5 Fingers of Fitness: Founder of #FitnessFundas Bhavna Harchandrai Shares Her ‘Fitness Love Story’ and Publishing Her First Book
“‘ 5 Fingers of Fitness ’ is also, a book of many firsts. It is the first Fitness Love Story” Today’s woman dreamer, Bhavna Harchandrai is a fitness influencer to know. She runs the #fitnessfundas studio in Mumbai, and was the first Fitness Instructor to introduce Boot Camp Training, Trampoline Fitness, and Penalty Box Training to India. She shares her journey in publishing her first book, ‘5 FINGERS OF FITNESS’ -the FIRST EVER book in India to use QR codes”, where readers can scan instantly to see exercises demonstrated.” And for Women’s Health Wednesday, Bhavna shares a 2 minute routine, perfect for a mid-day work from home break. Enjoy her story and her workout!
1. Tell us your story. You have built #fitness fundas, in Mumbai. What inspired you to launch this company, and what excites you about fitness?
I am fortunate to have been an integral part of the Fitness Industry for 24 years, motivating people to lead fitter and healthier lives.
For someone who has led an active life for as long as I can remember I made the natural progression from being a Throwball enthusiast to becoming Sports captain of school.
As a student, I’d save up my allowance to enroll in Aerobics classes when they were introduced to Mumbai in the ‘90s. And while I studied for Travel and Tourism and MBA, I consistently kept my classes going alongside. Then while working at Trade Wings and Maersk India, I would regularly see fresh graduates from IIM given mundane clerical jobs with zero time for themselves. Their lifestyle made me wonder how I would be able to manage my fitness regime and career goals. So, I decided to blend the two and make fitness my career in 1998.
Cut short, I was the 1st Fitness Trainer to introduce the concept of Boot-Camp training to India (2006). Subsequently, I introduced Trampoline Fitness (2016) and Penalty Box Fitness (2017) exercise forms to India too. I am especially proud of an International Certification by American Council on Exercise (ACE) in 2009 that lead to a subsequent opening of my studio #fitnessfundas for Personal Training and small group classes at Malabar Hill.
There is no limit to gaining knowledge and whenever I get a chance to learn an exercise concept; be it Aerobics, Step, Boxercise, Zumba, Power Yoga, mat Pilates, Rebounding (Trampoline Fitness), Penalty Box fitness or chair exercises for seniors, I do a course in it. I believe that every exercise form has its own principles and benefits and there is always so much to learn and integrate into my sessions. My belief is there is no one-size-fits-all approach to your fitness needs. The goal of my studio was to cater to the specific requirements of each client, keeping in mind their fitness levels, workout preferences, any underlying health issues and their goals. I began my studio for ladies only so they are absolutely comfortable working out with like-minded people in a small group. My clients are an extension of my family, we call ourselves a fitness family. Post Covid I began training men as well online.
Being active, creating a variety of fun workouts , playing peppy music and of course, getting to interact with a lovely bunch of clients on a daily basis is what makes fitness as a career so exciting.
That apart, I am now in my mid-forties and I have never been on a diet (touchwood!).Seeing that I can yet fit wellinto my clothes, feeling energetic and young, to be actively involved in my son’s playtime and sports, being a good role model to him and the endorphins that a good exercise session brings along attribute to my physical and mental well-being. Being financially independent is also empowering. Most vital to me is that it creates an equal platform between a man and a woman.
2. As many of us are doing work from home, please share some ideas for exercises/stretches that are easy to do at home?
Check out a 2 minute WFH workout from Bhavna, exclusive for Women Who Win
Practicing the Tibetan Rites daily is my no.1 recommendation for a no-equipment, de-stressing and calming home workout. The Tibetan Rites is a series of 5 powerful exercises that are practised for up to 21 repetitions each. They instantly help attain a sense of balance, open up the energy systems, increase mobility and flexibility. Also known as the ‘Fountain of Youth’, they help the body stay nimble and provide relief from joint pain and stiffness; much required as the work from home scenario has lead us to sitting for extended periods of time.
3. Congrats on your book! Tell us more about it, as the first "fitness love story" What do you want readers to take away from it? And what inspired you to write it?
