Mrs. Wanitha Ashok, a FitIndia ambassador and lifestyle motivator who is one of India’s leading fitness experts, also known as Bengaluru’s Fitness Queen was interviewed by 13to19 on fitness tips and motivation goals. 

 

Q. How and where do we start exercising? How do I continue to stay motivated?

A. We grow up doing exercise all our life right as a baby in the womb till we are unable to move. A common misconception is that the exercise is called going to the gym while exercise ranges from just doing physical activity, it can be any sport or even running and dancing but expending the physical energy every day is important. 

Motivation, of course has to come from within but you can keep in mind that instead of viewing an exercise to lose weight, you need to focus on exercise as an aspect which will improve your health. All of us have dreams and ambitions and we need our health to do so, hence shift your aim to having good health and the results will follow.

 

Q. What are the most common misconceptions with regards to health and fitness, can we rely on online sources?

A. Online sources can be trusted as long is it comes from certified trainers. People often have the idea that if they sweat more, they have a good workout, that may not necessarily hold true, burning occurs through cardio and staying in a calorie deficit. 

Your body changes slowly and it is more important to focus on the amount of food consumed than the exercise. You can never outwork your diet and hence have to stay consistent; the gaining of fat took some time hence the losing will also take an equal amount of time. 

 

Q. Do you think non vegetarian diets are more beneficial than vegetarian diets and what is your take on veganism?

A. It all depends on choice. You can choose to be vegan, followed by suitable supplements which is usually more expensive. I myself am a vegetarian and lactose intolerant; even though a lot of people say non vegetarian diets are superior it all depends on your mindset as long as you consume enough protein and carbohydrates. Non vegetarians may find it easier consume protein due to lean meats like chicken and fish but vegetarians also have high protein foods like paneer, milk, soya, lentils and nuts. It is not necessary to be non-vegetarian and solely depends on what you eat regardless of consuming meat or not.