BREAKING THE MOLD:
June 13th, 2025 by Nick AlersEmily Masanabo on Redefining Women’s Role in Mining
In an industry still dominated by men, Emily Masanabo is breaking barriers—underground and beyond. As an engineering planner, mother, and mentor, she’s proving that women not only belong in mining—they are essential to its future.
In the red-dust heart of Mpumalanga, beneath the surface of one of South Africa’s most powerful industries, women are quietly rewriting the rules of mining—one shift at a time.
At the forefront is Emily Masanabo, a 38-year-old engineering planner at Booysendal mine’s South Concentrator. Her story reflects not only grit and determination but also a growing call for change in a sector that has long overlooked the needs—and the power—of women.
Born in Mamelodi East, Pretoria, Emily is the youngest of three daughters. Today, she is a proud mother to a 10-year- old girl, a qualified electrician, a certified maintenance planner, and the founder of LadyEms Touch, a foundation dedicated to supporting vulnerable communities—especially the girl child. She also happens to work in one of the country’s most physically demanding and male-dominated industries—and she’s thriving.
But thriving doesn’t mean it’s easy.
“You constantly have to show and remind people that you’re not just a woman—you’re a professional who’s skilled, focused, and here because you earned your place,” Emily explains.
Despite corporate commitments to inclusion, the reality for Women in Mining (WIM) remains riddled with challenges: ill-fitting PPE, outdated equipment, unequal pay, unsafe
environments, and limited opportunities for advancement. Representation may be increasing, but without the right support structures, progress remains performative.
Take personal protective equipment, for example.
“When you wear PPE that’s designed for someone else’s body, it’s not just uncomfortable—it’s unsafe,” says Emily. “Proper fit means better focus, better performance, and less risk. It’s not vanity. It’s essential.”
And yet, more than 80% of women in technical roles still wear gear tailored for men—boots that chafe, gloves that slip, garments that restrict movement. As Emily puts it, “If you look good, you feel good. And if you feel good, you can do anything you put your hand and mind to.”
Emily studied Electrical Engineering at Tshwane South College and furthered her knowledge with a qualification in Maintenance Planning from Terotechnica. Her current role as an engineering planner places her at the heart of operations—scheduling, optimizing, and supporting essential mining infrastructure. Outside of work, she travels, enjoys the outdoors, plays golf, and pours her energy into mentorship and community-building through her foundation.
But even with a full plate, her ambition is far from capped.
“In five years, I want to be consulting in the mining space, hold my Government Certificate of Competency (GCC), and be running a successful NGO. I want to help shape mining policies that support—not just include—women.”
Because the message is clear: it’s no longer enough to allow women into mining. The industry must actively enable them to succeed.
This means more than awareness campaigns. It requires intentional investment in inclusive technology, equal pay, female-focused design, and leadership development. It also means prioritizing issues uniquely affecting women— security, GBV, and access to safe, sanitary working environments.
“We don’t want things because we’re women. We want what we deserve as professionals. Put in the work. Let it speak for you. Advocate for yourself. And if your value isn’t recognized where you are—don’t be afraid to leave.”
Emily encourages women to seek mentors, build support networks, and stay open to continuous learning. But the responsibility doesn’t lie with women alone.
The industry must ask itself the harder questions: Are we creating spaces where women can thrive—not just survive? Are we investing in their long-term growth, or simply ticking boxes?
Because when women like Emily Masanabo are given the tools, support, and recognition they deserve, they don’t just succeed—they transform the ground beneath their feet.
INSPIRED TO CONNECT OR COLLABORATE?
To explore how SiSi Safety Wear is championing safety and
inclusion for women across industries, visit:
www.sisisafetywear.co.za
info@sisisafetywear.co.za
Let’s empower women to lead, safely and boldly.
Meet The Woman Behind The Vision:
June 13th, 2025 by Nick AlersInside the World of Mandisa Mazibuko Championing Women in Industry
Every story has a beginning — and for Mandisa Mazibuko, it starts in the quiet town of Balfour,
Siyathemba in Mpumalanga. Raised by her grandparents while her young mother pursued her
education, Mandisa’s early life was shaped by strength, sacrifice, and a fierce entrepreneurial
spirit. Her grandfather, who she lovingly called “Dad,” built a business against the odds
of apartheid — a legacy of resilience that would later inspire Mandisa’s own journey into
leadership and empowerment.
