TAKE 10: ASHLEY ROBINSON

Words: Nhlanhla Masemola | Photography: Nadia von Scotti | Videography: Maxime Thaysen

This Body Moves is our sport campaign celebrating all of the big and small ways that our bodies carry us. This body adapts, struggles, learns. This body endures, it accomplishes, it has what it takes. This body soaks up the stories that make up a lifetime of living with its own identity, heritage, failures, capabilities and wins. This body sets its own pace. This body sets its own terms.

Meet Ashley Robinson, a 28-year-old stunt performer for film, performance coach, fitness planner and professional kickboxer. Born and raised in the Western Cape, he moved to Cape Town in 2017 for work. As a passionate fitness enthusiast, Ashley primarily works with people who are interested in changing their lifestyles, be it through competition training, weight loss, muscle conditioning or fight preparation for tournaments. To Ashley, his body is his work. It helps him feel free and in control in the face of adversity and brings him closer to God. It challenges him and he embraces it with both arms, hoping that he can also use it to help others achieve their personal best.

My body is a good place to be because...It helps me go places, meet new people and show them that the human body is capable of more than they realise.

What do you like to wear while being active?

Running shorts and a tank top.

What do you eat before you work out?

I do all my workouts in a fasted state. I perform better on an empty stomach. A meal follows immediately after.

What or who has been your biggest inspiration in life?

Jean Claude van Damme. I loved his fighting style and acting ability.

What does health mean to you and how do you define it?

Health means mental wellbeing and the ability to perform well at any task with your body, not forgetting that nutrition is a big part of it. Being able to move around is the best feeling. I am grateful for having a healthy body and mind.

What misconceptions do you think people have about fitness?

I think people think that fitness is restrictive, especially when it comes to nutrition. People also believe fitness and fun don’t go together, but that’s a myth.

What was your favourite moment while shooting the Superbalist Sport 2019 campaign?

I got to meet people with different lifestyles and we could share information on how to better ourselves. And working out in front of the camera.

Has your body size changed or stayed the same over time?

My body has increased in muscle mass over the last few years. The only negative would be my running pace has slightly slowed down. But I feel great overall. I can run far, lift heavy, fight well and play many sports.

What do you love most about your body?

It can endure a lot of physical pain and recover quickly.

And the least?

My baby calves, due to all the kicks I throw a day.

Perfect songs for working out?

Deep or electronic house, preferably with few lyrics.

De Mthuda & NjelicShesha

Cinimin, Rocksted & Apple GulePerfect

GoldFish featuring Diamond ThugDeep of the Night

Goldfish featuring Julia Church Heart Shaped Box

J. ColeMiddle Child