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What’s Your Excuse?

In a world filled with excuses, Shubham’s story stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and an unwavering commitment to one’s dreams. His journey is a reminder that circumstances may create hurdles, but they can never define the limits of one’s potential.

In the bustling suburbs of Mumbai, amidst the challenges of an underprivileged background, Shubham, 20, stands as an inspiring example of determination and resilience. Self-taught and passionate about health and fitness, he embarked on a transformative journey towards health and fitness 2 years ago when COVID struck the world. What was until then just an idea of being healthy and fit, became an increasing passion and internal call from within that led him to take up fitness more seriously.

Hailing from an underprivileged background in the bustling city of Mumbai, Shubham’s life was a stark contrast to the glossy fitness magazines and high-end gyms that often portray the world of health and wellness. Born into a family where every rupee counted, the idea of pursuing a career in fitness seemed like a distant dream. However, Shubham was not one to be deterred by circumstances.

The Spark of Transformation

At the tender age of 18, Shubham experienced a transformative moment that changed the course of his life forever. He chose to embrace a plant-based lifestyle, turning vegan. For Shubham, veganism was not just about a dietary choice; it was a conscious decision rooted in a deep understanding of animal cruelty and a burning desire to contribute to the well-being of our planet. A student of 2nd year Bachelor of Science, Shubham, can actually explain – What veganism is all about?  According to Shubham, “Veganism is all about clean eating avoiding meat, dairy, eggs etc. It’s about having lots of vegetables, nuts and grains. Veganism has helped me follow a lifestyle for health, ethical, and environmental reasons.”

He further explains, “I have been able to convert 7-8 people into Vegan. Imagine these 7 or 8 people consuming at least around 70kgs of meat in a month which means around 800kgs of meat annually. If we completely eliminate all meat from our diet, we can avoid consuming several hundred kilograms of meat in a year”.

Initially, Shubham faced lots of resistance from his home folks, but when he explained to them his mother and sister were convinced and they are also now vegan along with a few of his friends.

The Rocky Road to Dreams

Despite his newfound passion, life was not a bed of roses for Shubham. He faced the tough decision of leaving his studies midway to help support his family. The weight of responsibilities grew heavy, but his determination remained unshaken. Shubham had his sights set on becoming a beboing star or better known as breakdance, and nothing was going to stand in his way.

The Open-Air Outdoor Gym of Dreams

Financial constraints meant that joining a conventional gym was not an option for Shubham. But he didn’t let this deter him. Instead, he turned the open spaces of BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) gardens in the suburbs of Mumbai into his training ground. Here, amid the rustling leaves and under the open sky, Shubham embarked on his fitness journey. He trains daily. Shubham’s routine is a blend of callisthenics and exercise. With the BMC garden as his canvas, he sculpted his body through bodyweight exercises, proving that one doesn’t need a fancy gym to chase their dreams. Every pull-up, every push-up, and every leap was a testament to his unwavering spirit.

Inspiration in Action

Shubham’s journey is a reminder that excuses are merely obstacles we place in our own path. It’s easy to blame circumstances for our shortcomings, but it takes true grit to defy them. He is living proof that passion and purpose can propel you forward, no matter where you start.

The Heart of the Matter

What sets Shubham apart is not just his dedication to fitness but also his compassionate heart. His choice to go vegan was not just about personal health but about extending his compassion to all living beings and the planet we call home. It’s a reminder that our choices have the power to create ripples of change far beyond ourselves.

A Beacon of Hope

Shubham’s story serves as a beacon of hope for all those who dare to dream against the odds. It reminds us that the pursuit of our passions is not limited by circumstances, and the most incredible transformations often begin with a single, conscious choice.

