Tribe Verified· 15 years corporate, 23 years fitness.

My Journey: From Corporate Burnout to Fitness

bySandhya BalakrishnanOn-site workshops in Bengaluru or OnlineStarts from₹7,000 per sessionView full gallery

15 years in the corporate world, followed by 23 years of dedication to movement. I traded the boardroom for the yoga mat, and I'm here to show you that health doesn't have to be a chore.

For 15 years, I worked in top corporate jobs, but I was never truly happy. COVID was the wake-up call I needed to step away from the rut and into the world of yoga and fitness, where I finally found my purpose.

Here are the four things I did in my 30s to look and feel this way at 40. It was a combination of clean eating, daily exercise, setting boundaries at work, and being content with what I had.

This is me at 41: wild, strong, and free. I'm unapologetically living on my own terms, stronger and wiser than ever.

My MBA convocation in 2010. Amidst all the "before-after" posts, how about the flex of staying the same? My weight and health markers have been stable for 25 years because health is one of my top priorities.

Perimenopause, mood swings, and low energy don't have to stop you. In my 40s, I train smart by honoring my cycle, modifying workouts, and eating sensibly. You can slay your 40s too.

This is me at 40. No makeup, no filter, no botox. My secret is a yogic way of life: being mindful of what I put into my body and mind and living a life that's true to myself.

Don't quit your job to become a yoga teacher if you're just looking for an escape. This is a path of *dharma* and *seva* that requires immense dedication, but it is the most fulfilling journey.

Happy 40th to me. I'm adding life and joy to my years with yoga, and I'm grateful for every moment.

I'm living the life I dreamed of. After years of feeling like I didn't belong in the corporate world, I've found my purpose and have no regrets.

I used to wear my burnout as a badge of honor in my corporate career. I snapped out of it when I realized life is too short to be unhappy. Now I chase my dreams with peace and joy.

About My Journey: From Corporate Burnout to Fitness

I don’t believe in quick fixes or 'hustle culture'—I’ve been on both sides of the screen. After 15 years of corporate grind, I know that sitting at a desk for 10 hours a day wreaks havoc on your spine and mind. My approach—which I bring to all my corporate workshops—focuses on functional mobility and movement that works with your job, not against it. If you’re ready to stop wearing burnout like a badge of honor, let’s talk.

15 years corporate, 23 years fitness. — Approved by the tribe

Sandhya Balakrishnan

On-site workshops in Bengaluru or OnlineStarts from ₹7,000 per session

I'm Sandhya. I spent 15 years climbing the corporate ladder before realizing that real success is nothing without health. I help busy professionals and teams reclaim their energy with simple, consistent, and fun movement—because you don't need a gym membership to build a strong life.

Similar work from other experts

Browse through Curated picks from other experts on mytribe

Building my life and business from scratch wasn't easy, but it was worth it. This picture reminds me of a time when I had to pick myself up and just keep going, focusing on my path.

$A fractured ankle forced me to pause. It was a huge mental and physical challenge, but it taught me the power of surrender. Teaching yoga became my therapy when I couldn't practice myself.$