I was always inspired by strong looking men and I wanted to be the strongest.
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Updesh Saluja
Fitness Coach, Athelete
Motivational Speaker
Can you share the story of how you first got into fitness and what motivated you to become a fitness coach and athlete?
I started working out at the age of 13. I was always inspired by strong looking men and I wanted to be the strongest. My father gifted me a gym membership and since then I never left lifting.
I was so much into bodybuilding from such a young age that it was the only thing I knew. I studied fitness so I can be a professional and do what I was good at. Playing competition was my way of challenging myself to achieve a physique I always wanted to have.
With two decades of experience in the fitness industry, what significant changes have you observed in the approach towards fitness and health over the years?
people know the importance of hitting the gym. People know the importance of investing in health. The youth is obsessed with how they look. It’s inspiring to see teens getting into lifting from such a young age.
How do you help your clients balance their fitness goals with their hectic lifestyles?
Since i am a lifestyle coach I design programs as per the clients work schedule and personal lives. It’s important for the client to believe that they have invested in a good coach that understands their lifestyle. I design their diets as per their day to day activities. I aim at delivering results always.
You have worked with a diverse clientele, including celebrities, politicians, hoteliers, and businessmen. How do you tailor your fitness programs to meet the unique needs of such a varied group?
I value each client and respect every profession. For celebs and politicians I know who travel more frequently I plan their workouts and diet plans as per the city or the country they are traveling to. With businessmen and hoteliers since they host a lot of social events I design their programs as per their routine. Video calls and 24X7 support is what makes my client reach out to me.
You have participated in bodybuilding competitions like Sheru Classic and IHFF Olympia, can you share some of your most memorable moments and experiences from these competitions?
Most of my friends are also athletes and we compete together on the same stage. But that doesn’t let us get bitter with each other. Helping each other with the posing and taning is what makes each competition special and memorable. Post the competition gets over we all head out for cheat meals together.
What role do you believe spirituality plays in fitness, and how do you incorporate this philosophy into your coaching and motivational speaking?
Fitness and spirituality goes hand in hand. Fitness helps you to channelise your energy in the right direction. Just like the basic pillars of spirituality like consistency, practice, discipline, concentration and lifestyle, you need to incorporate the same into fitness. I tell everyone that every rep is like every breath and chant of meditation. The more you focus the more get closer to your goal.
Your expertise lies in Lifestyle Fitness and Aesthetic Building. Could you elaborate on your approach to these aspects of fitness and how it differs from traditional fitness approaches?
A traditional fitness is any kind of exercise. It can be cardio or yoga or anything that requires you to move. Aesthetic building is a goal oriented program where you are required to have protocols that are meant for your body and goals. Lifestyle fitness is a way to maintain a program keeping your lifestyle the same. How you incorporate the program into your daily routine is what changes the game. When a client approaches me, my first step is to guide the client in understanding what exactly they are looking for and what is good for them. The coaching then follows after the goal is set.
How has media exposure influenced your career, and what message do you hope to convey through such platforms?
Media has helped me and my work to come in front of the people who are in corporate and politics and other fields. My aesthetics my own hardwork has been recognised and been approached by the people looking to do some serious work towards their health. I hope I continue to grow as a coach and help people from various fields to take up fitness and health seriously.
You conducted fitness workshops for corporate houses, including Reliance. How do you address the unique fitness challenges faced by individuals in a corporate environment, and what impact do you hope to make through these workshops?
Corporate workshops are challenging because you are catering to people who have no time for themselves. I work on the basics like helping them understand the basic nutritional guidance and help them with desk workouts. I help them with correcting their postures, knee and lower back rehab. This has helped many professionals with their health. I aspire to help many more professionals till I can.
Having started working out at the age of 13, what advice do you have for young individuals aspiring to embark on a fitness journey, and how can they integrate fitness into their lives for long-term well-being?
I promote good health. I am the biggest promoter of exercise and eat healthy. You can have chapattis, rice, you can have sweets. My only advice to everyone is to invest 60 minutes everyday to exercise. Be mindful of what you put in your body. Don’t focus on how you look when you are 13. Focus on getting strong. If it’s a lifestyle and if you are consistent you will have great aesthetics. It’s about discipline.
Who inspired you most in your life?
I am my own inspiration. I never seek any inspiration outside myself. For me it’s me- mentally physically and spiritually. The odds I have fought with and my journey is very close to me. I will always look in the mirror with a lot of pride.
What are your expectations and compliments for your life partner Karnika Gupta?
My wife is my biggest support in helping me reach where I am. She pushed me outside my comfort zone and see the world from a different perspective. I have seen all my highs after meeting her. I owe this to her.
I expect her to do the same for herself. I want her to stay healthy and stand strong for her aspirations and dreams which she does. She is a strong individual and that inspires me to take up any challenge with ease. When we both are living a healthy life we’ll be able to enjoy small joys of life together. Karnika is a strong and independent woman who inspires many women. She will very soon reach heights.
