‘How to keep one physically fit and healthy,’ is easily one of the most common conversations
across all social circles and age groups. More oft than not, these
conversations revolve around weight loss tips and exchanging notes on the
latest exercise technique to achieve the magic ‘weight’ number.
The stories get even more interesting when they involve a friend
who has successfully transformed his or her appearance and has lost around
20-30 kgs. On social media, these stories take the form of ‘Before and After’
pictures and these individuals go on to serve as role models for their peers as
they overcame habits and lethargy and stuck to a rigorous diet and fitness
regime.
In many such cases, they also dealt with obesity and the various
psychological and health problems that are associated with it.
Zinaida Mascarenhas is one such person who recently underwent a
massive transformation. “My transformation has given birth to a whole new
person, not just physically, but mentally, emotionally and spiritually too. Of
course, my values will never change but I feel alive for the first time in
years! I want to move, run, jump, lift, swing, love, appreciate, help, give
back, be grateful, be thankful, be humble, and never stop, says Zinaida.
Speaking about what motivated her to undergo such a change, she
says that it was a series of heart-wrenching moments that got her thinking
seriously about weight loss.
“The final wake-up call was when I snapped my ankle because I
fell awkwardly on it, resulting in surgery and a plate and screws fixed into my
right ankle. Three months in a wheelchair got me seriously thinking about where
my life was headed, and the urgent need for a change in lifestyle,” adds
Zinaida.
Kanishka Rustom too had a similar experience. “I weighed 130+
kilos. I went for a trek and I basically embarrassed myself trying to haul
myself over the hills. It was a wakeup call. Your body will hurt a lot, and
it’s not easy trying to lose 40-odd kilos,” says Kanishka.
He adds that while it took him a very long time, it was worth
it. “If you want to do this, don’t do it for others; just do it for yourself.
Second, be prepared that life will become very regimented and confusing.
While Zinaida and Kanisha have each stuck to various forms of
exercise such as long distance running and kickboxing respectively, adhering to
a strict diet has been a common factor.
Ransley Caldeira concurs and shares his philosophy that it is
better to set a target to remain fit rather than losing weight. He adds that
the diet is a game changer. “The most difficult part is sticking to the diet
and exercise for if you don’t, you can go back to square one. It’s all in the
mind and you need sheer dedication and motivation,” he says.
Andre Velho, who also underwent a significant transformation,
states that the key motivation to joining the gym was to lose weight: “I always
went to the gym but never paid attention to cardio or my diet. I started losing
weight quickly when I joined the beach workout program by Sunil’s Fitness Wave.
It wasn’t just working out; they also had me reduce the intake of sugar and
simple carbs like white rice and white bread and shift to bulgar wheat and
whole wheat bread,” he details.
Sunil’s Fitness Wave led by physical fitness trainer Sunil
Karmalkar has become a bit hit among fitness enthusiasts. Another popular
fitness program is the one at Fitness Five where the drills revolve around
elements such as cardio fitness, muscle strength, muscle endurance, flexibility
and body composition.
Danees
Kazi, rehab and fitness professional at Fitness Five believes that drills are a
great way of motivating people to exercise. “I have realised that people do
need a lot of motivation to stay consistent with their workouts. I also
realised that change in schedules can cause a curiosity which builds up
interest. The drills proved to be a great way of achieving this.”
