About Gemma
My name is Gemma Haywood and I am a qualified massage therapist, strength and conditioning coach and nutritional advisor. I was born in Cape Town and moved to Stellenbosch in 2014 where I completed my 3 degrees (undergraduate in Sport Science, Hons in Performance sport and MSc in disability sport).
I am a passionate sportswoman, being a swimmer and water polo player throughout my university career. I am now an avid mountain biker, runner, and gym enthusiast. I have worked with many private and professional teams massaging and soigneuring. I’ve been a strength and conditioning coach for many sports teams including, mountain biking and water polo, coached 1-on-1 clients, educated through lifestyle changes and improved overall quality of life.
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I have been in the industry for the past 6 years and I am so passionate about growing my knowledge and challenging myself into bigger and more exciting tasks. As my MSc was coming to an end, I decided to take the plunge and dive into my own small business that accommodated all my professions. This is where GEM began!
Education and Certifications
University of Stellenbosch 2014-2016
Bachelor of Arts in Sports Science
University of Stellenbosch 2017
Bachelor of Science in Performance Sport (Hons)
University of Stellenbosch 2018-2020
Master of Science in Sport
SwingFit 2016-2017
Level 1 + 2 Massage course, Rigid and Kinesio Taping Course, Sacro-illiac joint dysfunction massage course
Udemy 2020
Nutrition certification: Advanced diet and meal planning, Nutrition certification: Sports Nutrition
My Philosophy
Massage therapy
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I was introduced to massage therapy in 2016 when I completed my level 1+2 course. I was immediately thrown in the deep end where I worked my first event, the Cape Epic. After working 10 hours a day for 7 days I realized that this job wasn’t for anyone. I came away exhausted but so happy that I was able to help those athletes so that they could complete another day, and that feeling of empowerment stuck. I have now worked many big events like the Cape Epic, Wines to Whales, Tankwa Trek and done many private tours, events, corporate wellness and home visits and worked for professional teams. I have also soigneured for pro teams and private tours. I love that I am able help someone on the path to their best performance through massage therapy and recovery.
Education and wellness
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I was lucky to grow up in a household where healthy eating was the norm. As a kid, it wasn’t always appreciated much, but looking back now I am so grateful that nutrition was a key factor in our family for the majority of my childhood. I am now able to inform others about the impact of nutrition and how important it is to factor it into your lifestyle, and not try and find a quick fix. I enjoy educating people on the power of a healthy lifestyle and the massive impact it can have to your overall health and wellbeing.
Gym programs and training
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I have always had an active lifestyle. Growing up you would probably find me in a pool every day of my life. I had massive dreams to swim at the Olympics when I was little. Growing up swimming turned into water polo which I played throughout my high school and my varsity days. I loved it. It taught me so many life lessons about teamwork and communication and leadership. I spent quite a lot of time in the gym during the off season at varsity and quickly realized how much a gym program can enhance performance, strength and endurance. This, along with my Sport Science background made me realize the need for individualized programs as everyone is different and that an ‘8-week fitness challenge’ doesn’t suit everyone and is not sustainable. I like to hear what your goals are and what you want to achieve so I can formulate the best program FOR YOU!
About Nicole
My name is Nicole Haird and I’m a Registered Dietitian. Originally from Joburg, I moved to Cape Town in 2013 and never looked back! I started at UCT in 2013 doing Business Science but quickly realized that it was not for me – this led to a change in degrees and ultimately a change in life paths! 3 years later, I completed a BSc in Human Physiology and then decided to take some time off. I travelled to Vietnam to teach English and returned to South Africa in 2018 to start an Honours Degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics. I loved every second of my Honours degree as it satisfied 3 major passions of mine: learning new and fascinating information every day; learning how to optimise my own health; and gaining important skills that enable me to help other people.
After completing my degree, I was placed at Tshilidzini Hospital in rural Limpopo where I gained extensive experience working with people affected by the various chronic diseases of lifestyle, including obesity, diabetes and hypertension.
I am an avid sportswoman and I love a good challenge! In school I played as many sports as I could, including water polo, swimming, netball, running etc. I love team sports but since leaving school I have pursued running and cycling and have completed a few half-Iron Mans, multi-stage mountain-biking events as well as two marathons. I have personally experienced how important correct nutrition is in order to optimise athletic performance. Sports nutrition is a particular area of interest for me, both personally and professionally.
I coached various sports during my studies and so have good experience working with children and adolescents.
Education and Certifications
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University of Cape Town 2014-2016:
Bachelor of Science in Human Physiology
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University of Cape Town 2018-2019:
Honours in Human Nutrition and Dietetics (Cum Laude)
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Catalyst Training Lab 2020
Fueling the Exerciser: Gymmers to Athletes
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Eat for Life 2021
Eat for Life Mindful Eating Program
My Philosophy
I believe that nutrition is one of the simplest ways that we can make substantial changes to our lives and that an evidence-based approach is the only option when it comes to nutrition. Following a healthy lifestyle isn’t about quick-fixes, fad diets and detoxes – it is about making good choices most of the time. In a world where there is so much dietary misinformation, its no wonder that people are confused about what’s healthy and what isn’t. I am passionate about providing simple, evidence-based recommendations to help people live their healthiest lives.
I absolutely love cake and I could never give it up – so have your cake, just eat some fruit and veggies too!