A Journey of Resilience: From Childhood Challenges to Fitness Coaching
I’m Charu Kapoor, and at 52 years old, my journey to fitness has been a path full of twists and turns, but one that has ultimately shaped me into who I am today. From the time I was a child, I was often teased for my weight. Nicknames like “Motu” and “Golgappa” were tossed at me with playful affection, yet they left a mark on my young heart. These names reminded me daily that I was different, and so I made a promise to myself early on—I would not let my weight define my life.
Growing up in a Punjabi household, food was more than just sustenance; it was an expression of love, culture, and celebration. While others craved sweets occasionally, I had an undeniable love for them. But I didn’t let my love for food slow me down. I poured myself into physical activities, running, playing sports, and especially badminton, which became my passion. I would play for hours, pushing my limits and chasing the idea of fitness.
But my love for badminton came at a cost. During a tournament, I suffered a slipped disc that left me bedridden for a month. Recovery was slow, and even after getting back on my feet, I faced a series of injuries—tennis elbow, chronic back pain—but never once did I consider that my diet might be a part of the problem.
It wasn’t until a particularly severe back pain episode that I turned to yoga for relief. I spent a year practicing Ashtanga yoga, not just as a student, but as a seeker. The more I practiced, the more I healed, and eventually, I earned a certification. Yoga restored my strength and resilience, and I returned to running and the occasional gym workout. But like many marathoners, I fell into the trap of carb-loading, which became my Achilles’ heel.
Then came the pandemic, a time when the world paused, and so did I. But instead of retreating, I saw an opportunity. With my husband’s unwavering support, I used this time to study for a marathon trainer certification from ACSM, which I proudly achieved. Yet, I knew that something was still missing—a sustainable approach to nutrition. I didn’t want a quick-fix diet; I wanted a lifestyle change. That’s when I discovered the INFS diploma course in nutrition and fitness and enrolled without hesitation.
Just as I was finding my balance, life threw another challenge at me—perimenopause. In August 2022, I was diagnosed with endometriosis and adenomyosis, which brought a storm of symptoms: mood swings, depression, lethargy, muscle cramps, and an overwhelming craving for comfort food. My beloved running became impossible, and I felt lost. After undergoing surgery in October, my doctor advised me to avoid strenuous activities. By December, I tentatively began running again, but I was not the runner I once was. My stamina and strength had diminished.
By January, I decided enough was enough. I joined forces with Fittr coach Niti Chowdhury and signed up for the TC-18 challenge. But just two weeks into the program, new injuries—tennis elbow, biceps tendinitis, and shoulder impingement—forced me to step back. Yet, I refused to surrender. I resumed running, cautiously, determined to rebuild what I had lost.
In May, I began my journey anew with Niti, this time joining the TC-19 challenge. Although lifting heavy weights was out of the question, I focused on home workouts with resistance bands and light dumbbells. When the results were announced, I was thrilled to discover that I had won the senior category.
This journey has taught me invaluable lessons: with the right mindset, the right plan, and a refusal to give up, anyone can achieve their fitness goals. Age, health conditions, and access to a gym should never be excuses. We owe it to ourselves and to our loved ones to stay strong, healthy, and active. Be an example to your children—show them what resilience looks like. They learn by watching, so play with them, exercise with them, and live a life full of energy and joy.
As a Fittr coach, this is the message I want to spread: Don’t let life pass you by while you’re on the sidelines. Get moving, nourish your body with wholesome food, and embrace the boundless potential within you. Life is too precious to be lived halfway—let’s live it to the fullest.
