A pro Athlete Jinnie Gogia Chugh has represented India FOUR times on the international platform – thrice in physique sports and once in Powerlifting. A prolific writer, Jinnie is the key brand ambassador of the FITINDIA CAMPAIGN and is doing considerable work in the campaign. As a woman athlete, Jinnie is a recognized name in the Fitness Industry. She is the editor of FITNESS GURU MAGAZINE, and a columnist with DB POST VIBE, DHARA NEWS, ASIAN AGE.
She writes for many magazines and newspapers. Jinnie has authored over 15 educational books and edited many. She has been given extensive coverage by print media and many online portals for her journey and achievements. Recognized as an elite athlete in fitness, she has been featured as being amongst the top 5 fittest moms in the country. She has also been referred to as the most educated woman in fitness in ASIA. An avid learner, she is persistently working hard in her pursuit of excellence in life.
Namita Nayyar, President Women Fitness Org catches up with the wonder woman, with so many accolades under her name, in an exclusive interview this March.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Before turning to fitness, you have had over 18 years of experience as a teacher and writer. Share with us your journey before finally entering the fitness industry?
Ms. Jinnie Gogia:
I started my career as a teacher, but always wanted to do something different and grow. I pursued MA ( ENGLISH ), M.Ed, and MBA and also a couple of short term courses to enhance myself as I strongly believe in educating oneself. I started with education writing in 2009 and as destiny had planned, the occupation of FITNESS started at the age of 37 in the year 2014.
This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar, President womenfitness.org and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2018 Women Fitness Org
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You have represented India FOUR times on the international platform – thrice in physique sports and once in Powerlifting. So when did you decide to follow your true passion and love for fitness and become a fitness competitor?
Ms. Jinnie Gogia:
Honestly, I decided to join a gym in the morning hours after completing the household chores as I am quite an early riser, once I had quit the teaching job and there was no such plan to compete at the international level. It was a mere coincidence that once in the gym, I was suggested to participate in the trials for the world championship, and I prepared for the trials. By God’s grace, I got selected and then represented India in the physique sports for the first time. I then participated twice again and finally decided to shift to powerlifting last year. I am very passionate about the sport and became a competitor and an international athlete.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Being a professional fitness competitor, staying fit is called upon. Unfold the exercises that comprise your fitness regime on a daily basis?
Ms. Jinnie Gogia:
Generally I follow a TWO BODY PARTS a day schedule, along with some basic stretching and abs exercises. But as and when I gained more knowledge, I understood the true meaning of Fitness in totality and included some basic mobility training in my exercising schedule. Largely my workout depends on my Fitness Goals, which may also include any shoot or any upcoming championship. I am also trying to learn some calisthenics and add those in my workout now on a daily basis.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Tell us about the diet that you follow to remain healthy and physically fit? Also, tell us your Top 3 favorite recipes.
Ms. Jinnie Gogia:
I’m very watchful of my diet and generally try to remain disciplined. My diet is based on my fitness goals and is a balanced combination of good protein and fats, with low carb intake. I make sure to include fruit and vegetables in my diet, and also essential supplements that I take.
My favorite three recipes would be Grilled fish or chicken steak along with veggies. I’m not very fond of very oily /fried food and also try to avoid refined flour preparations.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Bodybuilding is often considered a male-dominated field, do you think it’s difficult for a woman to make a mark in this field? Or have the times changed? Also, what would be your best tips for a woman thinking of choosing this field?
Ms. Jinnie Gogia:
Yes it is true that the number of males in the sport of bodybuilding are much more in number in comparison to the females hence making it a male dominated sport. But I won’t say that it is tough for women to make a mark in this field or any field for that matter. One needs to be very hardworking and focused and then definitely one can achieve. Females can do very well and get immense respect and recognition in this field.
In the recent years, the scenario has amply changed and there is a wholehearted participation from the women community. The most endearing part is that recent years have seen participation from women of all age groups, even in their 50s. But yes, everything comes with a huge struggle and immense hardwork.
The most important tips for a women would be to chose the right coach/trainer, someone who motivates you and brings out the best in you. Also one should stay away from negativity always.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You are the brand ambassador of #FitIndia Campaign, which is actually the need of the hour to educate Indian Masses about health & fitness. How do you aim to create more awareness through this campaign?
Ms. Jinnie Gogia:
The #FITINDIACAMPAIGN is aimed at spreading awareness about the right diet and to encourage physical activity amongst people. We have events spread across the nation in all the sectors of the society and ample media activities to create awareness about FITNESS.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You have made a mark for yourself by winning several competitions like 5 gold medals in the commonwealth powerlifting championship, WBPF 2015 championship, and many more. How does it feel to be appreciated for all the hard work that you have put in?
Ms. Jinnie Gogia:
It has been a wonderful feeling and I have immense gratitude for the same. God has been kind ,and I always try to put in my best in my endeavors.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Along with being a fitness professional, you are also an educationist having authored over 15 educational books and edited many, how are you able to strike balance between both?
Ms. Jinnie Gogia:
I started with education writing, but since last two years I have totally been focused on Fitness writing. I’m a columnist with a few newspapers and magazines and have written for THE WEEK MAGAZINE, ABARAX NU, FITNESS GURU, DHARA NEWS, HT CITY, DB POST -VIBE, and also the editor of FITNESS GURU magazine. Now I write only on Fitness, primarily on various topics based on fitness industry, exercises, workout based on my knowledge, readings and also on NUTRITION and SUPPLEMENTS in the fitness industry.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Would you like to tell us about the changing scenario of fitness in our country over the years?
Ms. Jinnie Gogia:
The fitness industry is growing at an unprecedented speed and has seen immense growth in the recent years. The scenario has changed and has shown growth in all the facets, be it the supplements, the users, the equipment’s, the professional competitions and the many fitness athletes. It has overall grown into the WELLNESS industry and focus is not merely on bodybuilding but also on fitness in totality.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Advice and motivational words to the inspiring and budding fitness competitors who all are your fans, they shall like to know from you, what they should do for their climb to ladder of success in this field?
Ms. Jinnie Gogia:
Persistently work hard, Stay focused and stay positive. Please stay away from negativity or demotivating people. I also would like to thank all the fans for their support and encouragement. It definitely means a lot to me.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Do you think social media has helped bring in multiple opportunities for fitness professionals?
Ms. Jinnie Gogia:
Yes, undeniably the social media has helped in networking and in reaching out for opportunities. However, one needs to be very careful as its not very easy to identify the reality from fake opportunities and even the genuineness.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
What do you wish to say about the website Womenfitness.org and message for our readers?
Ms. Jinnie Gogia:
The website Womenfitness.org is a wonderful portal, I am quite appreciative of the efforts that the team of WOMENFITNESS.ORG has taken and my congrats to the team. Its an honor for me to be featured on such a prestigious portal and I wish to express my extreme gratitude for the same.
Many wishes to all.
Keep working hard and never give up, stay focused, believe in yourself and always have Faith in God.
This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar, President womenfitness.org and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2018 Women Fitness Org