1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what motivates you to look after your health?

My name is Kaberi Das. I work in a global IT company as a business analyst. I am 54 years old. My hobbies are to cook and exercise. I have two daughters. My main motivation are my children as they make me want to live a healthier life and be happy.

2. What impact did the fit by foot competition have on your health goals?

I had gained a lot of weight in the year 2013- 2016 due to depression and anxiety. Thereafter, I had decided to workout, eat healthy and live a better lifestyle. The fit by foot competition has really helped me to reach my goals as walking is a great way to lose weight. It was conducted within people I knew. So, my motive was to encourage all the lovely members and wanted to give them the message to take care of their body. It’s the only place you have to live.

3. How did the competition impact your lifestyle?

It has changed my lifestyle completely. As I have a corporate lifestyle which did not have much exercise. After this program, daily exercise has become a part of my everyday timetable. I observed that my confidence level has increased and is reflected in my professional and personal life as well. It not only changed my body, it changed my mind, my attitude and my mood. I am much happier than before.

4. What new habits, if any, did you create during this process and why?

This program has helped me to be get fitter through other means. That is eating healthier and to start other ways to exercise like going to the gym. I have started going to gym regularly under the supervision of my personal trainer and I enjoy the workout very much.

5. You have been an amazing participant and a role model for this diverse group. What kept you going?

The fact that kept me going was that it is in my hands to lead a better life and to be healthy is in my control as it is my life. Since this program was with the younger generation, I wanted to be their role model and also motivate them. If I could have done, I am sure they could and this was my message to them.

6. Your philosophy on how to stay happy and healthy?

With the help of this program I have understood that there is a strong connection between regular exercise and happiness. The day or days I do not exercise I feel unproductive. Therefore, regular exercise gives lots of happiness and contentment.

7. What will be your one advice to someone starting out on a health journey?

It may be hard at first to keep up and to be motivated but we need to be determined and concentrated as it is our duty to keep our body in good health. Nevertheless, we will be not able to keep our mind clear and live a healthy life. At the end of the day, it is our life and the way we want to live it, is in our hands. Therefore, we must be healthy and fit to lead a happy and fulfilled life.