Sbahle Mpisane opens up about intentionally gaining 15kg to support her body reset

“2026 is the year to invest in yourself.” Those are the words from Sbahle Mpisane, also known to many as the FitnessBunnie, as she begins a new chapter in her health journey with honesty and calm confidence. 

Mpisane recently shared a video of herself training, using the moment to speak openly about the choices that she made over the past year.

In a message posted on social media, she revealed that she intentionally gained 15kg after realising that her body needed something different.

She explained that she stepped back from intense training, changed her public name from FitnessBunnie to Sparkles, and allowed herself the freedom to eat without pressure or restriction.

“Last year I learned my body needed something different and intentionally gained 15kg to reset it,” she wrote.

“I stepped back from training, I even changed my name from FitnessBunnie to Sparkles and allowed myself to eat freely. Currently, I am 90kg, but my goal weight is 75kg, no change. I am well recovered. Lifting heavy. Eating better. See you in three months. Same shower. New me.”

Her words struck a chord with many followers, who praised her honesty and courage. The comments section quickly filled with encouragement and admiration.

One user described her as a trendsetter and suggested that she consider starting a gym dress line, saying many women would feel more confident if they saw fitness represented in different ways.

Another user simply wrote, “Couldn’t say it better,” echoing the sentiments of many who appreciated her openness.

A third added, “See you in three months,” showing support for her commitment and journey.

Mpisane’s relationship with fitness has evolved over the years. She has revealed in interviews that as a teenager, she struggled with body image and experimented with diets and pills in an attempt to become thinner.

In 2014, she made a conscious decision to pursue a healthier, more balanced lifestyle, choosing to embrace her natural body while prioritising overall well-being. She began documenting her journey on social media as a form of personal motivation, but her authenticity soon attracted a large following.

This momentum led to the creation of her FitnessBunnie brand, through which she offered personal coaching, fitness programmes and boot camps aimed at empowering women.

Her message centred on challenging narrow beauty standards and proving that women of different body types could be strong, confident and healthy.

Her journey has not been without hardship.

In 2018, Mpisane survived a serious car accident that required a long period of recovery, both physically and emotionally.

In recent years, her focus has shifted more toward healing, self-acceptance and sustainability rather than appearance alone.