So, the next time you find yourself making excuses, think of Shubham. Think of the young man who turned a BMC garden into his gym, who embraced a compassionate lifestyle, and who refused to let circumstances dictate his destiny. Ask yourself, “What’s my excuse?” Shubham’s story is not just about defying odds; it’s a testament to the transformative power of passion and perseverance. Let his journey inspire you to break free from limitations, embrace a healthier lifestyle, and chase your dreams with unrelenting zeal. For personalized guidance and support in your journey, subscribe to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here. Your dreams are within reach with the right guidance!

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A Game Developer’s New Game: Aditya Gaikwad’s Journey to Wellness

For years, he grappled with the burden of being overweight and the subsequent aches and pains. Owing to his hectic work schedule, he never focused on his health or did anything that was healthy. Unhealthy eating, drinking, and stress became the norm. Due to the persisting pain, he decided to turn his life around. Aditya Gaikwad, 39, is based in Pune and is a game developer, who defied the odds and took charge of his health before it was too late. Here is his inspiring story of perseverance and resilience. Discover the secrets behind his incredible transformation.

Life Before GOQii

Two and a half years ago, prior to joining GOQii, Aditya weighed 140 kgs. He led an absolutely bad lifestyle that consisted of an unhealthy diet, and drinking alcohol, both of which were coupled with mental stress, leading to aches and pains. So much so that he had to take painkillers daily. Although he was exercising, the results were not being achieved.

In March 2020, during the lockdown, he had chest pain, and that turned things around for Aditya. With COVID already looming over everyone’s heads, the lockdown was enough for Aditya to improve his health before it got out of hand. “The chest pain was a trigger enough for me to realize that I had to do something about my health,” said Aditya.

Introduction to GOQii & Making Lifestyle Changes 

In August 2020, he was gifted a GOQii watch by his brother. Aditya joined GOQii in February 2021 and started coaching in June 2021. At that point in time, Aditya weighed 133 kilograms. “As I started wearing the watch, I could see my step count. I figured one day I had walked 2 KM inside the house, and I did not even realize it. I did not do anything else other than walk. I was following the Happy Walk- exercise on YouTube, and my step counts were increasing, and I also started losing weight. My weight had decreased to 125 kgs.

He is thankful to his coach “She taught me the importance of a proper diet, says Aditya”. Aditya felt that if he had to improve his health, he had to listen to and take the coach seriously.

The coach slowly and steadily brought in the habits to follow and slowly and steadily cut down on certain foods. She added raagi and nachni to the food as alternative grains.

Having followed the coach’s advice has helped Aditya maintain a disciplined and less stressful lifestyle. He has completely stopped drinking alcohol and says he is very happy about it.

His family and friends are surprised at his dramatic change. He is now able to wear his favourite brand, Levis. The waist has reduced from 53’ to 40”. He has also taken to running now.

“For 35 years of my life I did nothing constructive to maintain my health and lifestyle. I am glad I am doing it now,” says Aditya.

What Are Coach Kinjal Lodaya Thoughts About Aditya Gaikwad’s Journey? 

Now he has come down to 103 kgs, he wakes up with high levels of refreshment daily, given up alcohol, hardly takes on any stress, meditates regularly, cooks for himself and family, and is able to manage time for hobbies, daily run, and exercise. He recovered from COVID pretty quickly and he was able to stay in ELITE even when he could not go for run and exercise for almost a month due to a small hairline fracture.

He is enjoying the healthy lifestyle habits he follows and the new self he has become. He confirms that he will never go back to his old lazy routines.

He takes part in all the challenges on GOQii be it healthy eating, 2022 km in 2022, etc.

Aditya’s inspiring journey is a testament to the incredible potential that lies within each of us to rewrite our health narratives. It demonstrates the power of dedication, resilience, and the guidance of a supportive community. If you or someone you know is on a similar health journey, share this article. Consider subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here for guidance and support.

For more motivating health stories, explore our collection here.

