In life, challenges often show up uninvited. They test our patience, strength, and mindset. But sometimes, these very setbacks become the turning points we never saw coming. They push people to rise, to grow, and to completely rewrite their stories.
When health issues strike at a young age, they can leave a lasting impact. But with determination, knowledge, and the right support, anyone can turn things around. Varun Rai’s journey, a young man who once faced a frightening diagnosis now stands tall as a certified coach, helping others build healthier lives.
The Beginning: Discovering Fitness at 16
Varun’s fitness journey began when he was just 16 years old. He wasn’t someone who had always been active or into sports. But thanks to a little push from his mom and a close friend, he decided to give the gym a try.
What started as a casual visit turned into something much more meaningful. Varun quickly fell in love with the feeling of working out—the discipline, the challenge, and the progress. It became a part of his routine, and more importantly, a part of who he was becoming.
A Major Setback
Just a year into his fitness journey, life threw Varun an unexpected curveball.
He contracted Dengue, which in itself was a difficult phase. But during the recovery, doctors delivered a shocking diagnosis—Type 2 Diabetes. His HbA1c levels were at 9.7, which was dangerously high, especially for someone so young.
This hit hard. It was overwhelming for both Varun and his family. Managing such a diagnosis at 17 wasn’t easy, especially while still trying to understand fitness and health.
But instead of letting it break him, Varun made a choice—to fight back, to learn more, and to take control of his health.
Taking Charge of Health
Varun began educating himself. He followed fitness influencers, explored new diet plans, and experimented with different routines. Every small change he made came from a desire to feel better and to live better.
This was not an overnight transformation. It took time, discipline, and consistent effort. But slowly, he began to see real results. His energy improved, his fitness levels grew, and most importantly, his blood sugar started stabilizing.
With the right medical support and his own commitment to a healthier lifestyle, Varun brought his HbA1c levels down from 9.7 to a healthy 5.5!
This improvement encouraged him to learn more. Following influencers had helped him take the first step, but he wanted structured knowledge—something grounded in science and backed by evidence.
Gaining Deeper Knowledge with INFS
In 2022, he found exactly what he was looking for—the INFS Diploma in Nutrition and Fitness. He enrolled, eager to dive deep into the principles of exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle coaching.
The classroom sessions opened up a new world of understanding. Concepts started making more sense. He was no longer just applying random tips—he was learning the “why” behind every action.
But the most impactful part of the course was the FTP—a 4-week client training experience that gave him real-time exposure to guiding people. This practical training allowed him to develop his communication skills, understand individual challenges, and personalize strategies based on each client’s needs.
What Varun loved most was how the course helped him filter through the noise of social media. Now, instead of guessing what might work, he could use proven, scientific methods to guide others—and himself.
Becoming a Certified Coach at 21
Today, Varun is 21 and a proud FITTR coach.
He works closely with individuals from all walks of life, offering personalized nutrition and workout plans. What sets him apart is not just his technical knowledge, but his empathy and understanding. Having faced health challenges himself, he knows how tough the journey can be.
His journey proves that no matter how young or unprepared someone feels, they can still take charge of their health. With the right mindset, the right knowledge, and a willingness to show up every day, transformation is not just possible—it’s achievable.
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