Don’t think you have the ‘right genes’ to build the physique of your dreams? INFS scholar Mayank Singh Shishodia is here to prove you wrong! At just 23, he’s a full-time college student and a passionate FITTR coach who has transformed himself through hard work, determination, and a love for fitness. Here’s his story in her own words.
The Struggling Phase
Hi, I’m Mayank and here’s how my journey began. At 18, I was like many others, struggling with mental health issues and the crushing weight of repeated failures in entrance exams. On top of that, I was skinny and weak, and my confidence was shattered due to years of bullying and body shaming. So, as soon as I finished school, I joined a gym, finding ways to build muscle and get stronger. Although it didn’t take long for me to fall in love with the workouts, I never saw the results I wanted.
Finding FITTR and INFS: A New Perspective
In 2019, I came across FITTR. Reading stories of transformation kept me inspired. I realized people were achieving these results naturally—no expensive diets, no overhyped trainers. And I wanted to learn more. I began to see that I wasn’t alone and that it was possible to transform myself.
I was also inspired by the fact that so many coaches in the community were already engineers, MBAs, and lawyers, yet they had chosen fitness as their career. So, in 2021, after exploring different career options and switching multiple jobs, I decided to enroll in the INFS Diploma in Nutrition and Fitness to explore a career in fitness coaching!
Building Myself From Scratch
When lockdown hit, I took it as an opportunity to focus on myself. I started analyzing the markets carefully, learned specific skills, saved money, and invested in a better gym and healthier meals.
With a very happening and unstable life in the last 5 years, switching college, full-time jobs, part-time jobs, and side hustles, focusing on studies wasn’t easy! I would study for 30 minutes a day, revise everything for 15-20 minutes a week, and prepare for the FITTR interview. Being active on social media and engaging with fitness content also made a big difference. It felt like I was learning every day, even when I wasn’t studying. Slowly but surely, I completed the Diploma in two years.
Success Achieved!
Today, as a FITTR coach, I can proudly say I’ve transformed my life. I went from 45 kg to 66 kg, built muscle, and gained the confidence I never had (even increasing my bench press from 5kg to 120 kg!). Coaching my mentees also helps me improve my communication, time management, and critical thinking skills.
To anyone reading this: “Build habits first and take baby steps toward your goals. You’ll be amazed to see the results you achieve. If I can do it, so can you!”
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