By Preana Chettri
Calisthenics, is a type of strength training that consists of a range of actions that work large muscle groups. As bodyweight exercises, these are frequently performed rhythmically and with minimum equipment.
In a tete-a-tete with Preana Chettri of The Meghalayan, city-based, self-trained calisthenics expert, Suraj Gurung explained that maintaining fitness is not at all expensive contrary to common belief.
Tell us about you and what sparked your interest in calisthenics?
Suraj Gurung: My passion has always been a fitness and I started my fitness journey through a sports medium which is football at the age of 12. However, as I had to move out for my job I couldn’t continue with my football passion. I’m currently working in Hyderabad with my clients with Amazon. I completed my schooling at 7set Annexe and I graduated from St. Anthony’s college. I was born and brought up in Shillong
How did you get involved with calisthenics?
Suraj Gurung: I started my calisthenics back in 2018 but it was always on and off so I guess it’s been two years now that I am focusing more on calisthenics. With the rising concern for fitness among people, the year 2020, has taught us that we can meet our fitness goals without hitting the gym.
It is indeed a good practice to be a gym enthusiast, however, there are other forms of freestyle fitness regimes which have the ability to make you fit.
One of them is calisthenics which has the technique of all-natural moves to make you fit and strong as you have always wanted.
How is it different from the modern-day gym structure?
Gurung: Oh, it is very different. One thing that I learnt personally from going to modern-day gyms is that everyone around me said maintaining the body is an expensive affair. So you have a gym membership, then you have personal trainer fees, which again creates a big hole in your pocket. Here in calisthenics, it promotes conscious and healthy eating. Just don’t eat junk and; listen to your body when you eat, your body will let you know when to stop.
What were the major milestones that gave you that extra motivation boost?
Gurung: What gave me the motivational boost, in the beginning, was seeing the results my body achieved by training this way. I was even more motivated when I saw the impact that I made on people whenever they saw the amazing things I could do, that felt great.
What piece of advice would you offer to somebody who is new to calisthenics?
Gurung: Focus on your progress, not the progress of others. Be patient. Nothing is achieved without dedication, hard work, discipline and consistent effort over the course of time. And don’t take any of this stuff too seriously—The process of getting into shape or fitness should be fun! Because I’m loving this journey and I’m looking for an improvement every single day and will definitely make Meghalaya proud one day.