Mandisa Mazibuko’s story begins in the small town of Balfour, Siyathemba, nestled in Mpumalanga — a place that shaped the foundation of her journey. Raised by her grandparents, Mandisa describes them as pillars of strength and guidance during her formative years. Her mother, having had her at a young age, returned to college to pursue her teaching qualification, leaving Mandisa in the nurturing care of her grandfather — a man she lovingly called “Dad.” A strict, spiritual, and driven figure, he rose from herding cattle to owning coal trucks during apartheid, a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and resilience in the face of adversity.
Following a traumatic robbery incident, Mandisa and her family relocated to Johannesburg South, where she completed her schooling. Throughout her academic journey, she immersed herself in cultural activities, debate, drama, and sport — always eager to lead and participate. She matriculated in 2003, having already served as a member of the SRC, with a strong sense of purpose and a clear vision for her future.
Mandisa pursued Finance, earning both her Bachelor’s and Postgraduate degrees, alongside computer skills training. Most recently, she completed her MBA through GIBS, focusing on manufacturing — an area that would become central to her professional identity.
“I used to dream of working in a bank,” she reflects. “I admired how polished and professional people in that space appeared.” That dream became a reality when she joined Investec Private Bank. But as life unfolded — especially after becoming a mother — her goals evolved. Today, Mandisa is the Managing Director of Envelop Empowerment Group, a company that supports women in technical industries and supplies PPE and manufacturing solutions to small businesses.
Her role is not without its challenges. “Being a woman in a male-dominated sector means navigating stereotypes, breaking throughinstitutional and cultural barriers, and consistently proving your worth,” she explains. Access to funding and the slow shift toward inclusive business environments remain constant hurdles. Still, Mandisa remains driven by her mission to foster opportunities for other women — particularly in the manufacturing and industrial sectors.
Looking ahead, Mandisa envisions leading a group of companies rooted in innovation, empowerment, and excellence. Her ambition is not only personal — it’s deeply purposeful. “I want to continue creating space for women to thrive, to lead, and to redefine what’s possible in our industries.”
Her insights into the broader landscape for women in mining and manufacturing are both informed and impassioned. She acknowledges that many women still face the burden of constantly having to prove themselves. The lack of mentorship, safety concerns, and exclusion from decision-making spaces are just a few of the obstacles women navigate daily. “We also carry additional emotional labour — balancing gender expectations with professional ambition.”
Mandisa urges women in male-dominated spaces to remain grounded in their values. “Don’t let others define your capabilities. Trust your voice — it belongs at the table. Be brave, even when it’s uncomfortable, and never underestimate the power of authenticity.”
Among her key areas of advocacy is the issue of PPE — personal protective equipment — specifically designed for women. “Ill-fitting PPE isn’t just uncomfortable, it’s unsafe,” she says. “Women deserve gear that supports their safety and confidence on-site.” Mandisa has spent time listening to women in the field, many of whom are now speaking up for the first time about their needs. “I’m honoured to be part of a movement that is changing the face of the industry.”
Safety, she stresses, isn’t just physical — it’s also psychological. “From harassment to a lack of proper facilities in remote areas, women in mining face layered risks that need to be addressed holistically.”
Yet despite these challenges, Mandisa is unwavering in her belief in what women bring to the industry: “We bring analytical thinking, emotional intelligence, and a deep commitment to sustainable change. We lead with compassion, we build strong relationships, and we innovate with intention.”
For real progress, she believes, the industry must move beyond surface-level compliance and embrace intentional inclusion. “That means creating mentorship pathways, supporting women-led initiatives, and embedding equity and respect into every level of leadership.”
Mandisa Mazibuko is more than a leader — she is a force for transformation. Through her work with Envelop and her broader advocacy, she continues to shape a future where women are not just present, but powerful.
INSPIRIED TO CONNECT OR COLLABORATE?
