formula - or losing formula - in just a year, Taariq lost 22kg and Aashiq 12kg, clearly swapping fat for muscle.

Getting with the programme

Taariq's weekly routine starts off with a 10km run, weight training, or a swim at 4.30am. Depending on his energy levels, in the evenings he runs, hits the gym, or works out at home.

"My routine changes yearly," says Aashiq. "At first I was running only for a few years and then once I got to know my body and its potential I started adding gym and weights to strengthen and gain lean muscle." For him, each day is dedicated to focusing on certain areas of the body such as the chest and triceps, back and shoulders, legs, and arms. Sunday is rest day for both of them.

The benefits of exercise for mental health

A new study in the International Journal of Physical Medicine provides more evidence that physical activity has a vital role to play in reducing the risk of depression. Regular exercise can help us deal better with stress by, for instance, lowering levels of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, thereby reducing anxiety and improving feelings of self-worth.

Taariq lives by and advocates for this practice daily: "My biggest reason for staying healthy and fit is to cope with life's pressures. It's a great form of stress management and a huge benefit to my mental health," he says. "It helps me put things into perspective and calculate my next move in my professional and personal life. Your thought process is just better and your positive energy flows. I always want to start my day with some form of exercise as this sets the tone for the day ahead." He says tries to influence people around me who struggle and have poor mental health.

Aashiq attests to a long walk, running, cycling, or going to the gym as the best way to start his day or get over a challenging day at the office. "It helps me stay focused and motivated and creates balance in my life. The good energy I get from training doesn't compare to any other mentally stimulating activity. I've found that I can't have a great day if I don't get up at 5am and do some form of exercise, even if it's just for 30 minutes."

Staying on track

It's not always easy staying on course and keeping up with your fitness journey but reminding yourself why you do is a good motivator. Aashiq says his fitness journey has taught him discipline, time management, and self-confidence. "It has shown me that whatever I put my mind to I can achieve. The physical benefits of training are there for everyone to see however, I personally value what's inside and how exercising strengthens my inner self - with the added bonus of looking good."

Taariq says he's inspired by the people he influences through conversations and interactions on social media. "My health status, which is available on many platforms, most importantly on the Vitality Health Check, allows me to share my experience with people and also give advice, especially to those who are just starting or want to start their journey to a healthier and better version of themselves." As a father of four, he lives a healthy lifestyle for longevity, and as an example to his young children.

Best benefits as a Vitality member

It doesn't hurt that both are deeply embedded in the Discovery culture, which is committed to making people healthier and rewarding them for it. Taariq is Key Account Manager for Discovery Insure and Aashiq a business consultant at Discovery Limited.

Aashiq says his favourite award are Travel and Vitality Active Rewards because his daily activities are rewarded through Discovery Miles which he then saves up to book flights to visit his family in Cape Town December each year. "We have been flying a lot recently and the 50% discount I receive for being with Discovery Bank on Vitality is unmatched." Taariq says there are so many benefits, listing the 100% cashback on gym fees as a Discovery Bank client, the daily free coffee and smoothies through Active Rewards, HealthyCare for personal care, the discounts you get at Nike, Totalsports, Sportsmans Warehouse, and the travel and device specials as unbeatable.

Even if you don't have a twin, finding a group or partner in fitness to work out with can motivate you to keep at it, just like Taariq and Aashiq do for one another.

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