From Chubby Childhood to Fittr Coach: Laxmi Shukla Pandey’s Powerful Postpartum Transformation
At 45, when most people start accepting the decline of their physical strength as a part of aging, Laxmi Shukla Pandey is just getting started. Today, she’s a certified INFS and Fittr Coach, a proud mother of two, and a living example that transformation has no age limit. But her journey didn’t begin with confidence and strength—it began with struggle, self-doubt, and a decades-long battle with weight gain.
Early Life: The Roots of an Emotional Battle
The Label That Stuck: “Chubby Girl”
Growing up, Laxmi was often the center of attention at family gatherings—but not for the right reasons. Her relatives and even teachers would comment on her body, labeling her the “chubby girl.” As a child, she didn’t fully understand what those remarks meant, but they left a mark. Food was either controlled or criticized, and her relationship with eating became tangled in guilt.
Teenage Years of Restriction
Instead of enjoying food freely, Laxmi found herself on a series of unsupervised “diets,” often skipping meals or avoiding entire food groups based on hearsay. These years of restriction built a complicated pattern of emotional eating and poor body image. The foundation for her adult struggles was already being laid.
Marriage, Motherhood & Postpartum Struggles
Weight Gain After Each Pregnancy
Like many women, Laxmi’s body went through significant changes during and after her pregnancies. After both her C-section deliveries, she gained more than 30 kg each time. The weight wasn’t just physical; it came with emotional baggage. She tried traditional home remedies, random exercise routines, and several “miracle” diets—none of which brought lasting results.
Health Concerns and Hormonal Imbalance
Along with weight gain came chronic fatigue, hormonal issues, mood swings, and a near-constant sense of failure. Deep inside, Laxmi knew she wanted to change—not just for her appearance, but for her health and future.
The Game Changer: Discovering Fittr and INFS
Science Over Starvation
In 2020, Laxmi stumbled upon Fittr, a platform that talked about “evidence-based fitness.” No crash diets. No unrealistic expectations. Just quantified nutrition, strength training, and consistency. For the first time, Laxmi saw a path that made sense. She enrolled in the Diploma in Nutrition and Fitness from INFS, driven by a desire to understand what her body really needed.
Learning to Love the Process
What began as a journey to lose weight turned into a journey of self-discovery. She learned about calorie tracking, progressive overload, recovery, and, most importantly, self-compassion. Fitness became a science-backed habit—not punishment for eating.
Rising Through Fittr’s Transformation Challenges
TC15: Guided by Coach Nitesh Dangey
Under the mentorship of Coach Nitesh Dangey, Laxmi entered Transformation Challenge 15 (TC15). With structured strength training, measured nutrition, and accountability, she reached the Top 50—a moment of victory she had never imagined for herself.
TC16: Self-Coached and Still Strong
Motivated by her previous win, she took on TC16 without external coaching. Managing workouts, nutrition, and daily responsibilities herself, she still landed in the Top 100, proving her growing independence and commitment.
TC20: Rebuilding After Personal Loss
In 2023, Laxmi lost her brother—a loss that left her emotionally devastated. Adding to the challenge, she was diagnosed with osteoarthritis. But instead of retreating, she came back stronger. She used fitness as therapy, channeling her grief into strength. Her TC20 Top 50 finish was more than a physical victory—it was a testament to her inner resilience.
Discovering Calisthenics: Strength in Motion
Defying Age, One Headstand at a Time
In her 40s, Laxmi began exploring calisthenics—a form of training that uses bodyweight to build incredible strength and control. Under the guidance of Coach Akshay Tamra, she began performing push-ups, pull-ups, headstands, and pistol squats—movements she never imagined herself capable of.
Managing Osteoarthritis with Movement
Despite her diagnosis, Laxmi focused on joint mobility and functional strength. Today, she lives pain-free and active, thanks to intentional training and a refusal to be defined by her age or condition.
Becoming a Coach: Paying It Forward
Certified and Empowered
Having transformed herself, Laxmi wanted to help others. She became a certified INFS Coach and was soon selected as a Fittr Transformation Coach. Her focus? Women who feel stuck after pregnancy, overwhelmed by age, or unsure where to begin.
Coaching Philosophy
Laxmi’s coaching blends:
- Science-backed nutrition that allows freedom and sustainability
- Strength training to build confidence and function
- Mindset shifts that help women fall in love with the process
- Emotional support, especially for postpartum moms
A Circle of Support: Mentors, Family, and Fittr
Laxmi credits her transformation to a strong support system:
- Nitesh Dangey – her first mentor and TC15 coach
- Akshay Tamra – for introducing her to the power of calisthenics
- Simran Kaur and Dr. Aakash Bansal – mentors from INFS
- Jitendra Chouksey (JC) – founder of Fittr, for building a life-changing platform
- Her family – especially her husband and children, for believing in her every step
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How much weight did Laxmi lose?
She lost more than 30 kg after each of her two pregnancies and has maintained a healthy weight through sustainable fitness.
Q2: What certifications does she hold?
She is a certified INFS Coach and Fittr Transformation Coach.
Q3: What’s her age?
She is currently 45 years old and actively coaching and training.
Q4: Is calisthenics safe after 40?
Yes! With proper form, progression, and expert guidance, calisthenics can improve strength, flexibility, and joint health at any age.
Q5: Can I train with Laxmi?
Yes. You can reach her via her Fittr Coach profile or on Instagram at [Insert Instagram Handle].
Final Thoughts: A Story of Power, Patience, and Possibility
Laxmi Shukla Pandey’s journey proves that it’s never too late to transform your life. Her story isn’t just about losing weight or building muscle—it’s about reclaiming identity, building resilience, and living fearlessly.
From an overweight child to a confident coach, from postpartum struggles to perfect push-ups, Laxmi embodies what’s possible when you trade excuses for education, and fear for faith.
Fitness isn’t her destination—it’s her way of life. And her story is just beginning.