To learn more about Mandisa Mazibuko and Envelop Empowerment Group’s work in supporting women in industry, manufacturing, and PPE, visit:
www.envelopgroup.co.za
info@envelopgroup.co.za
To explore how SiSi Safety Wear is championing safety and inclusion for women across industries, visit:
www.sisisafetywear.co.za
info@sisisafetywear.co.za
Let’s empower women to lead, safely and boldly.
Rewriting The Rules Of Safety
May 15th, 2025 by Nick AlersOver 80% of women in the chemical industry still wear PPE designed for men.
SiSi Safety Wear is closing the gap with two new innovations—purpose-built to protect, fit, and empower women in high-risk roles.
Despite advancements in workplace safety, over 80% of women in the chemical industry continue to wear PPE designed for men. This misalignment increases their exposure to hazardous spills, burns, and electrical risks, leading to compromised safety, discomfort, and reduced efficiency in high-risk environments. “Chemical exposure and electrical hazards are daily realities for women in this field, yet the majority of PPE is still designed with only male workers in mind,” says Jamie-Lee Bishop from SiSi Safety Wear. “SiSi is leading a new era of PPE that ensures women in chemical engineering have protection that fits properly and performs seamlessly.” SiSi Safety Wear reveals its latest industry-first innovations, specifically engineered to address the unique challenges faced by women in the industry.
The Fuse Safety Boot and D59 Workwear Garment.
SiSi Safety Wear will unveil two innovative PPE solutions.
- SiSi Fuse Safety Boot: A transformative for women working around high-voltage equipment and chemical spills, this electrical hazard-resistant safety boot boasts 20KVA electrical resistance, a lightweight PU/rubber sole, and an ergonomic female fit that enhances comfort and stability. The boot is designed to prevent fatigue, slips, and exposure to dangerous Chemicals, Mining and other tough working environments, which is an essential upgrade for female professionals in chemical plants, refineries, labs, underground mining and tough surface working environments.
As the first locally manufactured, women-specific PU/Rubber safety boot, it features a plush padded collar and breathable Birdseye linings with anti-microbial treatment, as well as a PU climate-control footbed that delivers exceptional comfort and hygiene. “Having partnered with a South African, global-integrated energy and chemicals company, we believe this boot is fit for the intended purpose, and we do believe this will be well suited for women who operate amongst harsh chemicals due to the rubber sole,” says Bishop.
- SiSi D59 Workwear Garment: Crafted from high- performance, flame-resistant D59 fabric, this workwear is specifically designed to protect women from chemical splashes, extreme heat, and fire hazards. Unlike traditional unisex designs, the SiSi D59 garment offers a contoured female fit, ensuring unrestricted movement while maintaining maximum safety standards.
Changing PPE standards for women in chemical engineering.
Beyond showcasing these innovative products, SiSi Safety Wear is calling on industry leaders to implement inclusive PPE policies that address the specific needs of female workers in hazardous environments.
“This is just about comfort; it’s about saving lives and ensuring equal safety standards for women,” adds Bishop. “We are urging decision-makers to act and implement PPE solutions that truly cater for women in chemical engineering.”
When The Shoe Doesn’t Fit
June 23rd, 2021 by Nick AlersWhy Women Need To Demand Female-Specific Safety Footwear In The Workplace
Over the years, women have been making up a greater proportion of the workforce, and this includes sectors that have typically been male-dominated such as mining, manufacturing and construction. This increase in women workers in more physical industries shines a spotlight on the need for female-specific safety gear, especially footwear. The typical approach of providing ‘unisex’ Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) does not adequately serve most women, who are often left feeling uncomfortable in ill-fitting safety gear. The reason for this is that “unisex” safety footwear for example, offered by many brands, is predominantly a male mould modified with cosmetic touches to be passed off as a female offering. When it comes to footwear, a shoe that does not fit may negatively impact the wearer’s productivity in the short-term and lead to injuries in the long-term.
The fallacy of unisex
As diversity and inclusivity continue to be important to business, more women will be employed in industries that have typically been dominated by men. However, while hiring practices may have evolved, many organisations have not changed their strategy toward safety gear. The most common approach is to obtain one generic, supposedly ‘unisex’ range in a variety of sizes.
