Ask a Coach: Real Talk on Women's Fitness
Seedhi baat, no bakwas. I am here to answer your burning questions and clear the confusion about what actually works for your body.
When you switch to a new gym, give yourself time to get used to the equipment. Don't rush to lift your old PRs, as different machines can feel very different. Have patience, adapt, and then start pushing your limits.
A quick rapid-fire session with me. My favorite lift? Deadlifts, of course. Gym buddy or solo workout? Solo. I prefer to focus without distractions.
A fitness mistake I made as a beginner was copying my friend's workout. Your body and goals are unique. You need a customized plan that is designed for your specific needs, not a generic one.
When I started, I felt lost in the gym and wasted a lot of time. The solution is having a structured workout plan. Know exactly what exercises you're going to do before you arrive, so your training is focused and effective.
As a beginner, I used to compare myself to others in the gym who were lifting heavier. This led to insecurity and trying to lift too much too soon. Never compare your journey to someone else's. Focus on your own progress.
Another rapid-fire Q&A. My proudest lift is my 141 kg national record deadlift. My best advice for beginners? Watch my "Fitness Mistakes" series so you don't repeat the errors I made.
Beginner mistake number four: taking no rest days. I used to think more was better, but my body never recovered. Your muscles grow during rest, so schedule at least two rest days per week.
Beginner mistake number three: skipping meals to lose weight faster. This destroyed my energy, my skin, and my metabolism. Eat well to fuel your workouts and your health.
A quick Q&A session at the gym. How many rest days are ideal? At least two. An exercise I hate? Bicep curls. My dream gym location? Somewhere on a beach.
Before you make another failed New Year's resolution, ask yourself three questions: Why do you want this? What are your realistic, small goals? And do you have the patience to stay consistent?
About Coach's Corner: Q&A and Fitness Chats
Most beginners walk into a gym and try to copy someone else's routine, thinking that if it works for them, it will work for you. It won't. Your goals, anatomy, and starting point are different. Stop wasting time guessing and start following a structure built for your specific body.
I get it, the gym can feel like a maze when you are just starting out. You see people lifting heavy, doing complex movements, and you think you need to do the same to see progress. That is how injuries happen and how you end up burning out.
I have made every mistake in the book. I skipped meals, ignored rest days, and compared my chapter one to someone else's chapter ten. The good news is that you do not have to learn the hard way.
Whether you are confused about why you are not seeing results despite spending hours on the treadmill, or you are terrified of looking 'bulky' because you picked up a dumbbell, we can clear that up. My approach is simple. We focus on compound movements like squats and deadlifts because they give you the biggest return on your time. We cut out the fluff. We stop the 'Zumba madness' and start the actual strength work.
If you are ready to stop the trial-and-error method and want a plan that actually respects your time and health, let's talk. I handle the programming, the form correction, and the nutrition, while you bring the discipline.
Similar work from other experts
Browse through Curated picks from other experts on mytribe
Fitness Truths: Busting Myths About Weight Loss and Training
Practical Fitness & Nutrition Advice for Sustainable Results
Science-Based Fitness Coaching for Women
4Fitness Facts vs. Fiction: Stop Chasing Myths
The Science of Training & Nutrition
Women’s Strength Training in Bangalore: Real Results, Right Form
Looking for specific advice?
Type your fitness question below to see if we have covered it.
More from Online Strength & Nutrition Coaching for Women by Shikha Singh
More services by Shikha Singh