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Sushant Pradhan is a popular name in Nepal’s fitness arena. Once skinny with body image issues, he has now established himself as a fitness entrepreneur with his venture The Physique.Alisha Sijapati
Sushant Pradhan is a popular name in Nepal’s fitness arena. Once skinny with body image issues, he has now established himself as a fitness entrepreneur with his venture The Physique. Today, his vlogs, nutrition guidelines and workout tutorials have garnered him a handsome number of loyal followers. In this interview with The Post’s Alisha Sijapati, Pradhan shares his passion for fitness. Excerpts:
Your fitness videos have really taken off on social media recently. Why do you think they struck a chord with the youth?
I have been making fitness videos for about two years now. When I started my gym—The Physique Workshop—I wanted to do something innovative that would inspire people to lead healthier lifestyles. That’s when I thought of sharing my fitness tips on YouTube because of its broad appeal. But I never thought the videos would become viral in the way that they have. That has been a big surprise.
Were you always passionate about being a fitness entrepreneur and a nutritionist?
I never thought I would have been a fitness freak. I only started hitting the gym when I was in my high school. I was extremely skinny and tall at the same time and I never really felt healthy enough. But once I began hitting the gym, there has been no looking back. If I was extremely conscious about my physique growing up, now I am proud that I have become healthier and am inspiring other people to do the same.
The culture of going on morning walks—that involves mild exercise—is really popular in Nepal. How is working out in gym different from exercising on your own?
As long as you are conscious about your health and fitness, it doesn’t matter where you exercise. There are certain disadvantages, however, to working out at home (as opposed to a gym). For example, going for walks and running in your neighbourhood can get monotonous after a while. It is also easy to get too comfortable, or distracted when exercising at home. When you go to the gym, you are making a commitment to work out, which tends to push people further than working out at home. But the most important aspect of visiting a gym is that you meet like-minded individuals who push you on when slackness begins to creep in. Having such a support system can play a crucial role in adopting a healthy lifestyle, and sticking to it.
Many people tend to join gym but get discouraged soon thereafter. What tools do you use to motivate your trainees in the long-term?
Our body can adapt to anything. What I have noticed with a lot of the trainees is that they burden themselves with too much too soon, which is more detrimental than it is helpful. You need to start from minimal exercises. Most people join the gym with certain goals but they can’t fulfill it because they are hurting their own body by over-exercising. What I generally suggest to people is start slow and then make incremental changes in your workout routine. That way, your body gradually adapts to the change in lifestyle.
What are some health tips you give out to people?
Eat healthy, exercise regularly and set a regular time for exercise. Wherever you go, carry your skipping ropes, squat or do any exercise to boost your energy and to stay healthy. Setting a standard routine for yourself will make things easier and teach you the art of balancing in life.