ASHISH GUPTA, Director, Gold’s Gym, Gurgaon. In a conversation withAlolika Banerjee, this management graduate shares his advice on the essence of thediet and workout schedule before the MBA entrance-test season sets in.
Q. What made you venture into the world of gyms in the first place?
I used to be quite an obese teenager, weighing 110 kilos! I remember being low on confidence and extremely conscious. Slowly, through regular jogging and workouts in gym, I lost 45 kilos in 2 to 3 years, and gradually I regained my confidence. After my MBA, when I was unsure about what to venture into, I felt that if losing weight could give me so much happiness, why not spread it by helping others like me get into a better shape? That triggered my decision.
Q. Why do you think this trend of being in the right shape is catching up in such a big way these days?
I believe people are spoilt for choices, with many options in front of them. Being fit was always a fad in the West, but, our country was not exposed to that culture. However, ever since we got exposed to foreign brands, products and the Western way of living, we started realising that it’s also important to get fit.
We Indians ape the West for everything. Even though India is the birthplace of Yoga for the past 5,000 years, we needed the tug of the West to tell us about its greatness. Nowadays, when Yoga is being celebrated the world over, realisation dawned on Indians that it’s an excellent way to remain fit, physically and mentally.
Q. Is Gold’s Gym taking any initiative of a tie-up with any such B-schools?
Yes, we do have tie-ups with all the B-schools in Gurgaon, including MDI Gurgaon. We give them multiple offers like student discounts and various other facilities.
Q. Does your position as the Director of Gold’s Gym give you an added pressure of being in shape all the time?
I am under more scrutiny than Miss Universe (laughs). Even if I gain half a kilo, my clients point it out to me. I always have to be in shape and for that I try and eat right all the time.
Q. How does your MBA degree help you fare in your role?
My management degree has helped me immensely, even more so when I have my own business now. The two years in a B-school introduced me to different aspects of running a company, and I often incorporate whatever I had learnt in my B-school days.
Q. For those with entrepreneurial ambitions, what are the three things a person should have to sustain in today’s market?
I feel passion is extremely important in anything that we do and must be the primary reason for choosing any industry.