Annavi Khot, the super coach who through a combination of inner strength, courage, determination and will power has overcome many a challenge and is soaring to greater heights in her fitness career and her personal space. Read more about her amazing story in this interview with Team Fitqii.
Tell us a little bit about yourself. About your story & how you got into fitness.
I started my journey when I was in school. Back then I was really fat and depressed about it as well. A new gym opened up in Nucleus mall and I just went to have a look. Just like that I found myself enrolling there. When I first entered the gym I just knew that it was my calling I didn’t stop! Since I started in my 10th grade, I haven’t looked back. I continued my journey throughout my college years and during 4 years of hospitality education. I never stopped giving time to fitness and working out. That’s when I knew my passion lies in fitness.
After I graduated in hospitality, I started my first job back in Pune. I started working as a spinning instructor and a fitness trainer. I worked hard, saved up and put my money towards a certification in fitness. During my job my family was obviously against me working in the gym because we have this whole mentality in Indian society that a girl can’t work in a gym. It makes or has a bad impression on the society, so because of that my family was against it. That’s the reason I lied to my family for about 6 to 8 months ! They didn’t know that I had a job so I used to lie at home and go and work. That’s how I saved up money and put it into my fitness education and I just continued personal training and studying side-by-side.
Any Challenges you’ve faced or sacrifices you’ve had to make?
I have faced a lot of difficulties and a lot of challenges in my journey. Initially of course convincing my whole family that what I was doing was nothing shameful or bad and women could pursue their work and could do what they love without being objectified by society. So that was one of my biggest challenges. The other was being a woman in the fitness industry. It took a lot of courage and I had to face a lot of people who had huge egos and you know I just couldn’t be myself! There were times when people doubted me & doubted my knowledge.
And of course with these challenges comes a lot of sacrifices. Sleep being one of them. I used to wake up really early, start my day and come back home really late as well. I sacrificed my social life and hanging out with friends, time with family and a lot of other things as well and initially it did affect me but I was so happy in the gym that nothing else mattered.
How do you keep clients motivated and engaged?
I think many people lack motivation and discipline when it comes to fitness. For my clients generally I set up small goals, both long-term and short-term. I show them what they can achieve if they are consistent. I motivate them in small ways. I make small daily changes in their habits and their lifestyle. But honestly if a client is in love with the process, that’s it! When results are inevitable they don’t need to be motivated.
What do you see as your greatest strength? Weakness?
My greatest strength I believe is persistence. I work really hard & I don’t give up. I believe I am a very strong person and no matter what comes my way I will get what I want! It was very difficult initially, I’ve had lots of breakdowns but I know what I want & I’m going to get it. My weakness is I try to do too many things at one time.
How often do you update yourself on new trends?
I am constantly updating myself with new information and not trends. New research that is backed by scientific evidence.
What is your personal fitness philosophy?
My personal fitness philosophy is the act of getting strong first Starts in your mind and then is mirrored on your body!
Advice you live by?
There are actually a couple of things that I live by. The first one is, always stay strong and consistent. The second bit of advice that I live by is no matter what happens in your life, always get back up and keep on moving forward!!
Also that you do not need anyone in your life, no one is coming to save you, no one is coming to help you, if you want something you have to get it yourself!
Best advice you give to clients?
Advice I give my clients is to just stay consistent and enjoy what they’re doing, the results then are inevitable !
What would a day in your life look like?
A day in my life would look like this. I start my day at 6 am, have clients that I train after that. Once I’m finished with my personal training I work out of course. Cook my own meals in the afternoon. Then I spend time with my dog and read ( I read a lot of books ) and in the evening again I have my clients or if I have orders for my baking I wrap that up and usually night is either with friends or with my dog!
What workouts do you enjoy?
I love lifting weights ( passionate about weights, actually! ) I love yoga and running as well.
Name a few essential exercises suited for almost anyone.
I think any form of physical activity that suits your body considering your current health is good! It can be swimming, walking, yoga, pilates or weight training!
How do you ensure that a fitness program is effective?
To ensure a full fitness program is effective, it is very important to consistently track progress so I do weekly check-ins with my clients to ensure that the program is the right one for them !
What is your personal experience with fitness and nutrition?
My personal experience with fitness and nutrition is you have to find the right program that works for you and you have to make sure that you are consistent!!
A quote that would describe you the best.
Everything you need lies within you, your strength, your courage, your determination and your willpower. All you need to do is find it.
