Trainer Michael Nangolo shapes bodies and minds

With more than a decade of experience in the fitness industry, Nucleus Health and Fitness Club personal trainer Michael Nangolo has become a recognisable figure to early-morning gymgoers.

Training over 20 clients a day and holding a qualification from FitPro in South Africa, he has built a career centred on physical transformation, balanced eating and mental well-being.

Speaking in an interview this week, Nangolo said his journey began when he realised how strongly fitness shaped his own life.

“After moving into adulthood, I recognised the transformative power of fitness, not just for physical health but also for mental well-being,” he said.

“This inspired me to pursue exercise science and personal training so I could empower others to embrace a healthier lifestyle.”

Originally from Ongwediva, Nangolo grew up playing football and taking part in outdoor activities and traditional games.

These early experiences, he said, built the foundation for his lifelong appreciation of health and movement. At Nucleus, he now designs personalised training programmes that consider each client’s needs, abilities and aspirations.

“I’m focused on creating a community that thrives on mutual encouragement and success,” he said.

He emphasised the role of nutrition in body transformation, noting that he spends time researching healthy foods and modelling good habits.

“Healthy eating is a big part of fitness, so I make sure I live what I teach,” he added, mentioning his part-time work as a Herbalife supervisor.

Outside the gym, Nangolo enjoys music, films and spending time with his five-year-old daughter.

“I listen to a lot of deep house, Afro house, amapiano and local music,” he said. “I’m also a big fan of Gazza.”

Reflecting on the realities of his profession, Nangolo said motivation remains one of the biggest challenges. “Many clients start strong but lose motivation or face obstacles that disrupt their progress,” he explained. “And because every client has different goals and backgrounds, tailoring workouts while ensuring safety can be demanding.”

Despite this, he said the rewards outweigh the difficulties.

“Helping clients achieve their goals and improve their health brings a real sense of fulfilment,” he noted.

Nangolo said he believes fitness can be a powerful tool for resilience.

“Working out changes your perspective towards life,” he said. “It keeps your mind away from many things – whether financial or health issues. Some people turn to alcohol or drugs to release stress, but I’d say whenever you’re going through something, go for a run.”

He added that staying active offers a practical, accessible way for people to manage stress and maintain a healthier outlook.

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