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Prioritizing Health: Kuntal Goswami’s Post-Pandemic Pursuit of Wellness

Kuntal Goswami - GOQii Health Stories

The COVID-19 pandemic served as a wake-up call for individuals to recognize the significance of their health and well-being. It prompted people to adopt healthier lifestyles, prioritize self-care, and be proactive in taking preventive measures to protect themselves and others. This is true for our player Kuntal Goswami, who, after the coronavirus hit India, realized how important it was for him to maintain and stay healthy. Let’s find out how he managed it.

Life Before GOQii: Kuntal’s Struggle with Health

Kuntal Goswami, 34, based in West Bengal, works in a power plant. His job entails sitting at the desk as well as stepping out for work. He also works shifts, due to which he has no daily routine. His lifestyle was bad. He says, “I had bad eating habits. I would eat anything with no proper portion control and no exercise routine, and I had started gaining weight. I weighed 84 kg. My blood pressure was also on the higher side. It was during the COVID-19 pandemic, that I realized I had to alter and bring about a change in my health.”

Identifying the Issue & Making Lifestyle Changes: Kuntal’s Journey to Wellness

Kuntal started searching for smartwatches on Amazon and found GOQii. Prior to that, he had seen the Akshay Kumar ad, which further prompted him to purchase the GOQii smartwatch.

Kuntal was happy with coach Nabanita Das’s call, and the first goal that he fixed with the coach was to lose weight, lower his BP issues, and reduce the dosage of medication.

Coach Nabanita’s Insights: The Transformation of Kuntal Goswami

Initially, the coach set 3-4 new habits for Kuntal to follow. “When I started coaching, Kuntal weighed 84 kg, his HRA was 67, his BMI was 30.1, his waistline area was 38 inches, and his BP was 119/79 mm of Hg (with medication). I set his step target to begin with at 6000 steps and ensured that he was able to complete 6k steps daily,” says coach Nabanita Das. Thereafter, the coach introduced detox water and added protein to his diet. Kuntal says within 3 months he started seeing results for the better.

A Remarkable Transformation: Kuntal’s Success Story

“Though it was challenging for him to maintain his routine due to his shifting duty, I gave him a diet that can be carried, is easily available, and is loaded with good nutrients. In addition, he booked and joined pro classes and reached a minimum 15 k steps on a daily basis,” says the coach.

Kuntal’s endless efforts and discipline helped him achieve what he aimed for. Following a total of 118 habits and listening to his coach, in the last 2 years, he has lost 19 kg of weight healthily. His current weight is 65 kg, his waistline area is 32 inches, his BMI is 22.5, and his HRA score is 86 now. That is not all, his BP is under control, and the doctor has prescribed a lower dose of medicine to control his BP. “We are now waiting to see how soon the medicine can be stopped,” says Nabanita.

The coach credits her player and says, “ Kuntal has been a great learner. It requires some sacrifices, discipline, consistency, and determination to achieve the health goal that Kuntal had set for himself. “It’s commendable how he has done it.”

Walking, yoga, meditation, and having a properly balanced diet have all become routines and part of his life now.  When asked how Kuntal feels now, he says, “I feel very confident in myself. Thanks to GOQii, it has helped me lose weight through small but sure lifestyle changes. My outlook towards life has changed.”

Kuntal has now become an advocate of a healthy lifestyle and has recommended and suggested to his colleagues to modify their lifestyles and stay healthy.

In conclusion, the remarkable journey of Kuntal in transforming his lifestyle and achieving lasting health is a testament to his unwavering dedication and hard work put forth. By embracing positive changes and making conscious choices, Kuntal has not only improved his physical well-being but also demonstrated the power of determination and self-discipline. His inspiring story serves as a shining example of how personal growth and perseverance can lead to a healthier and more fulfilling life.

If you suffer from similar issues or know someone who does, share this article with them and subscribe to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

Find more inspiring health stories here.

