Deanne Panday is a celebrated fitness expert, health coach blogger & renowned author, who has trained ‘Miss India’s and also helped Bollywood’s star heroines stay in shape. At 52, she is an inspirational role model for those who think it’s impossible to stay and look fit with age.
She is India’s bestselling fitness author with her first book ‘I’m Not Stressed’ – secrets to a calm mind and body. Her second book ‘Shut Up and Train’ – a complete guide for men and women. Recently she launched her third titled Balance: The Secret To True Health And Happiness In 13 Ways. The book focuses on 13 vital elements that lead to a happy and healthy life.
In an elaborate tete-e-tete with Namita Nayyar, President, Women Fitness, Deanne Pandey shares her journey as a celebrity fitness coach,
Your fitness journey started at 12 years of age with Jane Fonda’s videos, but by 20 you were into regular yoga practice. Share the series of events that lead to the same. What particularly attracted you towards yoga practice?
D.P.
My fitness journey began at a deicate age of 11. And that too, with Jane Fonda’s 90-minute workout, because that was trending. Motivated by Jane Fonda’s 90-minute challenge “I was working workout every day not knowing what the future had instored for me”
At 16, was lured towards lifting weights followed by traditional yoga practice a year after. “The aftermath of practicing yoga was what got me drawn into it.”
I would practice each asana, accompanied with breathing and meditation. This is how Yoga happened to me and led to me promoting it for its benefits. Little did people knew the benfit and found it boring, categorizing it for older people.
Next came power yoga. Nobody focused on the body form and alignment, the clients were not breathing properly. Weight loss was on top of the list.
Then Ashtanga, world’s most powerful form of yoga happened to me. Personally, I was not a fan of power yoga. All through via my Instagram handle I encourage yoga with weight training. The right mix of weight training and yoga is the best, thing to do for one’s health.
Namita Nayyar
You are a renowned author, columnist and celebrity trainer extending your services to celebrities like Bipasha Basu, Lara Dutta, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sonakshi Sinha to name a few. How do you go about designing a routine to stay fit? Fitness Mantra you preach and live by?
D.P.
True, I am author of two bestselling books, “I’m Not Stressed” being the first. Random House approached me, to write a book on fitness. I didn’t want to be just another author with a book that was to be on the shelf. I bought time from them for my book.
Running a gym and attending clients with stressed out relationships, careers, financial issues motivated me to write a book. On how yoga, fitness, meditation, breath, self-care, can help beat stress. The book became a national bestseller.
Next was, A Complete Guide for men and women, and I called it “Shut Up and Train”.
My third book “Balance”is out NOW, which happens to be my life’s work. Beautiful & different from the first two books.
After spending over 20 -25 years in the fitness industry passion driven, I experienced the need to extend my knowledge.
My work style is different it totally client-based. We all know every individual is different, with different goals, structure, health status, likes & dislikes. Right? So, the workout is tailor made for both men & women. And of course, the program keeps evolving. It might change every week or every three weeks, month, three months etc.
Namita Nayyar
You are a stunning mother of two. Over the years how have you balanced your training routine, rearing kids and being a professional. Women often complain about lack of time when it comes to workout. 5 tips for women to prioritize daily workout?
D.P.
I went to upgrade my knowledge about fitness to Australia when my kids were two and four years old (Alana). And got a chance to learn the best about personal training, nutrition, supplements, etc.
Then I got a God-send opportunity to train Miss India for 30 days. Miss India landed me on to another bigger platform, a higher platform. And that is how my career took off. Coaching requests from Bollywood actresses started pouring in to train them, to travel with them. It was tough but due to personal resons had to decline a lot of offers back then.
My children were a priority and I wanted to be around for them. It was only after they grew older that I decided to take on my career seriously.
A noticeably big part of my journey in fitness is about self-love that I gave myself through fitness. A Happy person is one with a sound mind, body & soul.
Namita Nayyar
Hormones play a key role in weight loss & management. Women are faced with the challenge of unwanted weight gain especially around their 40’s.
At 50, according to you what are the diet and lifestyle modifications required to prevent that?
