“Making a lifestyle change is easy but, requires determination to make it happen”

Many people prefer to work out alone in the gym or find other ways to exercise in isolation. But, best of the fitness success stories are inspired by friends, loved ones and dedicated personal trainers pushing the individual along every step of the way to fitness. Basant Chaturvedi also got inspired by his fellow CIO friend Kamal Karnatak and got on the path to fitness. Thanks to him, Basant has improved his fitness a great deal. Let’s hear Basant’s story in his own words.

I work as an Associate Director-IT” with a confectionary MNC based in Delhi. My job is quite strenuous and my stamina levels were low. Due to this, I would get tired very soon and easily. I used to do yoga but, I realized Yoga only improves flexibility. Increasing my stamina levels was a challenge and the other aspect was that my sugar levels started rising.

I was totally clueless about what to do. I surely needed some advice from experts who could tell me what I am exactly supposed to do. Something clicked in my brain, I wanted to overall improve my health for my own good. I started looking for options to better my health. This is when my friend Kamal Karnatak suggested GOQii to me.

He came as a god sent angel at a time when I most needed advice on what to do regarding improving my health. Kamal told me about the step count feature, about water intake, sleep and everything that came with GOQii and above all, the fact that the band comes with a Coach who will guide and help you achieve your health goals.

He then narrated his story of change to me and how a lifestyle change helped him lose weight and also take to running. I found it fascinating and coach aspect interested me a great deal. I decided to go for a GOQii band. I not only bought one for myself also got one for my wife.

I made a commitment to myself that I wanted to get fit and healthy. GOQii states that you have to be active all the time, increase step count, taking the right portion of food and not over eat. Following these rules helped me achieve the daily target.

Prior to GOQii on my hand, there was no expert guidance about what to eat and what not to eat and also when to eat what. And I learned about water too that it is a very good natural supplement. I never was aware of that. And, about the step count too, I was unaware that every day one should clock at least 10,000 steps to be healthy. I used to travel small distance also by car but, now I walk as much as possible , thanks to GOQii. I have stopped using the elevator. I stay on the 7^th floor and walk up the flight of stairs. Initially, it was tough as I am also 42 years old but, now I have got used to it.

My eating habits have also changed. I was eating more fried food than healthy foods. Even during fasts I would eat fried foods like Poori (fried bread). Now all that has stopped and I follow a proper healthy diet even during fasts. I have also cut down on my sweets intake. My intake of fresh fruits has also increased. Initially salads and fruits never part of the diet. It was once in a way kind of foods to be eaten.

My activity levels have also regularized. The lethargic feeling has vanished. My day starts early in the morning with a run or a game of badminton and then I remain active through the day. I easily clock about 10K to 12K steps daily. Considering I am doing regular running and playing a sport my water intake has also improved.

I never used to track water how much water I was drinking daily, but now I try to hit my water goal of 2.5 to 3 liters every single day.

Deciding to make that big lifestyle change is often the easy part. If you’re not happy about something in your life, it’s easy to acknowledge it and say you’re going to change. However, to actually follow through and make that change happen you’ll need a ton of determination. It’s no secret that your body can often be inclined to take it easy—that’s why you need to bring a strong, determined attitude to every workout in order to get the most out of it, and don’t get discouraged by the long road ahead. It’s a simple concept, but it’s proven effective time and again.

GOQii concept and my coach have been extremely motivating. It is because of my coach that I have been able to do so much and not get exhausted. Motivation is the key factor for people like me and GOQii coaches are the best very good as a motivator.

What does Coach Aditi Save have to say about Basant Chaturvedi?

From the day I have got an opportunity to be Basant’s Coach, I am super proud of him and his disciplined lifestyle.

He is inclined towards fitness and wants to have an active life in a healthy way, he is a “no short-cut” kind of person and always achieves his targets with hard work and dedication. He is a fast learner and willing to take up my suggestions wholeheartedly and ready to experiment with different challenges and natural food options.

We have worked successfully so far and will continue working towards normalizing his blood sugar levels and to get relief from chronic back pain. It is his intrinsic motivation that in-spite of having these health issues he is one who will not give up easily and this super commitment towards health is what inspires him to consistently deliver an awesome performance.