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Namrata Purohit’s recognition is not limited to being a celebrity fitness trainer. Namrata is also the youngest trained Stott Pilates Instructor in the world, a national level squash player, an author, and the owner of ‘The Pilates and Altitude Training Studio‘ which is the first studio in the world to offer both the things together in one place.

She authored the book, ‘The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Being Fit,’ and also appeared in the empowering Nike ad, Da Da Ding.

In a candid interview with JWB, Namrata shared her story of ‘falling’ and getting up again to climb the ladder of success. And, of course, she also talked about the celeb fitness, most dedicated actors, her book, and much more.

JWB: You were ranked No. 4 squash player of India at one point. And, then you suffered a severe injury in the knee. But you were not discouraged. What motivated you not to give up?

Namrata: I think the support my parents have given me have played a major role. Without their constant encouragement and their reminder to have a never give up spirit has been my main motivation. I have always believed in trying my best and pushing myself as much as possible.

JWB: Now you are a famous Pilates instructor and a celeb coach. Tell us more about your journey from then to now.

Namrata: It has been an incredible journey. I have learned a lot along the way. From the interactions with different people, learning how to manage my time better, working harder, to dealing with problems or hurdles, etc. I feel like it has really developed me as a person.

It started with a fall off a horse, and I usually like to say that was a blessing in disguise because without that fall I would not be here today. I fell in love with Pilates, post the fall. As a form of exercise, it works on your fitness at multiple levels and is also rehabilitative. Then there was a desire to teach this type of exercise to as many people as possible. This form was magical for me, and I wanted to spread the magic.

JWB: You are a writer, too. Your book has such an interesting name, ‘The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Being Fit.’ What’s your inspiration and motive behind this book?

Namrata: I thought about writing a book when I was in Junior College. At that time, I met so many girls who wanted to be fit but just did not know how to start or where to begin. Lots of people complained about the lack of time, motivation, or willpower to workout. People felt demotivated and didn’t want to exercise because they found it boring, repetitive, or just something that they did not enjoy. And, I just thought about how I loved it, looked forward to my workouts and found them extremely enjoyable. This intrigued me, and I wanted to look deeper into why people do not enjoy fitness and how this can be changed. 

And, that is what the book is all about. The book contains a lot of information on the different things you can do to stay fit and healthy and a reminder that you can find something you enjoy to stay fit. Some people may love the gym; other may enjoy joining a dance class, while others may love Pilates. So, everyone will find something they find fun, and that will keep them fit.

JWB: You were a part of Nike ad, Da Da Ding. There were so many girls from different fields of sports and fitness. How was the backstage experience with them?

Namrata: The atmosphere was great overall. However, since we all formed a different part of the video, we could not interact and enjoy the time together, as the shoot day and locations were different.

JWB: To a large degree, the meaning of fitness is still synonymous to weight-loss. Why? What’s your idea of fitness?

Namrata: It is because, unfortunately, the meaning of the word fitness has still not been understood. It includes being physically fit and healthy, and although everyone would like to look fit, it is not the only aspect of fitness. 

Being fit and being healthy is about being strong, flexible, having good levels of energy, having high endurance, stamina, stability, balance and much more. It also includes being happy and positive. As is often said, ‘A healthy mind resides in a healthy body.’

True that!

JWB: As a celebrity coach, do you think that the celebs have to undergo extreme training and diets? How would you encourage people to be more objective and not blindly follow celeb workout regimes?

Namrata: What we have to understand is that often, celebrities have to look a certain way for their role in a limited amount of time. Therefore, sometimes, they have to work extremely hard and be very disciplined to achieve their goal. They have to push themselves and their body way beyond the limit in order to reach the target, which can be extremely strenuous on the body and very tiring. 

But, this is their job to fit the role and look the part. Their dedication is extremely inspiring.

However, when it comes to fitness, it is important to work your body out slowly and give yourself the time to achieve your goal. Do not look at transforming your body overnight, as it is not the best way to do it. Take your time, and work on your fitness steadily and safely. 

As I like to say: KISSS- Keep It Safe, Simple and Smart. Fortunately, most of my clients love working out and understand what fitness is about, and they, too, try and give themselves enough time to achieve the goal, as it is a healthier way of getting fit.

JWB: How can we inculcate body-positivity in people and curb body-shaming?

Namrata: We need to understand that everyone’s body is different, and we have to learn to respect that. And, as I keep saying, it starts with learning to love ourselves, the way we are. Unless we respect ourselves and love ourselves, how can we expect anyone else to love us?

JWB: Tell us more about yourself. Maybe, the side of you, that seldom people know of.

Namrata: I think one thing that people assume about me is that I only eat healthy food and must be working out a lot every day. Yes I do work out a lot, yes I do eat healthy food, but I, too, crave some ‘not so healthy’ things every once in a while. I enjoy my cheat meals and also rest some days.

And, here’re some quick QAs:

Most motivated celeb you’ve trained?

Namrata: A few of them actually! Jacqueline, Malaika Arora, Varun Dhawan, Arjun Kapoor, Aditya, Manasi, Tanishaa.

Celebs too, are like us. So, what’s one common excuse celebs give to skip the workout?

Namrata: Fortunately, very rarely does someone skip a workout. In case they do, it is usually because it’s difficult to find the time amidst their extremely busy schedule or they have worked extremely hard the previous day and are just too tired the next day. Both of which are genuine reasons than an excuse according to me.

Which actor/actress do you find the fittest?

Namrata: At the moment I think Jacqueline is extremely fit. Her body is looking amazing. She is strong, flexible, has great stamina, balance, and endurance.

What’s your funniest moment with a celeb during a workout session?

Namrata: Ha-Ha! This question makes me laugh right now, as it takes me down a lot of funny moments during our classes. From funny one-liners to uncontrollably shaky muscles, there have been various moments with my clients where we just had to stop for a few minutes and laugh.

One celeb you wish to train?

Namrata: Akshay Kumar

Your cheat meal?

Namrata: Spaghetti AglioOglio! My favorite!!

Your role model?

Namrata: I have two: my parents.

5 essentials in your gym bag?

Namrata: Water, Trainers, Towel, Headphones and a healthy snack.

One fitness trainer you wish to train under?

Namrata: My father, Samir Purohit. His knowledge about the fitness field, about anatomy, training methods, and his ideology is incredible. Although I have already learned a lot from him, I hope to learn a lot more. He is my guru and my guide!

Thank you, Namrata, for sharing your story with us. Her journey teaches us an important lesson: Don’t be disheartened by small obstructions or failures. The small hindrances happen because there’s something bigger planned for us. Have faith and just keep going!

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