However, specifically with reference to footwear, this is not the most appropriate solution, since there is only a small portion of the female population that will suit a unisex shoe which is basically a men’s last in a smaller size. Women’s feet are not only typically smaller than men’s, they are also a different shape, and tend to be narrower. When women are made to wear shoes that do not fit correctly, this can cause problems.
Impacting health, wellness and productivity
In addition to causing discomfort on a daily basis, studies show that ill-fitting shoes cause foot pain and foot disorders, which can negatively impact on health in the long term. According to research, “footwear cannot fulfil its intended purpose if it does not fit the foot correctly”. This means that ill-fitting safety footwear may not effectively be fulfilling their role of keeping women safe.
When women are made to wear poorly fitted shoes, their feet often oscillate from side to side. Over time, the oscillation puts strain on the ankles, which leads to strain on the knees and subsequently strain on the hips. This can in turn cause back pain other issues.
In the case of women with narrow heels, the potential of slipping out of the boot is a daily risk, counteracting the sole purpose of wearing safety footwear. Most women require safety footwear designed specifically for the shape of their feet to ensure they are both comfortable and secure.
Putting your best foot forward
Female-specific PPE, and particularly safety footwear, is not just about cosmetic changes or putting a ‘feminine touch’ on men’s equipment. Women’s safety equipment needs to allowing women to focus on their work rather than on how uncomfortable they are, it is also essential to actually ensuring safety and compliance.
When designing female safety footwear, it is also important to obtain feedback from the wearers of safety boots, whilst taking the different working environments into consideration. We at Sisi Safety Wear have conducted numerous interviews and worked with a specialist podiatrist in the industry to develop a range of safety footwear specifically designed for women and manufactured locally. Our range consists of a number of styles and sole units that take into account the functional and ergonomic requirements of the female workforce across different industries.
Women deserve both safety and comfort in the workplace, and with locally manufactured, women-specific safety wear ranges readily available, there is little excuse for organisations not catering to the needs of their female workforce.
Procuring the right safety footwear is key to female workers’ comfort and wellbeing
June 23rd, 2021 by Nick AlersIndustries’ requirements for safety footwear and other Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) have historically been male dominated, but this trend is changing rapidly. More and more women are entering the workforce, including areas of ‘hard labour’ like mining, manufacturing and construction. This means that more women require PPE, and herein lies the challenge. Procurement officers tend to simply purchase smaller sizes of men’s safety wear to cater to their female workforce, but a woman’s body is not smaller than a man’s, it has a totally different anatomy. When it comes to footwear especially, the wrong fit can be detrimental. Procurement officers need to look at procuring safety equipment and footwear designed specifically for women to ensure their dignity, comfort, health and wellbeing. The cost of purchasing male or unisex safety wear for women can be significantly higher in the long term.
Footwear impacts health and safety
Ill-fitting footwear can cause a range of health problems, including foot pain and foot disorders. According to research, “footwear cannot fulfil its intended purpose if it does not fit the foot correctly”..
What often happens is that women’s feet oscillate in badly fitted shoes, which may have long-term health implications and can cause calf injuries, muscle strain and back problems. In addition, their feet could slip out of the boots, leaving them vulnerable to accidental injury.
Outside of just the personal wellbeing, there are also economic implications from reduced productivity and increased sick leave, medical claims and workmen’s compensation; all of which negatively affect the bottom line.
Cosmetic changes are not enough
When it comes to female-specific safety footwear, mere cosmetic changes are not enough. This fails to address the underlying problems that cause discomfort and can affect the female employee’s wellbeing; this is especially concerning given the fact that there are locally produced, women-specific options available.
Aside from the safety and economic aspects of ill-fitting safety wear, women’s dignity is also negatively impacted, especially where their daily workwear is concerned. If we are to make women feel comfortable and truly included in the workforce, procurement needs to focus on obtaining safe, effective and specific safety wear for their female workforce.
Sisi Safety Wear has invested in research to understanding the specific needs of women in safety within the different sectors. We have provided a solution to meet various requirements within safety footwear, workwear or fall arrests. There is a reason men and women shop for gender specific clothing in general; so with locally produced, women specific safety wear readily available, are you making the right choices for your female workforce?
