About Satish
For nearly 40 years, physical activity was not part of Satish’s life.
His career in business development spans multiple time zones, with early mornings, late nights, and a schedule that rarely slows down. This meant a largely sedentary lifestyle, while daily habits started affecting his sleep, energy, and overall health.
As he approached 40, the changes became harder to ignore: weight gain, back pain, a knee injury, low energy, and a growing lack of confidence.
“I wasn’t happy with how my body looked. I didn’t like how I felt, and I didn’t feel confident.” Satish recalls, “When I saw myself without my beard, I couldn’t even look in the mirror. That was the push I needed to change.”
With encouragement from his wife and a growing desire to feel better physically and mentally, Satish decided it was time to make a change and found Body + Soul Fitness.
The Challenge
For Satish, the hardest part was getting started.
As someone who had never exercised before, the gym felt intimidating. Every machine, every movement, every exercise was unfamiliar.
“I was a complete beginner. I didn’t know anything about exercise, equipment or form.”
Satish wanted to:
- Lose belly fat and improve how his clothes fit
- Build flexibility after decades of inactivity Build flexibility after decades of inactivity
- Feel healthier, stronger and more confident
- Learn how to exercise safely and correctly
Satish was paired with personal trainer Mervin, whose background in kinesiology, physiotherapy, and corrective exercise made him the ideal coach for someone starting completely from scratch. Rather than throwing Satish into an intimidating workout, Mervin focused on teaching proper movement, building mobility, and creating a science-based program that matched his fitness level while reducing his risk of injury
The Program
During Satish’s initial assessment, Mervin uncovered something Satish hadn’t noticed on his own: major strength and flexibility imbalances between the left and right sides of his body. Before focusing on bigger goals like losing body fat, Mervin knew he needed to help Satish build a body that could move well and move safely.
As a complete beginner, Satish relied on Mervin for everything.
“Mervin was basically writing on a blank page. I didn’t know anything.”
Nothing was rushed. Mervin introduced simple exercises first, then slowly increased the challenge as Satish became stronger.
“He started simple and slowly increased the intensity, which helped my body adapt.”
Outside the gym, Satish also started improving his nutrition. With support from his wife, he learned how to plan meals, track calories, and build healthier habits that fit his lifestyle.
Nine months later, his routine looks very different. Satish now trains with Mervin twice a week and completes a third workout on his own. He’s progressed from mostly machine-based exercises to more advanced movements, and most of all, no longer feels intimidated walking into the gym.
The Results
Within just three months, Satish could see, and feel, the difference.
“I’ve lost almost 10-12 kilos, and my body fat went from over 30% down to 23%.”
His clothes fit again. His shoulders and upper body became more defined. Tasks that once caused discomfort, like sitting for long periods, kneeling, or driving for longer periods, are no longer irritating Satish.
Just as importantly, his habits changed.
Nightly whiskey became an occasional social drink. He’s taken ownership of his nutrition through meal prep and calorie tracking, and working out has become part of his weekly routine, and something he actually enjoys.
Having reached his original body fat goal, Satish is now focused on building muscle and continuing to challenge himself. What started as a desire to lose weight has become a lifestyle he’s excited to keep building.
Conclusion
When Satish first came into Body + Soul Fitness, he wanted to lose weight. The man who once thought he was “negative ten” when it came to fitness now enjoys training, feels proud of what he’s accomplished and is excited to keep pushing himself.
For anyone who thinks they’re “not a gym person”, Satish’s story is a reminder that everyone starts somewhere. You don’t need to have a fitness background to start; you just need the willingness to take that first step and the right coach to guide you to success.
Start Your Own Story
Sometimes, the hardest step to take is the first one. If this story has made you feel hopeful for your future, we would love to meet you. Reach out to our team to get started with one of our personal trainers.