At Women Fitness India, we celebrate stories that break stereotypes and redefine what’s possible—especially when it comes to women’s fitness. One such phenomenal story is that of Roshni Devi Sangwan, lovingly known across social media today as #WeightlifterMummy. Her journey is not only inspiring but a testament to the power of determination, love, and self-care, irrespective of age.
A Turning Point at 68
In 2022, at the age of 68, Roshni Devi’s life took a challenging turn. Diagnosed with severe knee arthritis after an unfortunate slip and a lower back injury, she found herself facing both physical discomfort and mental hurdles. Traditional physiotherapy provided temporary relief, but her son, Ajay Sangwan, had a deeper understanding of long-term wellness.
Ajay, who holds an MBA and spent 16 years in the corporate sector, along with managing their export business, decided to shift gears. Having always harbored a love for fitness—being from Haryana, a state with deep-rooted sporting culture—he had completed his fitness trainer certification in 2019, initially just out of personal interest. When his mother’s health became a concern, Ajay made the life-changing decision to leave his business behind and become her full-time trainer.
The Beginning of a New Chapter
In July 2023, Roshni Devi stepped into the gym for the very first time. What began as a son’s determined effort to rehabilitate his mother soon evolved into a powerful journey of strength-building and transformation. Today, she proudly performs deadlifts of 70 kg, leg presses of 120 kg, and squats with 50 kg weights, all at the remarkable age of 70.
A Day in Her Life: Fitness Routine
After completing her daily household chores, Roshni Devi hits the gym by 8:30 AM, starting with 15-20 minutes of warm-up exercises. She then dedicates over 1.5 hours to strength training, focusing on compound lifts such as deadlifts, squats, leg presses, rowing, and hamstring curls. Post weight training, she commits to 1 hour of cardio and core workouts, concluding with a 15-minute stretching session to aid muscle recovery and prevent injury. With her son’s expertise and watchful eye, special care is taken to ensure her form, movement, and posture are precise, especially since she avoids certain exercises due to an old shoulder injury.
Nutrition & Recovery
Nutrition plays a crucial role in Roshni Devi’s strength-building journey. Her diet is high in protein—protein supplements, paneer, moong dal, rajma, chickpeas, besan chilla, and mixed seeds make up her daily intake. She consciously avoids junk and processed foods, ensuring clean, nourishing meals that support muscle recovery.
Spreading Positivity: From the Gym to Social Media
Initially, Ajay began sharing videos of his mother’s progress on his Instagram handle to document and track her fitness journey. But the world quickly took notice. Seeing Roshni Devi’s incredible transformation and strength, followers began pouring in. Ajay rebranded his handle to reflect his mother’s new persona: @WeightlifterMummy. Today, she’s not just an inspiration in the gym but a viral sensation online, motivating women and people of all ages.
Her Message to Women Everywhere
Roshni Devi’s story isn’t just about lifting weights—it’s about lifting oneself out of societal expectations and limitations. Her heartfelt message to women:
“All your life, you serve others—your parents, husband, children, grandchildren. But don’t forget to give yourself time. Prioritize your health, and invest in your fitness, because you deserve it.”
At Women Fitness India, we are honored to share her journey, hoping it inspires women across all generations to take that first step towards self-care, strength, and empowerment.