My Winter Workout Program for Grillmasters

Hey there! It’s May, and you know what that means – winter is right around the corner! Ah, winter, when the braai options become scarce and there’s a constant battle for a cozy spot in front of the living room fireplace. Your furry little buddy has probably claimed the best seat in the house, making it a challenge for you to squeeze in and braai something on a tiny grill without making a mess on the carpet. It’s a tough time of the year, especially for us braai enthusiasts, when all we see on our social calendars are fancy “dinner parties” instead of good ol’ braais.

So, you know how sometimes we stop braaing and end up feeling a bit out of shape? Well, it’s because braaing is not only a delicious way to cook food but also a great form of exercise. That’s why I’ve come up with a special plan for all you serious braaiers out there. If you follow this training programme, you’ll be in tip-top shape by the time National Braai Day rolls around on September 24th, marking the start of summer.

Let’s start with a fun warm-up exercise called Pouring wine. All you need are two bottles of wine. You’ll alternate pouring them with each hand, really focusing on keeping those hands steady and not spilling a single drop. Once you feel confident, give it a twist – reach out as if you’re reaching across a fire to turn the chops, all while pouring with the other hand. Oh, and don’t forget, each pour has to be perfect! Practice makes perfect, so keep repeating this exercise, taking it slow and steady.

Mastering the Art of Grid TurningHave you ever wondered how to achieve perfectly grilled meat without the risk of it getting burnt? Well, I’m here to share one of the most crucial steps in the grilling process – turning the grid. Trust me, once you’ve mastered this technique, you’ll be able to impress your friends and family with your braaiing skills.

Now, let me walk you through the proper way to turn the grid. First things first, you need to prepare your grid by filling it with old books or magazines. This might seem odd, but adding some weight will ensure an even cooking surface for your meat. Once your grid is prepared, it’s time to put those muscles to work.

As you hold the grid, start turning it back and forth. Feel the burn in your arms as if you were stirring a pot of mieliepap, that delicious maize-meal porridge. The key here is to gradually increase the distance between your extended arm and your body. This way, you’ll simulate the actual experience of turning the grid over a hot fire.

As you practice, remember that top-class braaiers have mastered the art of ambidextrous grid turning. So why not challenge yourself and train with both arms? Not only will this enhance your grilling prowess, but it’ll also add a dash of flair to your cooking technique.

Now that you’re armed with this knowledge, it’s time to embrace the grid-turning challenge and elevate your braaiing game. Let the flames dance and savor the mouthwatering aroma of perfectly grilled meat. Happy grilling!

Potjie curlsHey there! So, picture this: it’s been a cozy winter, right? All snuggled up by the fire, sipping on hot chocolate. But guess what? Summer’s right around the corner and we can’t afford to have flabby, sluggish biceps when it finally arrives. No way! We want those muscles toned and ready, so we can effortlessly lift that ice-cold beer to our lips. Trust me, it’ll be worth it. Now, here’s what you gotta do: start with a cast-iron pot, like the ones we use for cooking. Grab it with one hand and lift it up, nice and slow. Feel the burn? Good! Now switch arms and do the same thing. Keep going, and as you get stronger, add some water to the pot. You’ll see those muscles shaping up and getting stronger in no time. Cheers to that!

Cooler-box lifts
Cooler boxes can be heavy, but it’s not cool to grunt when you lift them. It shows that you’re not strong enough and that you don’t barbecue often to be used to their weight. Use the winter to get rid of those grunts and practice lifting the cooler box smoothly and with control for the upcoming barbecue season. Just remember to fill it with water first so it’s not too light. This exercise is similar to the barbell bent-over row at the gym, which is part of the official fitness program of Ryk Neethling. So, if you don’t trust me, at least trust the Olympic gold medalist.

(Photographs of Jan by Stephanus Rabie)

(Photographs of Jan by Stephanus Rabie)