"Fitness doesn't come to your doorstep"

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1. Tell us more about yourself and your profession.

My name is Tarun Dhingra and I recently graduated from the University of Guelph with an honours degree in Economics and Minors in Business. I am originally from Panchkula, India. I became a part of the University of Guelph in 2016. Throughout my journey in Canada, and specifically at the University of Guelph, I have not only gained experience, but have overall seen great development in my personality. Many dream to become a part of a well renowned University and only some get the chance and I believe It was part luck and part my hard work.

I am an auditor by profession and have worked for great institutions such as the Ontario Veterinary College and Marriott International. Although I have experience in my field, I believe that there are different paths that we follow at the same time.

2. What is your fitness mantra?

One thing that changed my mental strength was a change in my physical strength. My interest grew in fitness during my freshman year. I made the first trip to my University gym and instantly realized that there is a lot to learn. To me, learning is everything. I believe that in our lives, we either teach or learn.

"Fitness doesn't come to your doorstep" hence, you have to be very focused and driven. I was 19 when I first deadlifted 100 pounds. It sure was a big thing for me but I am 22 now and I can without a doubt life five times that weight. My mantra for fitness is simple, get up everyday, workout a little every day and that's it. Once your start liking it, you won't stop loving it.

3. What are some of major misconceptions about diets and exercises?

There is a long list of myths but let's just discuss some which are well known. Many people ask me if cutting carbs would make them skinny or the longer or harder you workout is more productive. But, there is always science involved when we talk about our bodies. Dieting means eating specific food items in a day and I have seen people getting results but what it also brings, is weakness. Dieting along with exercise is a perfect mix. The food you eat should rely on the amount of workout you put in your day.

Let's just take me for an example, I workout one hour everyday and loose almost a thousand calories. Well, I also walk for a few hours and I loose some calories in that. I also talk a lot which makes it more calories in the same day. So, if I have burned almost two thousand calories in a day, if I want to lower my weight, I would eat less than the amount I lost. So, I would consume 1800 calories making me loose those 200 calories everyday and vice-versa if you are looking to gain.

Moving forwards to my other question, I don't certainly believe spending more time matters. I you do a couple explosive exercises every now and then you just need to be there for half an hour. It certainly depends on what are your calorie needs and work accordingly.

4. How can one maintain a healthy lifestyle?

Healthy lifestyle requires one to see the positive in themselves and plan their day ahead. In reference to having a fit lifestyle, I believe these 4 things can do the job:

Drinking lots of water: relieves your body of unnecessary elements and keeps your body temperature down which is good for your skin.
Proper sleep: helps your body recover after a hectic day at work or exercise.
Exercising: important not just because it keeps you fit, but also keeps you healthy and away for many diseases. It is essential to have body movement to keep your heart healthy and muscles strong and sound.
Eating healthy food: keeps your mind and body fit and requires consumption of essentials vitamins, minerals, carbs, fats and protein. Since the average calorie intake differs for every person, it is essential to have an aim for your body and work accordingly.

5. How can one build a successful career in your field?

Since I am an influencer, there are no stops in expressing your lifestyle and make people believe that they can have the same as well. The magic of helping people achieve their body targets and fitness goals is very satisfying for me.

To join the fitness world, it is important to have the knowledge and experience through self hard work. I have gained this experience through the changes I have seen in myself and my experimenting has shown me results, I am good at helping people with workout routines and providing them with diet plans according to their needs. I am growing a business and will achieve great heights in coming future because I believe in my work and myself.

6. What is one piece of advice you would like to give someone who wishes to lose weight?

It's easy, "follow me". All people need is to trust themselves that any target can be achieved if we work hard for it. People spend millions of dollars building an empire and its takes trillion level confidence to trust your instincts. Once you believe something can be achieved, you have already taken your first steps which is the most difficult one. In my earlier words, losing or gaining is again based your your calories requirement and your body movement. Try to learn your body and you will have the answers right in front of you.

7. How do diets and exercise contribute to overall well being and happiness?

Exercise and Diet go hand in hand. People say one is more required than the other but honestly its more the same. Our bodies are like temple. A temple gets cleaned every hour and gets fed a lot of food in the same. If we stop cleaning, we would just spoil the temple and the food will rot. Just like that, treat your body like a temple. Consume and Clean.

- Tarun Dhingra

Interview By - Haseeb Haroon