Sisi Launches Lifestyle Magazine For Women
February 26th, 2020 by Nick AlersSisi Safety Wear unveils quarterly lifestyle magazine targeted at working women in industry, which shares information on how to live a balanced and holistic life whilst juggling multiple roles on a tight budget.
Women’s personal protection equipment manufacturer Sisi Safety Wear has launched a quarterly lifestyle magazine for women, specifically targeted at working women who are juggling multiple roles – mother, wife, daughter, community member and employee – with limited time available in their day; living on very tight and demanding budgets.
The publication, entitled Imbokodo – an isiZulu term referring to the resilience and strength of women – was born out of insights gained from conversations with working women in the industry.
“The title of our publication really sums up the calibre of the women that we are targeting,” says Vanessa Ronald, Senior Brand Manager of Sisi Safety Wear. “In talking to numerous women working in a wide range of industries in South Africa, we have seen that their strength goes beyond just a working woman in a male-dominated industry. It lies in the essence of who these women are and their total contribution to their families, communities and the country as a whole.”
Ronald stated that interviewed women hailing from industries such as Mining, Manufacturing, Engineering and Construction, reported that their days start as early as 4am each morning. “These women are not rising early to fit in a run or head to the gym, but rather to get a head start on the demands of a stressful and tiring day.”
The women stated that their early rising was to allow them time to get themselves ready for the day before seeing to the needs of their children and extended families. Most of these women also rely on public transport as a means of getting to work and their punctuality at work is often determined by the length of a queue and the reliability of the driver thus requiring them to be at the taxi ranks early.
It was also interesting to hear how important these women’s salaries are to the running of their households, reported Ronald. “A woman’s salary is no longer a nice addition to the net monthly household income, but an absolute necessity. With rising costs, high unemployment and the resultant support that is given to extended family members of the employed, a woman’s role as a financial contributor has never been more crucial.”
“As a brand that is committed to the success of women in industry, we are constantly seeking for ways to add value to our target market.”
This led to the creation of a lifestyle magazine that will be distributed to partner companies throughout South Africa who employ women within their workforce. The magazine covers a wide range of topics, from nutritional, emotional and physical to financial and inspirational, with advice given from experts within the relevant fields, who would not necessarily be accessible to these women when considering the demands on their budgets.
“We understand our target market and we know that for many of these women the day starts long before they even get to work. The publication is about equipping women with information that will help them achieve some balance in what can be a very hectic life. We have encouraged women to get in contact with us through the publication and provide feedback, highlighting the types of articles that they would like featured to ensure that what we publish is directly relevant to what they need.”
Read the first edition right here.
Grow Your Own Garden & Feed Your Soul
February 12th, 2020 by Nick AlersWe understand the constant struggle of getting your family to eat enough fresh fruit and veggies to keep them healthy, never mind the cost and hassle of making sure there is always a fresh supply. So we checked out ways you can grow your own fruit and vegetables.
There is nothing quite as delicious as freshly-picked fruit straight off the tree. Even if you have just a small space or patch of dirt, you can still grow a few essentials that will be much cheaper than buying at a supermarket. Grow five basic vegetables that will give you enough for you and your family using the following method:
Draw a circle in the ground about 1 metre wide. Loosen the soil, turn it over and give it a good watering. Divide the circle into five, like cutting a pizza. Dig a 35cm deep hole in the centre of the circle.
Take an empty 2L plastic coke bottle and poke 15 small holes in it all the way around. Place the bottle in the hole you have dug, with the open top sticking out. This is how you will water your vegetable circle. All you need to do is check that the bottle has water in it and it will slowly seep out, keeping the soil damp.
You can edge your circle with stones or half-bricks. You can also use stones to make the dividing lines clearer.
Did you know?
Research shows that gardening can help your children to be more creative, happier, less stressed and more physically healthy? Planting and tending a garden together as a family is a positive and exciting thing to do. Give it a try and let us know how it goes – we’d love to hear about your gardening adventures!
