Hello

Hi, I’m Marilette — or just Coach M, as most people know me.
 

Movement has been a part of my identity for as long as I can remember. My journey started at just five years old in a dance studio, dressed in a leotard and ballet shoes, full of energy and curiosity. From those first twirls and pliés, I went on to perform in countless eisteddfods, stage productions, and exams in both ballet and modern dance. I loved the discipline, the creativity, and the joy that came from expressing myself through movement.
 

Eventually, I earned my Modern and Contemporary Dance Teachers Certificate, and I discovered something that would stay with me for life — the joy of teaching. There’s something powerful about guiding someone through a process, helping them achieve things they didn’t think were possible, and seeing them light up with confidence and pride. That’s when I realized: this wasn’t just a passion. It was a calling.
 

But like many journeys, mine took a sudden turn. Just before completing my dance teaching qualification, I sustained a serious injury. I was young, determined — and a little impatient. Instead of giving my body the rest and rehab it truly needed, I pushed through the pain just to finish what I had started. That injury ultimately ended my dance career, and though it was devastating at the time, it also opened the door to something new.
 

With dance no longer in the picture, I chose a more "sensible" path and pursued a qualification in Sports and Event Management, adding certifications in accounting and administration along the way. I worked in a variety of industries — from sports events and hospitality to admin and customer service — both in South Africa and the UK. Those experiences taught me a lot about people, discipline, and the importance of adaptability. They also allowed me to support myself during my time abroad after my injury. But deep down, I knew something was missing.
 

That “something” was movement. Fitness. Wellness. That spark I felt in the dance studio had never really gone out.

In my teens, I was diagnosed with severe lactose intolerance, and later, in my early twenties, gluten intolerance. These diagnoses forced me into a crash course in nutrition. I had to learn how to fuel my body safely and effectively, reading every label, understanding ingredients, and discovering which foods helped me perform, recover, and feel good. That experience was challenging — but it sparked a deep interest in nutrition and lifestyle coaching, which would later become a cornerstone of my approach with clients.
 

While living in the UK, I began to see walking in a new light. It wasn’t just something we do to get from A to B — it was a form of therapy, a way to clear your mind, reset, and take control of your health. That realization sparked something in me. I started studying fitness training, and began combining it with my background in dance to build a new path.
 

In 2007, I found running — or maybe running found me. I wasn’t the fastest, but I was consistent. I showed up. I stuck with it. And I realized that’s what truly matters. Since then, I’ve completed over 100 half marathons, several full marathons, countless 10Ks, trail runs, and of course, a fair share of parkruns. Each race taught me something — about grit, about pacing yourself (in running and in life), and about the joy of crossing a finish line that once felt impossible.
 

That’s when I knew it was time to take coaching seriously. I completed my first coaching qualification to better understand how to structure programs — not just for myself, but for others. Along the way, I was mentored by incredible coaches and running partners who helped shape my philosophy and approach.
 

At the same time, I was still searching for nutrition products that fit my dietary needs. Many were either ineffective or just downright unpleasant. Then, in 2010, I discovered Herbalife Nutrition. The products tasted great, worked with my intolerances, and supported my active lifestyle. More importantly, they made me feel energized and balanced. Today, I proudly partner with Herbalife — the No. 1 nutrition company in the world — and incorporate their products into my coaching, knowing they make a real difference.
 

In 2017, I officially became a certified Exercise Specialist with a focus on strength and endurance coaching, and completed additional training in nutritional therapy and nutrition coaching. My mission became clear: to help people become stronger, healthier, more capable versions of themselves — whether they’re training for a race, recovering from injury, or simply trying to move better in their everyday lives.
 

That same year, life threw me another curveball. I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, which would lead to a series of health challenges over the next five years. I experienced everything from iron deficiency and dual pulmonary embolisms to fractures caused by medication, and eventually underwent colon removal surgery in 2021. It was a brutal period, full of setbacks and restarts. But through it all, I learned something invaluable: the power of resilience, mindset, and daily movement — even when it feels like your body is failing you.
 

Starting from scratch, again and again, taught me that success isn’t about going hard all the time. It’s about showing up when it’s hard. Being consistent, even if progress is slow. And finding strength in the smallest victories.
 

All of these experiences — the good, the tough, and everything in between — have shaped my mission.
 

Today, I work with a wide range of individuals: athletes, weekend warriors, beginners, retirees, new moms, people recovering from illness or injury, and everyone in between. My coaching is rooted in empathy, experience, and a deep understanding of what it means to start over — and to rise stronger each time.
 

I believe fitness should be accessible to everyone. I believe in training smart, eating to nourish, and building a mindset that can carry you through the hard days. I believe in celebrating every step forward, no matter how small.

Most of all, I believe in helping ordinary people become extraordinary — by giving them the tools, support, and belief they need to unlock their full potential.
 

If you’re ready to move better, grow stronger, shift your mindset, and build a healthier, more resilient version of yourself — I’m here to help you every step of the way.
 

Let’s do this, together.