Five years back, Sonia Saxena found herself at a turning point—juggling the responsibilities of being a mom, adjusting to life across different countries, and facing a weight of 80 kilograms that refused to budge. Now, she tips the scales at 53 kg—not only leaner physically but also much tougher emotionally. Her journey isn’t simply about looking better or hitting targets. It’s all about determination… lots of it—and then some more.
I wouldn't say it was a complete change," she remarks with an understanding chuckle. "More like a rollercoaster ride that sometimes lost its way off the rails.
From Ideal Physique to Actual Challenges Sonia didn’t seek change out of self-absorption, but rather from a blend of ambition and urgency. "Everyone desires an ideal physique," she explains. "However, once health problems connected to excess weight began showing up, I knew I couldn’t ignore them."
This wasn’t the first time she’d tried either. Earlier attempts ended in failure, pain, and recovery. Yet now, things felt different. Perhaps because deep down, she understood: staying still simply couldn’t be an option any longer.
Self-discipline holds more power than motivation.
You may think she’d discuss her personal motivation or show off a Pinterest board packed with fitness inspiration quotes. However, Sonia isn’t swayed by all the buzz surrounding these trends.
Motivation is often exaggerated," she states plainly. "What truly counts is discipline. You carry out the task even when you're not in the mood. Over time, it turns into a routine. That's the key to success.
Her secret to success? Sticking to simplicity. She followed a measured eating plan (watching portion sizes), maintained a regular exercise schedule beginning with the push-pull-legs method, and above all, avoided unnecessary complexity.
Obstacles She Faced Along the Way
Her greatest struggles weren’t with exercises like burpees or deadlifts—it was dealing with life head-on. Following the arrival of her twin girls, Sonia and her spouse, Deepak, relocated overseas. Without the help of close relatives nearby, she balanced raising kids, managing housework, and staying fit like an unwilling circus act.
I was responsible for everything—feeding them, giving them baths, rocking them to sleep—and somehow also managing to take care of my own needs," she remembers. "Some days I thought about just walking away. Yet deep down, I couldn’t let go.
That 'something' also played a key role in helping her bounce back from physical, emotional, and practical challenges. There were injuries along the way. Moments of exhaustion hit hard. Yet, each time, she made a comeback—gradually, yet surely.
Trainer, Fellowship, and the Unassuming Champion Behind Closed Doors Sonia attributes her transformation not only to her personal resolve but also to those who helped ease the loneliness along the way. Her coach Navdeep, the support from the Fittr community, and her husband Deepak stood by her, stepping in whenever she needed space for self-care.
My greatest takeaway? Hire a mentor. Someone who keeps you responsible when your own mind attempts to dissuade you from taking action.
More Than Just Losing Weight
Sonia's journey isn't centered around a miraculous figure on the weighing scale. Instead, it highlights what that figure stands for—strength, transformation, and overcoming challenges.
I'm just getting started," she declares. "This is only the start. Reaching your target isn't the finish line—it shows you're capable of setting even bigger goals.
What does she recommend for someone facing what she did before?
Have faith in the journey. Make it straightforward. Remain steady. Success will follow. When it does, you'll hardly recognize who you once were.