Ms. Namita Nayyar:
In your own words, “My purpose is to change the standard of mental and fitness standards. Let’s live loudly and do the work together.” Which standards are you talking about and how do you wish to change them?
Ms. Punita Mangat:
I would like to see more Indian women get featured in sports and fitness magazines. Vogue India recently posted about women in sports which made me super proud. I want to change the standard of only a certain look or type being portrayed in the fitness world. Along with stomping the gender and race profiling, I also want people especially women to not compare themselves to what is shown in the media and magazines. Not everyone is going to have abs and having abs does not mean your fitness journey is more important than someone else who doesn’t but is healthy and active. Body shaming has to end and we need more body positive messages to empower women to pursue and sustain a healthy lifestyle.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
With so many fitness enthusiasts who look up to you, they would love to know about a day in your life?
Ms. Punita Mangat:
I am a very busy multifaceted woman. I am also a mom, have a full-time job along with being an aspiring Mindfulness and Yoga teacher in training. It’s all about priorities and finding a balance. I meal prep ahead for the week, I plan my outfits ahead and I prioritize so I can get my work outs in after or before work. I am striving to live the best version of myself and we only have one body so I treat it like my temple.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Healthy eating is an integral part of your lifestyle. Tell us about the food/meal pattern that you follow in general to remain healthy and physically fit?
Ms. Punita Mangat:
I am not one of those restricted diet followers. I strongly feel you need flexibility in your meals so you don’t feel deprived. Honestly your results will be better and you will sustain your lifestyle better if you have some flexibility. I follow the 80/20 rule which means I eat very healthy 80 percent and add some of my favorite indulges the other 20%. Having said that, this works for me but that doesn’t mean it will work for everyone. No two people are the same and you have to figure out what your own personal formula is according to your goals.