D.P.
Hormones play a huge role in fitness, and I’m going to be 52 this year. I had a smooth-sailing menopause gained very little weight before and then became the fittest after menopause. So basically, thanks to, my fitness background that kicked off at an incredibly young age.
Balanced, healthy meals composed of vegetables, my workouts and yoga are key to success.
Smart Tips For Women:
- Kick off today, by making small lifestyle changes.
- Big no to crash dieting.
- Don’t burn yourself out with overtraining.
- Alternate around stretching, weight training etc.
Namita Nayyar
Share input on your diet routine, meals/day? Foods you like to stick to minimum. You like to kick start your day with.
D.P.
I don’t believe in the word diet. I practice grandparents diet pattern because I grew up watching them. They kept a track of their portion sizes; were profoundly disciplined.
Alcohol & smoke, is a big NO. So at the end of the day, it’s all just disciplined routine and good habits.
Breakfast is my biggest meal of the day. Followed by Lunch mainly which is vegetarian and then a snack at teatime winding up finally with dinner which I keep very light. It could be a soup or green juice with a little bit of avocado.
Big no to sugar. Key focus is organic. 95 percent of my diet is vegetarian with occasional egg and chicken, stopped red meat 18 years ago. I have been off dairy for last three years. I consume almond or nut milk, or have lactose every once in a week.
Namita Nayyar
Your daily hair & skin care routine for that radiant look? According to you how significant is breathing for healthy skin & body?
D.P.
Bad posture leads to inappropriate breathing because of slouching which causes compression of lungs. Breathing into your lungs to full capacity is achieved by Ujay Breath is what I practice and promote a lot.
I occasionally opt for a clean-up once in three or four months or a facial once in six months. Also, like to use a lot of our Indian based organic products more natural chemical-free. I might use Kiel’s because they suit me. But very minimal.
Namita Nayyar
You have tried the traditional hatha yoga, power yoga, and Ashtanga yoga. But have a bent towards Ashtanga. “This is my yoga.” Please throw some light on why it happens to be your favourite.
D.P
My journey started Off with traditional, hatha-yoga, a few years after that, I came across Ashtanga. It’s one of the world’s most powerful form of yoga. I personally practice a lot of Ashtanga and promote this schools of yoga.
Namita Nayyar
As women, we store a lot of stress in our hips. 5 hip opening yoga asanas to enhance flexibility & minimize stress. when and how to practice.
D.P.
Hip openers are of key significance for everyone and yoga covers it all. A lot of the yoga asanas enhance the mobility in your hip area, like a downward dog. Women should practice hip opening asanas because they give birth to children. So, yoga is something that everybody, every woman should practice. It’s important, make it a priority.
Hip openers are important for stretching and strengthening the hip flexors because we tend to sit for long durations leaving them weak. Pigeon stretch is a great option. These yoga asanas should be practiced at least three to five times in a week.
Namita Nayyar
You are an inspirational role model, message for WF viewers & your fans?
D.P.
One needs to be very organic and real to survive a lifetime. Be proud of who you are, the body that you have. I have a tummy that has stretch marks because Alana was a noticeably big baby and I developed stretch marks and trust me I’m not ashamed of it. It’s natural for a mom I had a caesarean with Ahan, so the muscle is very weak, but it doesn’t bother me, and I love the way my body has transformed and I’m not ashamed of it.
Be positive, real, not fake, and non-judgmental. Live, and let live Aim for a pure heart and mind.
I have continued to practice all these signature workouts, to motivate people out there as Gyms & yoga studios were shut down during pandemic.
If you happen to visit my Instagram, I do it to motivate people out there. If you have the gift of knowledge, share it. Pass it on to people out there because they need it.
Namita Nayyar
A word about Women Fitness India.
D.P.
My message to all “Be yourself, be positive, be happy, and be fit.” Fitness is not about looking good; it lies beyond your physical being. A healthy person displays fitness in organs, skin and existence.
My Fitness Mantra “Stay fit in the mind, body, and soul.” And that the reason why I am referred to as a health coach today.