For many, the journey to discovering a passion is a gradual one, but for Shontal Lottering, it was instant.
“Three years ago I first put on a pair of rebounding boots and I was immediately smitten,” she said. “The joy of bouncing, the sense of freedom, and the thrilling energy left me hooked. Little did I know that this love affair with rebounding would lead me to become South Africa’s first qualified Fit Boots Master Trainer.”
As South Africa’s first certified instructor, Lottering quickly realised this was not just a personal passion; it was something that needed to be shared with others. “I began teaching classes in Hermanus, where I live, but as I saw the demand for more instructors grow, I felt a larger calling: to spread rebounding across South Africa. The community was ready, and I was determined to lead the charge.”
Through research she quickly identified a critical gap in the market – the need for certified instructor training. While many programmes existed in Europe, South Africa lacked a platform to train new instructors.
“Unfazed by this challenge, I travelled to Spain in 2022 for advanced training, hoping to deepen my knowledge. However, I soon realised that the brand I had trained with had limitations. That’s when I discovered Fit Boots; not just a brand, but a vibrant and supportive community invested in my personal and professional growth.
“In May 2023, I had the privilege of meeting Fit Boots CEO Dorina Rigo over Zoom. I shared my vision for building a rebounding community in South Africa and Dorina’s enthusiastic support was exactly what I needed to commit fully to this mission.
“Determined to succeed, I dedicated myself to perfecting my technique, enduring long hours of practice and even battling through blistered feet.”
Their collaboration culminated in launching South Africa’s first-ever Fit Boots Fundamental Training in Johannesburg, a programme specifically designed to teach the basics of rebounding.
Altogether 14 dedicated women attended this inaugural training in April 2024, each with their own passion and ambition for the sport.
“Their commitment to learning and improving inspired me and deepened my love for this transformative workout.
“The journey continued to gain momentum when Fit Boots International invited me to Spain for Master Training in October 2024. There I joined a global network of Master Trainers who had the same shared vision of promoting rebounding worldwide.”
But the road to success wasn’t easy. “A few weeks before my trip I faced a serious health setback: a chest infection that required hospitalisation. For a moment it seemed like my dreams might be put on hold. But the support I received from the Fit Boots community, especially fellow Master Trainers Cristine Androne, Lizzy Rovira and Fernando Gorini, helped me persevere through the tough days.”
Just one day after being discharged from hospital, she returned to training with a renewed sense of positivity and determination.
“I powered through the Master Training, overcoming personal and physical challenges, and I am proud to say that I emerged from the experience South Africa’s first International Fit Boots Master Trainer.”
This achievement, she said, would not have been possible without the unwavering support of her fiancé Jan-Hendrik, her daughter Ameliha and her friends, family and clients.
“Their belief in me fuelled my drive every step of the way. Hermanus, my home and heart, celebrates this victory with me,” she concluded.
