V. Sunil Kumar | Photo credit: B. JOTHI RAMALINGAM

V. Sunil Kumar, once a housekeeper, has spent the last two decades in Chennai changing lives as a fitness trainer.

Due to family reasons, Sunil started working while still in school and took up several jobs. “I also worked in the housekeeping department of a well-known hotel in Chennai that had a gym… I was keen to try something new. The trainer there taught me the basics,” says the 47-year-old fitness trainer. Sunil then joined a gym outside the city. At that time, he weighed just 38 kg. He recalls the trainer asking him if he could lift the machines. Sunil used to drive 4 km to the gym every day and eventually became a trainer himself. Today, Sunil trains a diverse group of clients, including youth, women, doctors, lawyers and technology professionals.

“I live in Mogappair and start my day at 4.45 am by cycling to work. I am a personal trainer at Slam Fitness. On the way, I stop for a refreshing tea and two biscuits,” said Mr. Kumar. “My first client of the day is a doctor who is a regular gym goer,” he added. “I work with at least 15 clients every day, many of whom are in prominent professions. When they ask me about diet and fitness, it boosts my confidence,” he said, smiling.

On days when some members who have paid their dues don’t show up, Sunil offers them his help and encourages them to come back to workout. Women who are getting married seek Sunil’s advice on weight loss and fitness, while youngsters as young as 14 who play sports come to him to maintain their fitness. He noted that earlier there were only a few gyms in Chennai, but now there seems to be one on every street.

Besides all this, Sunil makes sure to stay fit every day by working out for an hour and taking a 30-minute walk. “I also participate in fitness competitions and have won several awards. I am invited as a judge at fitness events and as a guest of honour at gym openings,” said Mr. Kumar.

“People in Chennai are becoming more serious about fitness, which is leading to a rise in gyms and increasing demand. Post-Covid, fitness has come to the forefront,” he added. Sunil also reads up on nutrition and nutrients to advise his clients. “My work is not just about working out; I also make sure my clients eat the right things at the right time,” he said.

He mentioned that Chennai was a great teacher that helped him make new friends and taught him valuable lessons every day. “This city has so much to offer and so much to learn from,” he concluded.