THE FIVE VEGETABLES LISTED BELOW ARE ALL HIGH IN THE VITAMINS AND MINERALS THAT YOU NEED TO KEEP YOU HEALTHY.
- Tomatoes – You can use seeds from any tomato. Simply press the seed into the ground about a thumb length in. You only need to plant two or three seeds. Place a stick into the ground next to the seed because the tomato plant will need to have something to lean against as it grows. The tomato will take about two months to produce.
- Beans – Before planting beans, you need to seed them. Take fresh beans and place the seeds into damp cotton wool or a kitchen towel until a root begins to sprout. Plant these into your circle, about 10 centimetres apart. These will also need sticks to grow up onto. These will also take about two months to begin producing.
- Beetroot – You don’t need seeds for beetroot; you can use the tops of them. Simply cut off the top and leave it in a shallow bowl of water with the cut side down until it starts sprouting. Then you can plant them in your circle. Beetroot takes about three months before you can harvest them.
- Spinach – You will need to get hold of some seeds, but once you’ve grown your first plants, you can leave one to produce seeds. Push the seeds into the soil about half a thumb-length in. They’re really small, so you might have to pull some out once they begin growing. You only need about four to feed your family. This will take about one and a half months to grow.
- Radish – These grow very quickly and are great to add to any dish. Plant the seeds about half a thumb-length into the soil and about one centimetre apart. These will be ready to harvest in about three weeks.
The Power Of Mom
February 12th, 2020 by Nick AlersBeing a single mom can be tough; it’s not easy helping your children grow up to be great humans. Craig Wilkinson, founder of ‘Father a Nation’, says it’s important for boys and girls to have a male figure in their lives, but that women have a vital role too.
He says that it doesn’t matter what you say, it’s what you do that really matters. He’s given us these tips for moms:
Value your own womanhood
When you value your own womanhood, you won’t accept any behaviour towards you that devalues you. When you respect yourself, you will find that men begin to respect you too. How much you value yourself will be how much other people value you. Remember Steve Biko’s words, “The greatest weapon of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed”. Showing your children that you are valuable, tells them that they are too.
Understand and value true masculinity
As a self-respecting, self-loving woman, acknowledge and value true masculinity for the gift that it is to the world. Validate and affirm true masculinity when you see it. Just as men need to love, honour and respect women and womanhood, men need your love and respect. Not when they don’t deserve it of course; that’s when they need your honesty and to know that you will not tolerate their behaviour. If you let your children know what is good behaviour by not accepting bad behaviour, they will learn how to stand up for what is right.
Don’t accept false masculinity
Be assertive in communicating what’s okay and not okay. Men will treat you the way you allow them to. Never accept any behaviour from a man that makes you feel demeaned or ‘less than’ in any way. As soon as it happens, make it known that it’s not acceptable. Call out false masculinity and find men and women to stand with you in resisting it. The minute you see a man treating you or another woman in a way that is not acceptable, tell him. Make sure your children know this too.
Be a great role model, mentor and mother
Model womanhood. Be the woman you want your daughter and the next generation of women to be. Be the woman you want your son to marry. Teach your daughter how to be a great woman – strong, gracious, tender and powerful. Affirm your son’s masculinity, give him permission to be a man. Mentor young women who don’t have a mother or significant older woman in their lives. You have the power to impart the power and beauty of womanhood to younger women. Use this power.
Be free of bitterness and anger.
Get rid of any bitterness and lack of forgiveness. No matter what bad experiences you have had with a man or men in the past, take back your power. Don’t let anger control you. And don’t generalise that experience to all men. Bitterness is a poison you don’t deserve. Set yourself free and model to your son and daughter that men are not all bad, that true masculinity is a great thing. You don’t want your daughter growing up hating men and your son hating himself.
We, women are the core of society, the backbone of community. We can make a big difference in the world simply by teaching our children how to love and respect each other. But it starts with you – learning to love yourself is something we’ll talk about in upcoming editions.
Be Wise And Exercise
February 12th, 2020 by Nick AlersMaking time for exercise is nearly impossible when you’re working and looking after a family. And how many of us have the time or money to go to gym? There’s also the matter of simply not having the energy. But when we spoke to Saskia V, radio personality and personal trainer, she said that exercise actually gives you more energy.
