Jashan Vij is one of the leading fitness coaches with years of experience in the field. With his dedication and passion, he has already helped over 2000 clients globally, to become their fittest version. Having struggled with body fat himself, Jashan’s remarkable fitness journey inspired him to take up coaching as a lifetime ambition. Passionate and far-sighted Jashan is on a journey to help thousands of Indians live a medicine-free life.
“India has a long way to go in the fitness arena. With 25% of Indians being diabetic or pre-diabetic, 33% of Indians being obese, we are suffering from an obesity epidemic of sorts since 2015,” he says about the health status of the country.
This fat loss guru has simple fitness mantras focused on building sustainable and healthy lifestyle habits. Suggesting that clean eating and consuming supplements are proven methods of weight loss as well as overall health. He advises to not give up mid-way and focus on psychology and mindful eating.
In his conversation with Icy Tales, Mr. Jashan Vij opens up about his transformative weight loss journey that not only reshaped his life but also ignited a passion to help others. As a dedicated health and fat loss coach, he discusses the challenges, triumphs, and his mission to inspire and guide thousands toward a healthier future.
Q) Can you briefly tell us about your fitness journey and what sparked your passion to become a health and fat loss coach?
Jashan Vij: My name is Jashan. About a decade ago, both my family and I were significantly overweight, largely due to our traditional Punjabi diet. Despite trying various methods like detox drinks and fat diets, we weren’t successful until we met certain coaches. They emphasized that 80% of fat loss is diet-dependent and highlighted the importance of nutrition.
After implementing their advice, I lost 13 kgs and then gained 14 kgs of muscle. Similarly, my family members also experienced significant transformations. As a result, many around us sought our advice, revealing a larger issue of health and confidence linked to obesity. This inspired our mission to help 10,000 families achieve their ideal weight and live healthier lives.
Q) What do you think is the most common misconception people have about fat loss and fitness?
Jashan Vij: There are two prevalent misconceptions I’ve noticed. The first is the belief that extended workouts of three to five hours are essential for fat loss. In reality, maintaining an active lifestyle and achieving around 10,000 to 15,000 steps daily can suffice. It’s about consistent activity rather than lengthy exercise sessions.
The second misconception is that one must drastically reduce food intake. While it’s true that calorie control is crucial, the emphasis should be on eating right, not eating less. Eliminating unhealthy habits and opting for healthier food choices can lead to effective fat loss. Often, misconceptions and misinformation prevent people from starting their fitness journeys.
Q) With the concerning statistics of India’s health, like the rising number of diabetes and obesity, what challenges have you encountered while trying to change the mindset in our country?
Jashan Vij: The primary challenge is the prevailing fear and misconception around protein intake. Many Indians believe protein shouldn’t be consumed in high quantities, even though the majority of our diet is skewed towards carbohydrates and fats.
Protein is a crucial macronutrient. Shockingly, studies show that 80% of Indians aren’t aware of their daily protein requirements, and 90% don’t meet these requirements.
Emphasizing the importance of protein can help combat energy deficiencies, maintain muscle mass, and manage blood sugar levels, which can prevent the onset of diseases like diabetes and obesity. Addressing this protein misunderstanding is crucial for our society’s health.
Q) What’s your take on the view that gym memberships are seen as a luxury in India? And how do you address this when coaching your clients who have limited resources?
Jashan Vij: Gym memberships are often perceived as luxuries, both financially and time-wise. Many claim they lack the time for a gym. We emphasize to our clients that health should be prioritized.
The focus isn’t just on gym memberships but on adopting consistent activities they enjoy—be it aerobics, Zumba, cycling, or swimming. It’s crucial to set aside time for one’s health daily; neglect could result in dedicating months or even years to address health issues later.
Our approach is to shift their perspective, emphasizing that health is a non-negotiable commitment.
Q) You are on a mission to create a team of 1000 coaches. Can you elaborate on the philosophy and approach you would like them to adopt and share?
Jashan Vij: Our core philosophy is that everyone can lead a medicine-free life with proper guidance. We focus on imparting factual knowledge and awareness instead of merely pushing for enrollment. Opinions don’t govern our approach; facts do.
We aim to change individuals’ views on health through proper education. Given our goal of assisting 10,000 families, we need many coaches. Our method is to empower with knowledge, much like my coaches did for me. Instead of providing just solutions, we teach them the underlying principles.
It’s the difference between giving someone money and teaching them to earn. By imparting health knowledge, we empower individuals to make informed decisions for a lifetime.
Q) Can you share a success story or transformation that has particularly touched your heart?
Jashan Vij: Absolutely. One story that stands out involves a 34-year-old mother. When initially discussing her fitness goals, I asked her why she wanted to lose weight. Her response was profound. She expressed that her weight was preventing her from fully enjoying moments with her newborn children.
She wanted the simple joy of lifting them and living a fulfilling life alongside them. After her dedication, she lost 20 kgs. Stories like hers, rooted in powerful “whys”, truly inspire me. Whether it’s someone wanting better mobility, to be guilt-free during meals, or simply to live healthier, each story carries profound motivation.
Many such testimonies are available on my Instagram page.
Q) Do you have any thoughts or advice for our viewers?
Jashan Vij: Certainly. The essence of life revolves around good health. With robust health, you’re equipped to pursue various ambitions, whether it’s a better home, or car, or cherishing family moments. Without it, all your focus shifts to regaining good health.
Even the world’s top billionaires prioritize their health, realizing that without it, they can’t truly enjoy their wealth or family. Health should always be your top priority, followed by relationships and financial success. Altering this order can lead to imbalance.
Jashan’s transformation from battling weight issues to becoming an influential health and fitness guide highlights the importance of determination, correct knowledge, and the right support. The story underscores the pivotal role of nutrition in overall health. Instead of keeping their newfound wisdom to themselves, Jashan and his family have embarked on a mission to assist others.
Their goal to help 10,000 families illustrates the potential of personal struggles to inspire broader community outreach. In essence, Jashan’s journey showcases how individual adversities can fuel a larger purpose to positively impact others.
Check out the whole conversation with Jashan Vij on our YouTube Channel.
Anujesh, a tech-savvy and adventurous 20-year-old, blends his passions for computer science and travel in his writing. As a dedicated traveler, Anujesh shares his unique perspectives on destinations and cultures through his travel blog. With a talent for storytelling, he takes readers on a journey of discovery, highlighting hidden gems and sharing travel secrets.
Anujesh’s passion for exploration continues to grow, making him a captivating voice in the travel writing community. Whether he’s in the classroom studying computer science or on the road discovering new places, Anujesh is always on the move, sharing his experiences and inspiring others to do the same.
Education:
B. Tech in Computer Science.
