From Doubt to Determination: My 10-Month Journey to Strength and Confidence—An Ongoing Lifetime Commitment
Hello! My name is Juthika Gupta, and I’m a working professional who, like many others, has spent years struggling with weight management. Despite my best efforts to exercise and diet, my weight stubbornly stayed at 58 kg, which became a constant source of frustration and self-doubt. This wasn’t just about numbers on a scale; it deeply affected my self-esteem and confidence. I often felt self-conscious, avoided wearing western dresses, and harbored a lingering sense of inferiority.
My life began to change when a friend introduced me to Fittr coach Sumit Kumar. Joining his program was a turning point for me. Under his expert guidance, I learned that fitness is not just about shedding pounds but about adopting a holistic approach that includes proper nutrition, hydration, rest, and recovery. These were elements I had never fully understood or prioritized before. Sumit helped me grasp the importance of fueling my body correctly—not just for weight loss, but for overall health and well-being.
Sumit emphasized the significance of a balanced diet tailored to my specific needs. He taught me how to make smarter food choices, ensuring I received the right nutrients to support my fitness goals. Alongside nutrition, he stressed the importance of staying hydrated, which I had often overlooked but came to realize is crucial for maintaining energy levels and overall health. Proper hydration made a noticeable difference in my workouts and daily life.
Rest and recovery were other critical aspects that Sumit introduced me to. In the past, I would push myself hard in the gym without considering how much my body needed time to recover. Sumit helped me understand that without adequate rest, my body wouldn’t be able to repair and grow stronger. He explained the role of sleep in muscle recovery and overall health, and with this knowledge, I began prioritizing sleep and allowing myself the necessary downtime to recover after intense workouts.
The journey, however, was far from easy and required significant sacrifices. One of the most challenging moments was choosing to forgo a much-anticipated road trip to Ladakh with friends—a trip I had been looking forward to for months. Missing out on this was heartbreaking, but I knew I needed to stay focused and committed. I reminded myself that whether it took 8 months or 12, the key was to remain patient and persevere. I made a promise to myself to complete 10,000 steps every day, no matter what obstacles I faced. This daily commitment became a cornerstone of my routine, helping me stay on track and motivated.
Despite the sacrifices, I found ways to enjoy my weekends and maintain a sense of balance in my life. It was important not to feel deprived or overly restricted. I realized that long-term sustainability was crucial for lasting change. This meant finding joy in the process and not just focusing on the end result. Initially, adjusting to my new routine and dietary changes was tough. I faced criticism and skepticism from others at the gym who didn’t understand the journey I was on. Some people even tried to pull me down or manipulate me because they were intimidated by my progress and intensity. It was disheartening at times, but I chose to ignore the negativity and stay true to my path. Ironically, the same people who once doubted me now come to me for advice and tips on their fitness journeys.
One of the most important lessons I learned during this journey was the importance of mental resilience. I didn’t give up on the process, nor did I lose faith in myself. It was easy to talk about making changes, but actually following through required a lot of grit and determination. I wasn’t just focused on losing weight; I was committed to building a lifestyle that I could sustain in the long run. I found a way to enjoy my life while staying committed to my fitness goals. I didn’t isolate myself from friends and family or spend all my time in the gym. I still enjoyed weekend outings, but I was firm about my boundaries and made sure my health remained a priority. I realized that when you prioritize your transformation and stay dedicated to it, others around you eventually accept and respect your commitment.
Today, I am incredibly thankful to FITTR, Jitendra Chouksey Sir, my coach Sumit Kumar, the Fittr Delhi NCR group, and most importantly, my husband Sandip Pramanik, for their immense support throughout my journey. Thanks to their guidance and encouragement, I’ve not only achieved significant weight loss, dropping to 47 kg, but I’ve also experienced substantial inch loss and noticeable improvements in my strength and endurance.
One of my proudest accomplishments is completing 800 burpees in a Fittr challenge—a feat that once seemed impossible to me. This achievement is a testament to the progress I’ve made in my fitness journey. I can now do 12-15 pull-ups, 20 pushups, and many other exercises that I never imagined I could perform. These achievements, accomplished in just 10 months, have transformed my life in ways I never thought possible. I’m healthier, stronger, and more confident than ever before, and for that, I am deeply grateful.
But this journey is far from over. I’ve learned that fitness and health are not destinations but ongoing commitments. This transformation isn’t a one-time event; it’s a lifelong journey. Every day presents new opportunities to grow stronger, push my limits, and continue evolving. I’m excited to see where this journey will take me next, knowing that with the right mindset and support, the possibilities are endless.
