Why FemmeFit Fest Is Becoming Johannesburg’s Favourite Female Fitness Event

Why FemmeFit Fest Is Becoming Johannesburg’s Favourite Female Fitness Event

Why FemmeFit Fest Is Becoming Johannesburg’s Favourite Female Fitness Event 

 

FemmeFit Fest makes a return on Saturday, 28 March 2026, at Syringa Park in Avianto Estate, bringing together over 1000 women for one of Johannesburg’s fastest growing female fitness events.


In a very short space of time, FemmeFit Fest has grown exponentially. Why does it stand out? We offer something slightly different from the typical fitness event. Instead of focusing on one specific type of exercise or influencer-led attendance, the event acts as a space where women can simply move their bodies, try new kinds of exercise and enjoy it all with close friends and family.  

 
Why Another Fitness Event?  

 

FemmeFit Fest was created to help fitness feel inclusive again, rather than intimidating. Our focus has always been to create an environment that feels approachable and enjoyable from the moment you arrive. In a time where health and wellness content is booming on social media, it can sometimes feel as though wellness is reserved for perfectly curated lifestyles. FemmeFit Fest shifts the focus back to real people and real experiences. 


There is no pressure to perform or look a certain way. It is simply about showing up, taking part and enjoying the moment. This approach is part of the reason FemmeFit Fest continues to grow year after year, with the event now nearly three times larger than when it first launched just two and a half years ago. 


Alongside this, there is also a noticeable shift in how people are socialising. It is becoming increasingly common for weekends to revolve around healthy habits, particularly in group settings. Whether it is a F45 class, a cycle, a parkrun, a Pilates class or even just a hike, many people are choosing to turn movement into a social activity. 

In Johannesburg especially, these shared experiences have become an important way for people to connect with friends and build community. FemmeFit Fest adds to this shift by creating a safe and welcoming space for women to spend their weekend in a healthier way. It also gives women the opportunity to find camaraderie along a personal wellness journey that can sometimes feel incredibly lonely. 

The Workout Experience  

To paint a picture, attendees arrive, collect their complimentary goodie bags, find a space in front of the stage, roll out their mats and wait for the fun to begin. Movement sits at the centre of the FemmeFit Fest experience, with participants guided through a series of workouts led by experienced instructors. 

Each workout brings a different style of movement. Some sessions get the heart rate up, while others slow the pace with controlled movement, mobility and stretching. The programme is designed so women of all fitness levels can participate comfortably. 

 

 

Warm-up with Monique Fit 

 

The morning will begin with a light stretching and mobility session led by Monique Fit, a long-time NPL athlete and familiar face at FemmeFit. Her session will get everyone ready for the workouts ahead. 

 

HIIT Workout with Thulani Chipanga 

New to FemmeFit this year, Thulani Chipanga leads a high-energy HIIT session built around short bursts of intense exercise followed by recovery periods. 

 

Dance Session with Fitness Icon 

 The very popular Fitness Icon crew returns with a dance workout focused on rhythm and movement. It is less about perfect choreography and more about stepping out of your comfort zone.  

 

Pilates with FS8 Bryanston 

 

Also new to the FemmeFit line-up, FS8 Bryanston brings a Pilates session focused on controlled movement, core strength and stability. 

 

Yoga Cooldown with Tidi Sehlako 

 

The morning will end off with a yoga cooldown led by the charismatic Tidi Sehlako, another well-known NPL athlete and FemmeFit favourite. Her session slows things down with gentle stretching and mindful movement to end the event on a calm note. 

 

 

Wellness Brands and Activations

 

Just a short walk from the workout stage, the FemmeFit Fest wellness village gives attendees the opportunity to explore a range of health and lifestyle brands. From well-known international names to proudly South African businesses, our event partners showcase products and services that fit naturally into a healthy lifestyle. 
 
This year’s wellness village brings together a variety of brands, from activewear and healthy foods to recovery, skincare, financial wellness and lifestyle products. 

 

Brands involved this year include: 

 

Featured Wellness Experiences 

Skin Functional 

The Skin Functional team will be offering personalised consultations to help participants better understand their skin and learn which ingredients may work best for their routine. It is a great opportunity to ask questions and get practical skincare advice. 

Hyperice Recovery Zone 

 

Hyperice is a global leader in recovery technology used by professional athletes and fitness enthusiasts around the world. Hyperice will be offering free sports bra fittings, helping participants find the right support for their workouts.  

 

CITO Consult 

CITO Consult will also be present at the event, focusing on financial wellness. Their team will be available to speak with attendees about budgeting and building healthy financial habits.  

How to Prepare for the Event 

If you are joining us on the 28th March, there are a couple of things you should bring to make sure you’re comfortable on the day. 

Your own yoga mat: we do not provide yoga mats for the event

 
Sunscreen: the event takes place outdoors 


A water bottle: although drink stations will be available


Comfortable activewear and shoes: expect lots of movement

Keep in mind that many attendees choose to arrive early so they can check in without rushing, collect their goodie bag and enjoy the calm before the workouts begin. 

All Fitness Levels Welcome 

One of the reasons FemmeFit Fest appeals to so many people is its inclusive approach to fitness. The event welcomes women with very different levels of experience. Some participants are regular gym goers, while others are just beginning to explore exercise as part of their lifestyle. 

The workouts are structured so that everyone can participate comfortably. Instructors often demonstrate variations of movements so participants can adjust intensity based on their own comfort level. Friends often attend together, but the event is also welcoming for people who come on their own. It is common to see small groups forming throughout the morning as people strike up conversations during breaks between sessions. 

 

The relaxed environment helps remove some of the pressure that people sometimes associate with fitness spaces. 

 

 

A Shared Fitness Experience 

 

Seeing hundreds of women moving together in one space, and this year closer to 1000, creates a sense of connection that is difficult to replicate in everyday fitness settings. 

 

For many women in Johannesburg, it has become a yearly opportunity to reconnect with movement, spend time with friends and be part of something positive. By the end of the event, the experience feels less like a series of workouts and more like a celebration of movement and community. As wellness events continue to grow across South Africa, FemmeFit Fest stands out for its welcoming approach and focus on real participation rather than performance. 

 

Events like FemmeFit Fest also form part of NPL’s broader mission to build stronger fitness communities through initiatives such as the Body Revolution Challenge. Many women participating in the 12-week transformation challenge are also attending FemmeFit Fest, looking for guidance, connection and resources along their health journey. 

Related posts

  • Built To Perform: The Search for the Next Yellow Army Athlete

    Built To Perform: The Search for the Next Yellow Army Athlete

    There is no wishing for results here. Your effort determines the outcome, and no goal worth having is ever handed to you. It is about the work you put in when nobody is watching and the discipline required to stay the course.  

  • NPL x Virseker Noordvaal Cup 2026: Fueling the Future of South African Rugby

    NPL x Virseker Noordvaal Cup 2026: Fueling the Future of South African Rugby

    The Virseker Noordvaal Cup is one of South Africa's oldest and most respected school rugby tournaments. Since its inception in 1920, it has grown into a tournament that measures the strength of an entire rugby programme, not just a single team.

  • NPL Whey Protein

    Best Whey Protein in South Africa 2026: NPL's Top Picks

    Whether you’re an athlete, looking to feel better in your own skin, or just need something that fits into a busy schedule, we’ve got you. Think of this as your personal breakdown to help you pick the right tool for the job.

  • Whey Protein

    The Ultimate Guide to Whey Protein: Types, Benefits & Which to Choose

    In this guide, we explore the science behind whey protein and how its unique biological profile helps you reach your training goals and improve overall wellness.