How Fitness regime changed the life of Vinod Garg – a key to his success!
Life is a challenge every single day, be it business decisions, family problems, or health conditions. One may lose or win these challenges, but to face them with courage is what fitness regime thought Vinod Garg. An engineer by profession from MNIT, Post-graduation IIT (Mumbai), MBA in Project management.
Vinod Garg’s was overweight pushing himself to do any job. But his attitude towards life changed completely after he got fit. This reflects in his personality, looks years younger, a positive approach in whatever he does, always active and on the move. He maintains a work-life balance, follows his passion for running, cycling, swimming, playing mouth-organ, flute, keyboard and an amateur singer – a multifaceted person.
When you have more energy and you’re a happier person, you bring that much more enthusiasm and energy and performance to your role in your work and also as a parent and partner.
Creating a positive Impact in the Workplace.
The result of Vinod Garg’s fitness regimen was a financial growth in business. A boost in his mood, productivity and energy level all these came as a reward.
His inspiring journey …… The story he always takes pride to share.
Lifelong couch potato? Yes, I was!
Even walking around the block, climbing up the stairs required huge motivation. The truth was, I kept adding kilo after kilo of extra weight – all of which led to High Blood Pressure and Sleep Apnea!!
FITNESS as an option was something I was never attracted to, though I did try it in many forms repeatedly – but I failed. These failures left a deep impact on my psyche, making it even harder for me to push myself to get a better shape. At the age of 48, I had already been on medication for BP and suffering from sleep apnea for 3 years. I was a poor role model for the family. My 18-year elder son was growing into a couch potato too, which I never wanted him to be. My dismal performance on the health front was the fact that I could not meet our younger son Harshil’s simple demands to play outdoor games with him. I wanted to be a Role model for my kids. All this finally pushed me to look for a change in my life.
I started training myself for the marathon and became very aware, that the challenge I faced would be both physically and mentally demanding. I started to doubt myself but thankfully I am surrounded by an amazing group of family and friends who got me through this period.
What reframed my thinking?
My friend Ajay Seth national level fitness trainer by profession, always motivated me to get fit and healthy. He pushed me to start running and make it a goal to run a full marathon in a period of one year. Also motivated by the family doctor and college friend Dr.Pramod Dhaka (of the same age 48 years, looked half the age) who wanted me to follow a steady regimen of physical fitness.
I laughed at the thought of a couch potato turning into a marathon runner – and that too in a span of one year. But his constant motivation made me give a thought and finally in April 2015 with a determination to run a marathon, I tied the laces of my vintage sneakers and jogged into it. Initially felt they could break my leg at any moment and the cramps were so severe but slowly running became a habit. My legs and my mind started to jiggle if I did not run on some days. Monthly milestones were set by my friend turned my fitness trainer. The slow pace with the longest possible duration created an aerobic base. In a short span of three months, I jogged for 2 hours non-stop. This fostered my love of distance running
Confidence grew with practice! Laid foot on the track. Proud to have completed my first Delhi half marathon (on 29th November 2015), where I hit the finish line with aplomb.
This success further boosted my confidence and then nothing could pull me back. Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Bangalore half marathon’s and full marathon in Edinburgh (UK) on 29th May 2016.
Marathoning became like eating a bag of potato chips – it’s nearly impossible to stop after just one.
The training sessions set by my friend cum my coach helped me in my journey. A rigorous 16-week training plan set by my coach I followed with utmost discipline and determination helped me to run International Marathons. Running 7-10kms daily and at times more than 10kms per day. In a month I ran around 300 km. This regimen helped complete the full Edinburgh marathon in May 2016. It was satisfaction galore!
Rewards from Exercise & Running helped to stay motivated.
The exercise was fuel and made me feel better. A tired body gave me peaceful sleep no more Apnea and no BP problems. Lost 20kgs and 6 inches on the waist.
Give one hour to your body and the body will work rest 23 hours for you. Without pain, you don’t gain. This is what he has to say.
From zero to hero – I became an inspiration! Now taking up any exercise task had become a child’s play. I took on cycling! From a modest cyclist, I became a professional cyclist – 200 km in one go was not a tough job. Motivated my kids and also friends in Rotary. It has now turned into regular group cycling activity.
Believe in yourself and spark to Ignite
I can now proudly share that believing in yourself and stay positive then nothing can stop you from crossing the finish line. Remember, you have to start somewhere.
The marathon keeps me inspired and to become an inspiration to others.
Remember, you are not running a 42.2 Km race. It’s only 1 km, 42.2 times.
Mark Zuckerberg:
“Staying in shape is very important,” says the Facebook founder in a Q&A on his social media site. “Doing anything well requires energy, and you just have a lot more energy when you’re fit.”
Billionaires believe that Excercise is the key to success.