Move & Thrive with Dr Siya_K
Move & Thrive with Dr Siya_K is the podcast for active people who want to move better, train smarter, and stay healthy for life - without burnout and without avoidable injuries. Hosted by Dr Siyabonga Kunene, a sports physiotherapist, coach, endurance runner, and cyclist, the show blends science, performance insight, and practical strategies to help you optimise your health and athletic potential.
Episodes
28 episodes
Run Stronger, Run Smarter: The Power of Strength Training for Runners
Want to run faster, longer, and stay injury-free? In this episode, we’re joined by sports physiotherapist Mr Khuliso Netshivhangani, who shares expert insights on why strength training is the missing link for many runners. We unpack the science...
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Season 4
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Episode 28
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55:42
Illnesses & Risks in Endurance Athletes
Endurance runners think a lot about injuries, but often miss the early signs of illness, fatigue and system overload. In this episode, Dr Abongile Qamata breaks down the hidden health risks runners face. Learn how to spot red flags early, prote...
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Season 4
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Episode 27
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41:15
Running Two Races: My Journey to My 5th Comrades Marathon
In this episode, I share my personal journey as I prepare for my fifth Comrades Marathon, one of the world’s most iconic ultramarathons. I talk about my humble beginnings, what it takes to train for nearly 90 km, and how discipline, faith, and ...
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Season 4
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Episode 26
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29:06
Women in Sport & Health: Specific Considerations
Sport is more than competition; it’s a source of identity, confidence, health, and opportunity. Yet for millions of women and girls, access to sport remains unequal and full of barriers. In this episode, Professor Corlia Brandt joins us to expl...
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Season 3
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Episode 25
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44:26
Sports Endurance Starts in the Mind
This episode dives into why endurance begins in the mind long before it shows in the body. I speak with sports psychologist Martin Scheepers about building resilience, mindset, and purpose in training. Whether you're chasing a challenging sport...
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Season 3
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Episode 24
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44:27
Sleep Is Not a Luxury: The Science of Sleep and Kuhle Nkwenkwezi’s Experience
Sleep is not a luxury; it’s the foundation of health, performance, and emotional resilience. Through science and Kuhle Nkwenkwezi’s journey, we explore how reclaiming your nights can transform your days.
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Season 3
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Episode 23
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45:28
Rested but Still Tired: The Hidden Exhaustion of Active People
We train hard, try to sleep more, and eat well - yet many of us are still exhausted. In this episode, we unpack why fatigue persists even when we’re “doing everything right.” Discover the 7 types of rest and which one your active lifestyle migh...
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Season 3
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Episode 22
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20:23
Fasting: From Ancient Wisdom to Modern Medicine
In this episode, I explore fasting (voluntary abstention from food) from all angles: its history, the science behind it, the different methods, and how to practice it safely and intentionally.
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Season 3
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Episode 21
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21:16
Intersection between health and spirituality
In this episode, we explore the powerful intersection between health and spirituality. I’m joined by a friend and a brother in Christ, Mr Itu Maboye.
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Season 3
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Episode 20
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48:44
Tired but Not Broken: Healing the Overloaded Mind
In this episode, I explore what it means to guard the mind, to confront inner emptiness, to heal emotional noise, and to rediscover purpose. And most importantly, we reflect on how to find rest, renewal, and clarity.
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Season 3
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Episode 19
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24:55
The Cost of Borrowed Energy: What Stimulants Steal From Your Body
In this episode, I uncover the hidden cost of borrowed energy and share my personal battle with stimulant dependence. Join me as I explore how stimulants disrupt the body, weaken natural strength, and cloud both health and spiritual clarity
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Season 2
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Episode 18
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25:48
The Transformation I Didn’t See Coming – Sugar-Free Challenge
In this episode, I share my two-month journey of cutting out added sugar, even through the indulgence of the festive season. From battling withdrawal symptoms to experiencing surprising health breakthroughs, discover how going sugar-free comple...
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Season 2
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Episode 17
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22:09
A Weight Loss Strategy That Actually Works
In this episode, I'm tackling a topic that affects communities everywhere: how to lose weight effectively, with strategies that are realistic, sustainable, and grounded in science.
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Season 2
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Episode 16
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25:38
Exploring hiking as a lifestyle – personal journey of Professor Veronica Ntsiea
In this episode, we explore hiking as more than a leisure activity; it is a meaningful, health-enhancing, and transformative practice. Professor Veronica Ntsiea, a physiotherapist and academic, shares her personal journey into hiking and offers...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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1:07:19
Nutrition as a Prescription for Optimal Health
In this episode, we discuss nutrition as a prescription for optimal health. Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining and promoting overall well-being. I’m joined by Dr Muziwakhe Tshabalala, a respected physiotherapist, health advocate, and...
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Season 2
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Episode 14
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1:01:59
Nutrition in Sports – a conversation with a sports dietitian, Nicki de Villiers
This is a must-listen episode. We unpack one of the most essential pillars of sports performance: nutrition. We explore how the fuel you choose shapes your training, boosts competition readiness, accelerates recovery, and even supports your ret...
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Season 2
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Episode 13
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52:42
Running-related injuries (knee) – a conversation with Professor Cerel Viljoen, a physiotherapist
In this episode, we are joined by Professor Carel Viljoen, a sports physiotherapist and academic, as we explore the prevention and rehabilitation of running-related injuries, with a special focus on the knee.
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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47:36
Mastering the Marathon: Insights from a Sub-3 Hour Marathon Runner
In this episode, we step inside the world of marathon performance as a sub-3-hour runner, Wandisile Nkwalase, shares the passion, discipline, and mindset that define his remarkable journey. Through this powerful conversation, we unpack the less...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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1:15:17
How Running Shoes Influence Performance and Injury Risk?
In this episode, I’m joined by sports podiatrist Lucas Breedt for an insightful conversation about how running shoes influence both performance and injury risk. We explore how the right footwear can enhance efficiency, support biomechanics, and...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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48:59
Precision in motion - training and race tactics for runners
In this episode, I'm having a conversation with an experienced elite runner and coach, Wandisile Nongodlwana. We are discussing the importance of precision in running, unpacking key training strategies and race-day tactics designed to help runn...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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1:28:06
Durability - The Overlooked Key to Long-Term Sports Performance
Do you find your speed or power fading towards the end of training or competition? The missing link might be durability. In this episode, we unpack what durability really means and why it’s a game-changer for sustaining performance when fatigue...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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33:53
The Power of Nutrition for Health and Performance
Discover how smart nutrition transforms health, boosts energy, and powers peak performance, from everyday living to elite sport. In this episode, you will learn practical, science-based strategies to eat, move, and live with purpose, because yo...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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25:12
Once Injured, Always at Risk?
In this episode, we are discussing why your past sports injuries might be your biggest predictor of future injuries. Your past injuries tell a story, and if you listen carefully, they can guide your training, your recovery, and your performance...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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26:52
Managing Running Load to Prevent Injuries
In this episode, we dive into a topic that affects almost every runner: running load management. We’ll talk about what running load actually means, why managing it matters, and several practical strategies you can start using right away to keep...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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27:35