Sense of accomplaihment -Gagan on the right with his team mates successfully having completed his first 100 Km Trail walk
He was Lazy and had no control of his food habits. But, everything changed drastically on the day his daughter was born 2 years ago. That is the day when he felt if not for anyone else, I have to get fit for my daughter. Today, he is no more lazing on the couch. Clocks on an average 10000 or more steps daily, walks 100 km within 48 hours and even goes trekking when time permits …This is Gagandeep Singh Randhawa’s story in his own words.
I was a very lazy person for the longest time. It dawned on me to get fit when my daughter Samaira was born in April 2014. It was to get fit for her so that I can run around and play with her. It was a wake-up call. I knew I had to do something as I was completely inactive and unfit. I was on an entrepreneurial journey and life got busy. I spent long days at work.
I started looking around to figure what options I have. I thought let’s try gym workout. And went and joined a gym. But, my laziness got the better of me and I missed out on going to the gym and working out on a regular basis due to lack of company. Then I started surfing the net to figure other options to get fit. I was looking for a fitness tracker as it was the in thing. That is when I came across GOQii.
I read about it and found it interesting as it was offering a personal coach. I liked the idea of a personal coach as I knew there will be somebody constantly there behind you to make sure you get active. I decided to go in for GOQii and bought the band in May 2014 with Parwage Alam as my coach.
My health goal was to make my core strong and get fit and active. My coach set a target for me to clock a minimum of 10000 steps daily. In order to be able to do this I started walking regularly, I went trekking and regularly attended Active Sunday sessions. If some day my step count was less I would even take a break from work and go for a walk and come back refreshed to my work desk.
Then in December 2014, I pushed my limits further by participating in the 100 km Oxfam trail walk. My coach convinced me that I could do it. It was my first attempt at something like this. And am I glad to say that I completed successfully? It was fun and yet very challenging for me. But, I realized I could push myself and do it.
Within 3 months of getting on board GOQii, I was able to run/walk 10 km. I was on an average clocking 15000 steps daily. Now, I am able to run behind my daughter with ease. GOQii was a good wake-up call for me. I guess when it comes to fitness half the battle is won when you are able to objectively and easily assess how active you are on a daily basis.
We are the Force-Gagan at an Active Sunday Session. ( Gagan seen in extreme right)
It’s been close to two years for me with GOQii and I have enjoyed every bit of my journey to health and fitness.
I have become more cautious about what I eat and when I eat. The whole change in me I would credit to the fact that there is a coach sitting above me and keeping track of what I am doing. The moment you become answerable to someone that is your transformation. I have realized it’s not about losing weight it’s about how healthy and fit you are by exercising, eating and sleeping right and how well you rest.
It’s not only me who has seen a transformation in myself, my family has also seen the change in me. They have never seen me so active or rather I have never been so active. In fact, my family members have got inspired by me and have got themselves the band as well. I gifted my wife a band last year and she is also regular with her step count and being active on a daily basis. She is more into activities like Zumba. GOQii has definitely helped my family and friends get more fit and heart-happy.
My wife and I along with our daughter go on walks. I want my daughter to be rough and tough and for that, I have to be first fit and tough.Lastly, the concept of donating karma points appeals to me a great deal. It gives me a feel good factor.
What does Coach Parwage Alam have to say about Gangandeep?
When Gagan came on board he was completely inactive. He wanted to become active, increase stamina and be fit. He wanted to start running 5km and slowly go up to 10 km. He was very serious about bringing about a change in himself. Looking at his sincerity and seriousness, I suggested to him why just think of 5km and 10 km why not think big?
I suggested why not go ahead and participate in the 100 km Oxfam Trailwalk and practice for it. The goal was to successfully complete the 100 km. For him, it was ‘from the couch to 100 km’. He was very dedicated and practiced hard. Within 3 months he was able to run 10 km and he also completed the 100 km Oxfam Trailwalk. After this, his activities started increasing drastically. He was regular at ‘Active Sundays’. On an average, he would clock 15k steps daily.
The effect of being active has also reflected in his nutrition. He has got more conscious about what he is eating and when and how he is eating. Overall, Gagan has been able to achieve his goals because of his dedication and sincerity and by making small changes to his lifestyle. He has taken all my advice positively. Seeing him motivated motivates me too.
Gagan getting his legs massaged during his first Oxfam Trail walk in 2014
