Kiwi-Indian fitness expert Namrata Rai has clinched gold at ICompete Natural (ICN) New Zealand National Championship held in Hamilton.
The Auckland-based bodybuilder lifted the top trophy in the ‘40-plus’ and ‘Mumma’ categories. The founder of Family Fitness, a prominent fitness studio in Mt Roskill, Namrata has not only triumphed in the fitness arena but has also become a symbol of inspiration for many.
Originally from the northern Indian city of Varanasi, Namrata is not just a fitness enthusiast but also a nutritionist, personal trainer and national-level powerlifter. Her journey to success has been marked by dedication, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of her goals.
Regarding the victory, Namrata, who has been living in New Zealand since 2006, told The Indian Weekender, “At the beginning of this year, I manifested to win the gold medal in the national championship, and I started working towards it. I trained two hours a day apart from a constant diet for a year to bring out the best.
“It was not easy working 80 hours a week, looking after my family and business, but there is always a way if you want to achieve something.”
Her fitness story began after her second C-section. Namrata reveals post-pregnancy she weighed 75 kgs, but she managed to lose what she had put on. However, one day when she was working out she hurt her back.
“The doctor advised me to avoid the gym entirely, and within a year, I put back 28 kgs. I became depressed and started to avoid mirrors. I knew I had to find myself again," reveals Namrata.
She says to motivate herself she began working out at home. Soon she had to go through another surgery, and finally, after a few months, she started going to the gym again.
“I wanted to prove to myself and other mothers that we could juggle life and stay on top of our health and fitness. I wanted to remind other mothers that we mattered too," says Namrata.
Ask about her biggest inspiration, and she says," I am not conceited, egocentric, nor self-centred, but I am confident enough to say I am my biggest inspiration. From postpartum depression to building a successful fitness company, winning gold in a recent bodybuilding competition, the journey was not easy, but I got through it.”
She shares her plans on a parting note: "So far, I have transformed 1,000 people, and I plan to make at least 10,000 people fit, strong, and healthy and get rid of lifestyle issues in the next five years."