Every 'tannie' needs a Herschelle

GEORGE NEWS AND VIDEO: What began as a simple walk down the street has become a fitness journey for Hettie Langenhoven (60), now affectionately known as the 'TikTok tannie' from Heather Park.

And the man behind her remarkable journey? Local fitness coach and all-around good guy, Herschelle Jantjies.

Herschelle, owner of Ultra Fitt, has been a close friend of Hettie's daughter, Nelmarie, for eight years. To Hettie, he is like a child in the house, and it was this bond that led to a pivotal moment that changed Hettie's life.

Going for a walk

In 2020, Hettie battled Covid-19, which left her lungs severely compromised and everyday movements ended up being mammoth tasks. Adding to her struggles was her love of sweets. But this year, on Monday 6 January, during one of his visits, Herschelle asked her, "So tannie Hettie, when are we going for a walk?"

"I laughed at him and declined his offer. I barely had enough motivation to stand up from my living room chair, never mind going for a walk," says Hettie.

But Herschelle isn't only a physical powerhouse - his power of persuasion should not be underestimated, and before she knew it, Hettie was up and out the door with Herschelle by her side - walking down the street at her own pace.

Since then, one would say, she found her cheerleader.

Click here to watch their latest (day 4) video.

The TikTok tannie

That walk was the beginning of Hettie's transformation that turned into weekly walks, which Nelmarie began documenting on video.

After it was shared on Herschelle's TikTok account (@herschelle_joshua) on Monday 20 January, it went viral - dubbing Hettie the "TikTok tannie". Many social media users commented, praising his relationship with Hettie and his help in getting her fit.

Someone even tagged Asics in the hope that they would sponsor her with decent running shoes.

A week after the video was posted, it already had more than 200 000 views.

"I'll never forget when we were walking past a petrol station, one of the attendants jumped up when he saw us coming and shouted: "Here comes the TikTok tannie," laughs Hettie.

"At the beginning of our walks, I had to hold on to Herschelle for support. Now I walk on my own."

While Hettie sometimes ventures out solo, her and Herschelle's weekly walks have become a routine - one that is going to be hard to break. Hettie is determined to make a change to her health, one step at a time. "I walked here by myself this morning," she says while we are sitting in Herchelle's gym.

More walks, more energy

"Since we started our walks I have more energy and I'm already more mobile. I can see an improvement and I thank our heavenly father for Herschelle and the motivation he has given me to get up and start walking.

It's hard to get started, but the best way is to simply get up and start.

Put one foot in front of the other and get yourself out of your front door," says Hettie.

Herschelle, ever the humble motivator, says he's the one who feels inspired. "Hettie's journey shows that even the smallest steps can lead to big changes. At the end of the day, it's all in your head. If your mindset is right, your body will follow."

Hettie and Herschelle will continue their journey, and we hope to follow up on them soon, but one thing is certain - now every tannie wants a Herschelle.

WATCH: Herchelle and Hettie's adventure starts:

Herschelle also did a stint as an au pair in America before he moved back to George to become a fitness instructor. Here he is with 'his family', the Colvins.