Valentine's Day: Mumbai couples share workout mantras for healthier bodies

Siddharth Shukla and Disha Khanna at their home gym PICSneha KharabeFor the long haulIn 2014 Siddharth Shukla and Disha Khanna took a decision that changed their lives and earned them the wrath of their loved ones They turned vegan The couple married for six years took the decision in a bid to improve their health We were really unfit I was over 90 kgs and operated upon several times for kidney stones Disha suffered from a lot of hormonal problems says Shukla 38 They also decided to start running Shukla started barefoot running first Khanna joined him seven months later Initially I didnt enjoy it and my pace was slow Once I started losing weight I felt better says Khanna 31The couple who runs an HR placement firm also participate in marathons together They are heavily influenced by Milind Soman and his barefoot running community and often take tips from the group they chat on WhatsAppTheir day follows a fixed plan We wake up 430 am warm up run for an hour and a half return have a smoothie and then do strength training We exercise for at least two hours daily says Shukla If they miss a morning routine they do it at night If theyre on holiday they either go swimming or for long walksFor both the biggest challenge came from their loved ones who objected to their new dietary routine which only served to make the couple stronger in their beliefs Our mantraHe says When working out together remember there is a difference between the male and female bodies so pace yourself to match the other This teaches you a lot of patienceShe says Having someone support and encourage you is the best motivation to get fit Working out together will help both achieve fitness goals and maintain a healthy lifestyleShweta Sangtani and Aashish Mehrotra work out at Marine Drive PicsBipin KokateTwitter gets fitterA few days back Aashish Mehrotra and Shweta Sangtani posted a photograph of themselves post a workout session using the hashtag Twittergetsfitter The photo received a lot of positive feedback with many commenting on how good they looked and applauding their fitness journey We were recently looking at a photo of ourselves before we started working out and we look like little dumplings laughs advocate Sangtani Weve seen the change in ourselves and that is greatThe couples fitness journey began after they started living together We both realised we had become slobs so decided to start running at least she addsIt was post their wedding in November 2015 and the shift to a new residence that the two got serious Sangtani chose to continue with running because she liked the outdoors She motivated me I would see her get up at 445 am and head out It made me feel terrible shares Mehrotra who works as video lead at a communications firmHe convinced Sangtani to join him and the two started running together In those early days I couldnt keep up with her and would tire after 20 minutes That pushed me to work harder I knew I had to give her a fight he says On days when they couldnt run together they would screenshot the timings and send each otherThe couple goes running works out at home and goes to the gym together It makes me happy when she comes along I feel like I am in a safe space Working out doesnt feel like a chore when she is there says MehrotraGoing to the gym has become a favourite activity We usually walk to the gym and back bitching about work life and everything else I like that time together adds SangtaniOur mantraHe says If youre guiding your partner dont push her down Your body is going to be stronger and she may not be able to train the way you do Also positive reinforcement always helpsShe says It helps to have someone around who is keeping a check on me tell me where Im going wrong It is good motivation too its easier to pick up your shoes and go running if you have companySumit Kain and Vidushi PicDatta KumbharThe health freak and reluctant convertSumit Kain 34 grew up watching his entire family hooked to keeping fit His parents did yoga and went for walks daily Staying fit was ingrained in him from childhood It was natural then that when planning his wedding with Vidushi fitness was a hot topicAn arranged marriage the duo spoke a lot before the wedding She told me she had been trying to lose weight I suggested a few exercises The aim was to get her hooked to exercise says Kain founder of a media company He started telling me about eating right and would message me a list of exercises to do at the gym I had to report to him daily laughs Vidushi 31 an associate professor of mass mediaOnce they moved into a new home post marriage in the months it took them to furnish the place they turned their spacious hall into a makeshift gym They started working out together a practice that has sustained itself through four years of marriage and a pregnancy They do exercises and weight training at home or practise in the park near their residence Since they cannot leave their twoyearold son Suvir alone he joins them too attempting to stretch out on their mats or do crunchesThere were challenges aplenty She is naturally disinclined towards exercise I have to push her hard She has progressed well though says Sumit Vidushi admits lacking motivation to exercise when on her own or cheating on her schedule We have fought a lot about these things But I know that hes a good teacher and strict when needed After Suvir was born thanks to Sumits guidance in five months time I was back to my normal weight she revealsOur mantraHe says Being fit has to become a lifestyle and as parents its the best thing you can give your kidsShe says Every couple should work out together It will help them understand each other better He knows my limitations and ensures my workouts are funTwitterGetsFitter movement was started by user BombayBellyrina