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Reducing HbA1c from 7.2 to 6.1 | Ram Sharma Health Story

Ram Sharma - GOQii Diabetes Care

There’s nothing sweet about diabetes and we’re all well aware about that. Factors such as a poor diet, obesity, lack of exercise, improper sleeping patterns, stress and advancing age can cause diabetes. While it might seem overwhelming, diabetes is not an insurmountable affair. With proper self-care, guidance and a few lifestyle modifications, you can manage diabetes effectively like our Player Ram Sharma. Want to know how he reduced his HbA1c levels from 7.2 to 6.1? Let’s see how he did it! 

Before Joining GOQii 

Ram Sharma is a 47 year old working individual originally hailing from Rajasthan. As a part of a routine medical check-up by the company in 2022, he was shocked to find out that he had high sugar levels. His HbA1c levels were at 7.2 and he weighed around 97kg.

When he analyzed his health parameters, he was aware that his lifestyle had to change considering that he had, so far, lived a more or less sedentary lifestyle marred by stress and unhealthy eating habits. His consulting doctor had also put him on medication to control his sugar levels.  

He began looking at a few health programs that would help him. His friends suggested he get a smartwatch, and after a good bit of research, he zeroed in on GOQii as it also had an assisted program. He decided to go ahead with the GOQii Diabetes Care Program – which essentially helps people manage diabetes and take ownership of their health with guidance from certified experts and doctors. 

Making Lifestyle Changes with the GOQii Diabetes Care Program 

Once onboard in February 2022, Ram Sharma’s goal was to reduce his HbA1c levels and lose weight. His GOQii Coach Sweta Jaiswal began suggesting simple changes which included gradually increasing his step count and managing his diet through proper nutrition.

“In February, he started with a goal of 3k and slowly increased the step count to 5k. Simultaneously, he also started going to the gym to exercise,” says his coach, Sweta. 

Once he began interacting with his coach on a daily basis, he became more aware of what his actual weight should be. He then began asking his coach for ways to achieve his health goals. He followed all the instructions given by Coach Sweta Jaiswal and logged all his food and activities in the GOQii App.

While he followed all his coach’s instructions, one issue he still faces is eating his food on time. “Food timings are a bit off due to his hectic work schedule, but he is trying to maintain it as best he can, and has started meditation to make sure his day begins nicely,” says coach Sweta.

How Did These Changes Affect Ram Sharma? 

As of now, the combination of walking and strength training has helped Ram Sharma reduce his weight from 97kg to 82kg. On average, he clocks in 15K steps a day. As a result of his efforts, his adherence to his coach’s suggestions, and his dedication, he managed to reduce his HbA1c levels from 7.2 to 6.1. What’s amazing is that he has stopped all his medication and feels better too. “It’s because of GOQii that I am free of all medications and living a happy and healthy life,” he says. 

He further added, “I had a paunch, and now I am slim and trim, and people around me cannot believe it and ask me how I managed to do this. Here is when I suggest GOQii to family and friends.”

Currently, he walks 3-4 km a day, works out regularly, and has made a very healthy switch in his life with the guidance and motivation of his GOQii Coach. You can learn more about his journey as he speaks to our Founder and CEO, Vishal Gondal, on an episode of GOQii Health Stories here. 

Ram Sharma has been an elite player for the past 404 days. He has also upgraded to the Insure+ Program and has renewed his Diabetes Care Program subscription for 1 year in May 2023. 

Know someone with Diabetes who might need help? Share this article with them or ask them to check out GOQii’s Diabetes Care Program – India’s only diabetes program that is driven by Smart Science and Personal Coaching to improve Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), Postprandial Blood Sugar (PP), and reduce HbA1c levels.

Find more inspiring health stories here. 

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From Terminal Illness To Complete Wellness! Ananda Mukherjee Health Story

As we observe World Cancer Day under the powerful theme ‘United by Unique’ (2025-2027)**, we are reminded that every individual’s journey with cancer is distinct, yet united by shared resilience, hope, and the collective fight against this disease. This theme places people at the centre of care and their stories at the heart of the […]