Punita Mangat, a health educator, fitness influencer, writer, Activist, Certified personal trainer, Certified Mindfulness and Yoga therapy Teacher in training with emphasis on leadership and a practicing Registered Dental Hygienists, is on a mission to motivate women to get curious and investigate the path that they choose to be on.
Her purpose is to change the standard of mental and fitness standards. Punita is currently enrolled in YTT 200 hr as well as working on getting her certification for Personal Training. She is passionate about inspiring other South Asian women to get healthy in a balanced and safe way.
Let us talk to the wonderful woman who is changing the stereotypes of the Indian Fitness Industry, one step at a time.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You are a multi-faceted woman being a health educator, fitness influencer, writer, Activist, Certified personal trainer, Certified Mindfulness and Yoga therapy Teacher and a practicing Registered Dental Hygienist. Tell us more about how were you introduced to fitness? What were the factors that led you to becoming a fitness influencer?
Ms. Punita Mangat:
Growing up in India, fitness was not something that was instilled in me but I always admired a woman’s strength. I have always read about the mental and physical benefits of fitness but was not motivated enough to test it out in my 20s. My fitness journey started in my mid 30s after having a baby and going through a divorce. Yes I know, it sounds like my world was on a huge shift. In order to cope with my post-partum blues and my marriage ending, I turned to fitness for therapy and strength. It became my mental health mechanism and as I continued on my journey I realized all the other benefits I was reaping from being active as well. In result of posting and sharing my work outs and daily routine, other people started following me and started getting inspired to move which was even more motivating for me to keep going. I am a huge advocate of mental health as well as physical health. Fit mind, Fit body and Fit life.
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:
In your own words, “My purpose is to change the standard of mental and fitness standards. Let’s live loudly and do the work together.” Which standards are you talking about and how do you wish to change them?
Ms. Punita Mangat:
I would like to see more Indian women get featured in sports and fitness magazines. Vogue India recently posted about women in sports which made me super proud. I want to change the standard of only a certain look or type being portrayed in the fitness world. Along with stomping the gender and race profiling, I also want people especially women to not compare themselves to what is shown in the media and magazines. Not everyone is going to have abs and having abs does not mean your fitness journey is more important than someone else who doesn’t but is healthy and active. Body shaming has to end and we need more body positive messages to empower women to pursue and sustain a healthy lifestyle.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
With so many fitness enthusiasts who look up to you, they would love to know about a day in your life?
Ms. Punita Mangat:
I am a very busy multifaceted woman. I am also a mom, have a full-time job along with being an aspiring Mindfulness and Yoga teacher in training. It’s all about priorities and finding a balance. I meal prep ahead for the week, I plan my outfits ahead and I prioritize so I can get my work outs in after or before work. I am striving to live the best version of myself and we only have one body so I treat it like my temple.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Healthy eating is an integral part of your lifestyle. Tell us about the food/meal pattern that you follow in general to remain healthy and physically fit?
Ms. Punita Mangat:
I am not one of those restricted diet followers. I strongly feel you need flexibility in your meals so you don’t feel deprived. Honestly your results will be better and you will sustain your lifestyle better if you have some flexibility. I follow the 80/20 rule which means I eat very healthy 80 percent and add some of my favorite indulges the other 20%. Having said that, this works for me but that doesn’t mean it will work for everyone. No two people are the same and you have to figure out what your own personal formula is according to your goals.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Your Instagram speaks volumes about your love for fitness! Share with us your weekly workout routine.
Ms. Punita Mangat:
I absolutely love HIIT workouts- High Intensity Interval Training. It’s effective, efficient and gets me the results and that addictive endorphin high quick. I also love squats so definitely incorporate 1 or 2 strength days. In addition, I am a nonstop stretching machine and absolutely love mindful mediation and yoga daily.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Inner health and beauty need to be accompanied with outer care too. How do you take care of your outer beauty and skin? Share with us your key skincare and haircare tips.
Ms. Punita Mangat:
I am minimalist when it comes to hair and skin. I feel that’s the best way. Our society is so obsessed with hiding all the imperfections all the time. As a fitness girl, I not only don’t have the time to do make up for a very long time nor do I feel it is necessary. I encourage other women to embrace their natural beauty more as well. I do put sunscreen daily because it’s the number one most effective way to protect your skin from aging and I use coconut oil in my hair and body daily. The biggest secret to great skin and hair is water, water, water and collagen daily.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Share 5 tips for a new fitness blogger, who has just started out and wishes to make a mark?
Ms. Punita Mangat:
Stay consistent with your blogs and posts. Don’t try to fit in, do what makes you happy and your tribe will come and follow you.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Over the years there has been a tremendous change in the scenario of health, fitness, and nutrition in India. What do you have to say from your observance?
Ms. Punita Mangat:
I am really excited to see a surge of fitness in India and feel it’s really important for Indians to get physically fit. Indian women will gain confidence, strength and a sense of stable calm mind through fitness which is why I blog and try to influence other Indian women to move. Plus, you become part of a very supportive community that encourages you and some women need that support system desperately.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Share with our WF viewers, 5 reasons why we must practice yoga.
Ms. Punita Mangat:
5 reasons to practice yoga are:
- The strength you develop in your joints which will help you age
- Develop better balance and stronger muscles which will help you avoid injury
- Mind and body connection is profoundly beneficial for a happier life
- Flexibility is imperative to progress in order to be able to live pain free and help with daily routines and work outs
- Over all focus and concentration improves exponentially and your overall well-being is improved as well
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Women Fitness works relentlessly with a goal to reach out women all over the world providing them with best in health & fitness. What do you wish to say about the website (Womenfitness.org) and message for our readers?
Ms. Punita Mangat:
I am impressed with the organization of this website. I feel that it’s a great platform for women to use and find guidance and useful information regarding fitness lifestyle. I am so honored to be part of this awesome website and encourage the readers to join this amazing community.
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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