MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Bodybuilding champion Hein Stander (55), of Mossel Bay, has only three percent vision, yet he is a personal trainer.
He says he does not have to see people's mistakes.
He knows the mistakes they make, because - passionate about physical fitness - he has been training others since his teens.
Hein and his wife Alida own a gym in Dana Bay and are both personal trainers.
Always quick with a joke, Hein says: "Every date with my wife has been a blind date."
He has macular dystrophy. Born with the condition, he estimates he had about 10 percent vision at birth.
Hungry
Last year was a busy one for Hein. He competed in so many competitions, that he says with a laugh: "I was hungry for a year."
On 6 July 2024 he came second in the Masters category for normal athletes at the Physical Culture Association (PCA) Fitness & Bodybuilding Federation Mr Universe competition held at the Garden Route Casino, Mossel Bay.
In the International Body Building Fitness Federation (IBFF) competition held in the Cape on 27 July 2024, he came first in the disabled category and fourth in the Masters category for normal athletes.
On 7 September, in the PCA national competition, Hein came first in the disabled section and second in the Masters for normal athletes.
Then on 26 October, in the international IBFF Mr Universe contest at the Midrand Convention Centre, he came first in the disabled section and fifth in the Masters.
When he is not slimming down for a contest, he enjoys eating.
Alida says: "I'm a good cook." Hein adds: "That's why I need to train so hard - because I eat so much of her food."
Because of the national titles he has won, Hein has been invited to compete overseas three times.
Italy
In 2022 he and his daughter Annelise (21) won regional titles, went on to the nationals in Pretoria and then were invited to compete in Italy.
After his performance in the PCA competition in September, Hein was invited to Amsterdam and after Mr Universe in October, he was selected for a global contest in Russia in June/July this year.
About 300 athletes from around the world competed in Mr Universe in October.
It was the first time the global competition was held in South Africa.
Unfortunately Hein has not taken up any of the invitations to compete overseas because of the hefty travel costs.
If you would like to support his athletic excellence and his being a sport ambassador, especially for the disabled, contact him (082 445 2760).
Being disabled has helped Hein to help others with disabilities.
He has a client with cerebral palsy, who never thought he could gym, and who is delighted to have grown in strength.
Hein is innovative as a trainer, using sandbags and bands for resistance training.
Assists elderly
He also assists the elderly, who are unable to afford physiotherapists, to become stronger and more mobile. When his clients are taking strain during a workout, Hein says: "Don't roll your eyes or give me the 'look', because I won't see it."
He says: "I love God with all my heart. The Holy Spirit helps me train people. I ask God."
He adds, chuckling: "Often my clients pray during their workout as well."
He attended a special school in Pretoria from Grade 3 to matric. He has a BA Communications, which included advertising, marketing and journalism from Rand Afrikaans University. He did all his exams orally.
Alida and Hein Stander. Photo: Supplied
BELOW: Hein in his gym in Dana Bay with his son, Christiaan.
ABOVE AND BELOW: Hein Stander in his gym in Dana Bay.
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