‘5 Fingers of Fitness’ is a culmination of my learnings and experiences in the world of fitness. Everything that I have seen, read, heard; every bit and bite of diet and fitness “gyan” that I have gathered , I have penned down in this book…of course, with a healthy dose of Bombay slang. I have seen many diet and fitness books churned out with text-book knowledge, a few flowery quotes, voluminous descriptions of exercises and Voila! Book is ready. I did not want to go down that path, yet offer essential fitness information to everybody irrespective of their age, gender, fitness levels and keep it low-priced. It was my dream to empower everyone to form their own diet and exercise schedules independently in a safe, effective manner. This is what motivated me to write my own book.
‘ 5 Fingers of Fitness ’ is also, a book of many firsts. It is the first Fitness Love Story, the first book that makes you completely exercise independent- with tear and keep exercise schedules- right from walking tables to interval training to gym and home workouts, the first ‘Fashion meets Fitness’ book that showcases trendy exercise/ gym wear and most importantly the first ever book in India to use QR codes (212 videos) , so you can scan and watch short clips of exercises demonstrated. Your go-to diet and fitness book at a pocket friendly price.
4. As the platform for women dreamers, what is your next big dream?
I am a BIG dreamer. My dream was for Ranveer Singh to be on my book cover, so you can imagine! Another dream is to reach out to people across all walks of life on a macro level. The desire to give back to society is deep-rooted in me. I hope to conduct yoga sessions for the underprivileged, in an open ground perhaps; free for anyone to attend and benefit from. In the early months of Covid started a YouTube Meditation channel with free deep relaxation and yoga nidra videos. It is reassuring to see that it received over 17,000 views and over 2,000 subscribers in a few months. In the future, I’d love to pen down a handbook on mental wellness, a feel good book replete with affirmations and well-being quotes. I feel we are only entitled to receive if we give back.
Bio: BHAVNA HARCHANDRAI has been a notable name in the Fitness Fraternity for 24 years. She runs her fitness studio #fitnessfundas in Mumbai where she trains and motivates individuals and groups in a variety of fun workouts - Aerobics, Step, Boxercise, Zumba, HIIT, kettlebell training and many more. She is an Internationally Certified Personal Trainer from American Council on Exercise (A.C.E.) and was the first Fitness Instructor to introduce Boot Camp Training (2006), Trampoline Fitness (2016) and Penalty Box Training (2017) to India. It is natural progression for her to now share her vast knowledge and expertise through her debut book ‘5 FINGERS OF FITNESS’ -the FIRST EVER book in India to use QR codes that you can scan instantly to see exercises demonstrated. A definite page turner, this book will leave you motivated to level up your fitness regime!
Additionally the book has been reviewed by: Honourable Minister Nitin Gadkari- Union Minister for Transport and Highways; Tarun Tahiliani- India’s Numero Uno Fashion Designer & Founder of Ensemble Design Studio; Shaina NC- BJP Politician,Queen of Drapes & Yoga Enthusiast; Mickey Mehta- India’s Leading Holistic Health Guru and Corporate Wellness Coach; Vinata Shetty- Reebok India Master Trainer and Rajesh Advani - Founder and Director of Golds Gym India etc.
WHO WE ARE
WOMEN WHO WIN IS THE GLOBAL ONLINE MEDIA PLATFORM AND NETWORKING GROUP FOR WOMEN, WHERE WE SHARE THE DREAMS OF DYNAMIC WOMEN ACROSS THE WORLD, AND THE INSPIRATIONAL SECRETS BEHIND THEIR SUCCESS.
CO-FOUNDED BY DR. MANJU SHETH, DR. DEEPA JHAVERI, SHALEEN SHETH.
IF YOU HAVE A STORY TO SHARE, REACH OUT TO WOMENWHOWIN100@GMAIL.COM
WOMEN WHO WIN, ALONG WITH THE NAMES OF ALL 3 CO-FOUNDERS MUST BE CREDITED WHEREVER ARTICLE CONTENTS ARE SHARED. COPY-PASTING THE STORY WITHOUT THESE CREDITS IS PROHIBITED ALL VIEWS AND IDEAS EXPRESSED ARE THOSE OF THE CONTRIBUTOR. WOMEN WHO WIN BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY.