Fitness is not just about building muscle, it’s about being able to survive in all areas of life: Ruslan Hossain

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“If you want to achieve something in life, you have to be sincere about the goal and give full attention to the work. I did it today, I didn’t do it tomorrow – it is not possible to achieve success in any work with this kind of mentality. Ruslan Hossain said the words by participating in the podcast show. The episode aired last Sunday on Prothom Alo digital platforms.

As a child, Ruslan Hussain had a strong penchant for junk food, as a result of which his weight was higher than normal. At the start of the podcast, the host asks how she got out of this habit and turned to fitness.

In reply, Ruslan Hossain said, “When I was in school, I was quite overweight. Because of this my friends used to make fun of me. Since then I have had in mind that a man’s appearance has an importance. While that was one reason, there was another—I wasn’t fit. Once my mother expressed concern about my fitness. These two things make me think – something has to change. My fitness journey started from there.

If you want to know what is the definition of fitness to you, Ruslan Hossain said, “To me, fitness does not mean only a muscular body, but it is the ability to survive in every aspect of life – survival of the fittest.” He said, fitness helps a person to face any situation and makes the ability to make the right decision.

By the way, the moderator wants to know, in 2009, parents started a fitness studio from the dining room—what is the story of building this studio from changing yourself?

Ruslan Hossain said, ‘My transformation was not only in my body, but my entire lifestyle changed. Seeing this, my friends used to tell me that I should start my own studio. Thinking starts from there. At that time, there was very little awareness about nutrition in Bangladesh. Diet means people think of eating less or eating more. But what to eat, when to eat – had no idea. Also, there were no good quality gyms for girls. Later I discussed the matter with father and asked for permission to use an adjoining room. Parents agreed. This is how the journey of “Ruslan’s Studio” began.

When asked how the client’s response was during the opening of the studio, Ruslan Hossain said, ‘I feel lucky. Most of my clients were from the corporate sector and it was a great experience working with them. From the beginning, many people showed interest in taking training from me. I didn’t turn anyone away despite space limitations. If necessary, I trained early in the morning. I also got a lot of encouragement from my friends, which helped me to move forward.’

What have you learned from your personal trainer that has had the most impact on your work? Ruslan Hossain said in response to the moderator’s question, “My trainer first asked me what kind of body I want.” The question surprised me. Later I realized that it is possible to build your own body if you have a proper plan. Another important thing I learned from him is consistency and sincerity. I did it today, I didn’t do it tomorrow – nothing can be achieved in this way.’

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Then the moderator wants to know, why do you prefer to work with a limited number of clients?

In reply, Ruslan Hossain said, ‘I give more importance to quality than quantity. Working with fewer people allows everyone to have separate time and plan according to their needs. The results are also long-term and sustainable.

Ruslan Hossain said about the reason for increasing interest in fitness among the youth nowadays, “People are much more aware now.” With social media influence, competition has also increased. Everyone wants to look good, be mentally strong. These are the things that attract the youth towards fitness.

By the way, the moderator wants to know, how much is the role of nutrition in fitness?

Ruslan Hossain said, ‘Nutrition is the most important part. Without it good results are not possible. It is very important to understand your body type and know what you are eating.

When asked about the potential of the fitness industry in Bangladesh, Ruslan Hossain said, “Our biggest strength is our people.” If we can use it properly, then it is possible to spread this service beyond the country and abroad.’

At the end of the discussion, Ruslan Hossain said that many people think that fitness is too expensive. But the idea is not correct. Staying fit is possible. Walking, free-hand exercises—all these can start the fitness journey. A lot of information is now available on YouTube as well. “In fact, we make fitness unnecessarily expensive,” he said. Apart from this, the diet is also not very expensive. We have food available around us like rice, pulses, local food. It is possible to easily maintain the diet by eating the right amount and consciously.