We also told her that most of us just don’t have the time, so she’s given us some tips on how to exercise at work each day. Most of us spend the majority of our day sitting at our desks, which means we don’t get enough physical movement throughout the day. This can result in many health problems. She started by telling us why it’s important to exercise, because we all need motivation, right?
Regular exercise helps:
- Reduce your risk of a heart attack
- Manage weight better
- Lower blood cholesterol level
- Lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and some cancers
- Lower blood pressure
- Strengthen bones, muscles and joints and lower the risk of developing osteoporosis
- Lower risk of falls through stabilising balance, etc
- To recover better from periods of prolonged sitting, hospitalisation or bed rest
- Make us feel better (more energy, a better mood, more relaxed and better sleep)
We asked Saskia to share with us some of the simple exercises we can do at work.
So, let’s look at a typical day and how we can get our heart rates up and get active at work:
- If there are stairs at work, take them. Ignore the lift and go as quickly as possible up the stairs. If you’ve got time, go up and down a few times to get your heart racing.
- Neck stretches – Sit up tall in your chair and drop your left ear down towards your left shoulder and hold for a few seconds. Then repeat for the right side.
- Walk and talk – If you need to speak to a colleague about something, ask them to walk and talk with you – you’ll be doing them a favour by giving them a workout too.
- Wall sit – Stand with your back against the wall and slowly lower yourself into a seated position, holding for 10–30 seconds at a time.
- Calf raises – Using your desk, chair or a wall for support, stand on your tip toes and hold this position for 15 seconds. Lower back down and repeat for two minutes
In our next edition, Saskia is going to tell us how to get strength training into our daily routines. We’re keen to start a movement of movement. So the next time you see a woman rushing to the bathroom or marching in place in a line, give her a round of applause because you’ll know she’s also doing her best to keep her health and weight in-check.
The Dangers Of Workwear
February 12th, 2020 by Nick AlersDiscover the dangers of wearing the wrong cut or even leggings and how your health and productivity is affected.
How many pairs of leggings do you own? More importantly, how many times have you slipped on a pair to smooth out the lumps and bumps you don’t want anyone to know about.
We’ve all done it. Leggings are so comfortable and because they are close-fitting, you can wear them under just about anything.
When it comes to wearing overalls that’s designed for a man, well, that’s when leggings really help. Those pants are just not meant to accommodate all our curves, so when you bend over – eek! Too much is revealed about you.
We know it can get a bit heated with leggings under those male-designed pants, but guess what? It’s not just the heat that’s a problem. Professor Joshua Zeichner, a dermatologist we spoke to, says that wearing leggings all day under your work clothes can cause skin problems and infections. That’s because the material leggings are made from does not absorb moisture. So, if you sweat while wearing them, your skin stays damp all the time. Fungus and bacteria love damp spaces.
- Ring worm is a fungal infection (it’s not really a worm) that is itchy and scaly. It can appear anywhere on your legs or your groin. To get rid of it, you need to use an anti-fungal cream.
- There are two issues that can be made worse by wearing leggings – a vaginal yeast infection and a vaginal bacterial infection.
- A yeast infection happens when the balance of natural bacteria and yeast in your vagina get out of balance. The yeast cells multiply and cause irritation, itching and swelling. You will see a thick, creamy discharge.
- Bacterial vaginosis is also an imbalance of bacteria in your vagina and you usually need antibiotics to get rid of it. The discharge from your vagina will have a fishy smell. Don’t use soap when washing if you have a bacterial infection, because it can make the issue worse. Just use warm water. Wearing leggings won’t cause these two issues, but they can make them worse.
- There’s also the problem of your skin drying out and chafing (when your skin rubs against something all the time) – this can cause bacteria to grow in your hair follicles, which get infected and create sore bumps on your legs. Chafing can also make your skin crack where it is being rubbed, which can be very painful.
- If your leggings are very tight, they can reduce your circulation, which can cause varicose veins.
- If they are too tight around your stomach area, it can cause digestive problems and stomach pain.
