Sapna Vyas Interview
"My TEDx talk carried the same message: self-love is not indulgence, it is responsibility."
Q. What was the moment you realized your personal fitness journey was becoming more than just a private goal and you wanted to share it to help others?
When I started, it was just me versus me. I was trying to fix the way I felt about myself, the way I looked and the way I lived. But when people around me like family, friends, even strangers began noticing the changes, they didn’t just compliment me. They asked, “How did you do this?”.
I saw that they weren’t asking out of curiosity, but out of desperation for hope. That’s when it hit me that this journey was not just mine. If my story could light a spark for someone else to take control of their life, then I had a responsibility to share it. It stopped being about weight loss and started being about empowerment.
Q. With your background in psychology and behavior change, how do you apply those tools when clients struggle to stick with healthy habits?
I’ve learned that most people don’t struggle because they lack information. They struggle because of silent emotional and psychological battles. Many of us eat when we are stressed, lonely, or bored. Many of us quit because we set unrealistic standards. That’s where psychology helps.
I focus on finding the “why” behind their behavior. Once you understand that, you can build habits that feel like self-care rather than punishment. I often encourage people to start small, 10 minute walk is just as worth celebrating as running a marathon. Consistency grows when change feels like love for yourself, not a burden.
Q. You’ve often said fitness is not about money or fancy gyms. What simple, practical habits can anyone start today to improve their health?
Health is not about luxury memberships or expensive gadgets. It’s about commitment. The simplest habits often have the greatest impact. Walk more because our bodies are designed to move, not sit all day. Guard your sleep as if it’s your most valuable asset, because it is. Stay hydrated, because without enough water, nothing in your body works well.
These basics are so simple that people often dismiss them, but when practiced consistently, they change everything from your body to your energy, mood, and confidence.
Q. Many people struggle with discipline more than knowledge. What strategies have you seen work best for building consistency in fitness?
Discipline is not about being superhuman. It’s about building systems that make quitting difficult. I tell my clients to treat their workouts like an important meeting with themselves. You wouldn’t cancel on your boss or best friend, so why cancel on your health? Accountability is another powerful tool, whether it’s a trainer, a workout partner, or even your online community.
When someone else expects you to show up, you usually do. And finally, do what you love. If every workout feels like punishment, you’ll never stay consistent. Fitness should feel like freedom. That joy is what makes you keep going.
Q. Beyond fitness coaching, you also write columns and deliver TEDx talk on self-love and discipline. How do these platforms help you spread your message beyond fitness, and what impact do you hope they leave?
For me, fitness was always a doorway into something bigger. When I write columns or speak on stages, I’m not only talking about health. I’m talking about discipline, planning, and respect for your body as principles that transform your entire life.
My TEDx talk carried the same message: self-love is not indulgence, it is responsibility. These platforms allow me to reach people who may never walk into a gym but still need to hear that transformation is possible in every area of life. The impact I hope to leave is simple: health and discipline are forms of freedom. When you master them, you unlock confidence, clarity, and courage to chase any dream.
Q. Finally, what one message would you leave for your audience today, especially those who feel discouraged or overwhelmed about starting their own fitness journey?
If you feel stuck, I want you to remember this: you are not broken, you are just at the beginning. Nobody starts strong. I didn’t. Everyone feels fear and doubt, but the difference between those who move forward and those who give up is not talent—it’s persistence.
Don’t think about the 20 kilos you want to lose or the “perfect body” you wish for. Focus on today. Drink your water. Take that short walk. Cook a simple meal instead of eating junk. These small choices build into something powerful. Believe me, your future self will thank you for them. Don’t chase perfection. Chase progress. And never forget—you are stronger than you think.
Bio
Sapna Vyas is an Indian fitness expert, actress, columnist, and motivational speaker from Ahmedabad, Gujarat. She first rose to prominence after transforming her own health and now inspires millions with her practical approach to fitness.
Sapna is certified by the American Council on Exercise (ACE) as a Health Coach, Weight Management Specialist, and Behavior Change Specialist.
She has acted in Gujarati films including Parvat and the upcoming Rahasyam, while also producing content through her podcast Baaton Baaton Mein.
A regular columnist with Ahmedabad Mirror and Divya Bhaskar, Sapna uses her platforms to advocate natural fitness and rejecting shortcuts like crash diets, pills, or surgeries in favor of discipline, nutrition, exercise, and rest.Beyond content creation, Sapna is a sought-after speaker, having delivered TEDx talks and lectures across India.
She was also recognized on Forbes India’s “Digital Stars” list in 2022 for her influential social media presence. Her mission is simple yet powerful: to empower people to see fitness not as a luxury or punishment, but as the foundation for confidence, freedom, and self-respect.
Follow Sapna Vyas on Instagram
Interviewed by Monika Bhardwaj
Interviewed by Monika Bhardwaj
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