Our body is very complex. Eating more makes us obese. Eating less makes us slim but eating in the right portion keeps us healthy and fit. But how much do we know our frame? Ask someone for whom body building is a celebration of understanding the art of developing musculature. ‘He is muscular, he is Popular’, Rohit Shetty is one such man who very well knows the sport of Bodybuilding who can discourse on nutrition & training at his best. Coming from a business background that too into hospitality, did not dither this young achiever to pursue his dream and won Bronze Medal at World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championship, Mongolia, 2017. A self-made athlete, who continued his journey with hard work & dedication, has a rare understanding about nutrition, fitness regime, workout techniques and muscle ethics. With his sheer stage presence, robust body, muscularity, aesthetically pleasing physique, conditioned body and charming personality he has given a jaw-dropping performance at national & international competitions and bought laurels to our country. He has proved that well-designed workouts and progressive regime can give you wonderful results. He is the ideal role model.

Team imd1 had a chat with him a few days ago, read on to know her further!

We are really keen to know, how did your journey begin?

It all started when I was 14 years old. I was very fond of muscular toys like GI JO. Being a football player, my dad wanted me to get into sports. After schooling, he asked me my preferences. I was keen on joining gym and started working out in 2001 and never looked back since. During that time, very less information on bodybuilding & the required nourishment was handy. I had no clue as to what I should eat and in what sizes. I always was behind the phrase “Eat Big to get Big”. The result of over eating was I tipped the scales and gained weight excessively. Those 8 years were a sheer waste and the toughest phase of my life. In the hunt for a muscular body, in 2008, I stumbled upon Sports and nutritional course and realized how important correct diet was to stay fit and well-built. I transformed my body and put myself on a fitness protocol. The changes were not only physical but emotional & mental too. I completed the course in 2010 and begin with competitions and in the very first year, I won 4 titles consecutively. My hard work has started giving me rewards.

Beyond Bodybuilding

What has been your success mantra?

One belief that worked for me was, ‘’No matter what comes your way, never give up’’.

What were the hardships & hurdles you encountered and how did you overcome them?

I was lucky not to face any hard ships or failures. My parents were very supportive in letting me conquer my dream. Bodybuilding process is a 24*7 routine. Eating in proportions, having regular meals, correct ratio meals, nutritional diet, carrying food wherever you go and sleeping well are some of the factors that contribute in a successful bodybuilding career. I valued my choice and opportunities and rose above fabricated anticipations.

Success is incomplete without its share of failures. How should one overcome them to move on?

Bodybuilding cannot run parallel to another career. It’s a full-time effort. Working out and eating healthy is easy but preparing for competition is difficult. If your goals are superficial it will be impossible to prove yourself.

Do you think Bodybuilding and its learning’s can be helpful in life even if one does not want to consider it as a career goal?

Bodybuilding will only lead one to fitness. In fact, it will divert young generation from getting accustomed to bad habits. It will lead them to stay a healthy & fruitful life.

Who has been your influencer in your journey and how?

My dad has been my pillar of strength. He never questioned me ‘WHY’? Being from a business background though I was expected to follow suite, he let me choose bodybuilding as a career which needed a lot of investment in terms of time & money. Also, my mentor Viraj Sarmalkar whom I follow a lot.

Which was “that” moment when you considered yourself as “I am the 1”?

In 2010, when I started competing professionally and won 4 titles in a row, I realized imd1. Wherein, people competing since years haven’t accomplished the title yet, that’s when I realized I am meant for bodybuilding.

Is your success backed by a formal training?

Not really a formal training but the nutritional course from K11 Academy of Fitness Sciences by Kaizzad Capadia (a Bodybuilder himself), helped me in working on my physique in the right manner.

Could you reflect on the importance of systematic training in Bodybuilding?

8 years back I had no knowledge about nutrition which made me lag. It is important to know the basics of any career and follow a systematic training. Now I concentrate on weaker areas after been trained overall.

Are there any prerequisites like age, fitness or mindset required to pursue Bodybuilding?

According to me, 17-18 years is the ideal age to start training. But along with training, focus, determination, maturity is the key for the young generation to realize their dream.

How can one select an ideal ‘Guru’ for getting formal coaching?

Joining gym will give you guidance for workouts. If you want to do it professionally, get in touch with experienced bodybuilder who knows the in & out of this stream. He will be right person to guide you through this journey.

What according to you can be a scope for improvement in training for Bodybuilding in India?

Bodybuilding started in the late 19th century, promoted by ‘’The Father of Modern Bodybuilding’’- Eugen Sandow. In India, the craze began in the year 2013. The World Strongmen Federation (WSF), has officially recognized Indian participation into the WSF World Cop 2016. The founder of K11 fitness Kaizzad Capadia conceptualized an Indian show for Indian bodybuilders in 2015 called as ‘The Strongest Indian”. Slowly, bodybuilding has got its due and the required exposure. With international pageants floating in, our bodybuilders have got the opportunity to showcase their musculature to international audience. New categories like Men Physique & Fitness Model have opened up space for young generations who have lean body and can follow a decent diet regime. Various organizations have diverse categories scheduled for competitions. It makes it easier for people with different body type to participate.

What do you suggest for better accessibility of Bodybuilding in remote parts of India?

Villages are more conventional towards traditional ways of Bodybuilding. As they have a healthy lifestyle, it becomes even easier for the individuals to practice a vigorous diet. Many seminars and events should be conducted and invite athletes from various cities to visit villages to provide guidance and information to those interested in making a career in Bodybuilding. As India is going digital, villages too have access to internet and the youngsters get lot of information online. This helps them to start with the basics.

Your piece of advice to parents and new generation especially when some people are skeptical about career in extra curriculum.

A person who is associated with the genre of fitness will always follow a clean lifestyle away from bad habits which affect their health. So parents are rest assured if their kids want to join gym or get into Bodybuilding. It will keep their kids closer to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

One thing which you feel you want to change from the past while you walk down memory lane…

In the entire journey, the 6-8 years was a total slack period as I couldn’t work much on my body due to lack of nutritional knowledge. People whom I approached were not confident to pass on their learning to me. There wasn’t much material available online for self-help. If there was proper guidance in the past, I would have been at a different level of achievement then & now.

Any institute you would like to suggest for getting trained in Bodybuilding?

I would recommend K11 Academy of Fitness with my personal experience for training and learning nutritional aspects.

Any other thoughts you want to share?

I would like to give a message to young generation who are interested in Bodybuilding that ‘Never lose hope’. Stay focused and don’t change career paths as that will make your life more complicated. It’s ok to slow down your phase and concentrate on one thing.