Ashley Kaur - I Got Highlighted When I Started Taking Sessions in Gyms and Corporate Offices and Few Events (Fitness Instructor from India)

People see the Fitness industry especially gyms associated only with boys. There is a lot of gender discrimination and existing taboo in a society like household chores are to be done only by women similarly gym and fitness is only for boys. This is the very reason that only a few women get supports.

1.Tell us about your childhood and Journey.

Well, I m basically from Jammu and Kashmir but I completed my Higher education and Masters from Punjab Under Punjabi University, Patiala along with job placement in a construction company in Chandigarh under the Designation of  Accounts Department. 

2. What was the turning point for you in your profession. 

There were a lot many small things happening but one among many I remember is when I was given an opportunity in one of the major portions covered by the Human Resource Department ie Salaries along with my current accountancy job. That was a very big responsibility, making full-fledge salary and wages of Big company covering almost 100+ staff and 300+ Labour.

3. What challenges did you face initially and how did you overcome them?

Yes, definitely it was challenging. Working under two bosses as I was working in two different departments was really tough and sometimes frustrating, this is how my passion for dance helped me to overcome these issues. I use to take sessions after my working hours which helped me in reducing my stress and then I could utilize my remaining time properly to think and find solutions for the problems I was facing.

4. Why, according to you still only a few women have succeeded in this field of fitness industry ?

People see the Fitness industry especially gyms associated only with boys. There is a lot of gender discrimination and existing taboo in a society like household chores are to be done only by women similarly gym and fitness is only for boys. This is the very reason that only a few women get supports.

5. How did you develop your love for Bhangra?

Well, the answer is since childhood. I always had a love for dance and especially this Forte called bhangra. It’s just I got highlighted when I started taking sessions in gyms and corporate offices and few events.

6. Why did you switch from being an MBA Graduate to a fitness trainer?

Well, I never switched. It’s just That I went with the flow and as it was destined. Achieving a Gold medal in Masters's is what my parents wanted and right now seeing my name in Bhangra is what it was destined to be. I Never dropped my job in that company till the time I got engaged and was supposed to move from Chandigarh and settle in Delhi. 

I managed my all sessions and events and gym till 2019 along with my job, I just reduced few hours during my last year of working in that company. Right now I m helping my husband as he owns Anytime fitness sector 7 Dwarka Delhi and I m managing it being part of the staff along with my sessions. 

7. How have you sustained economically especially in Covid?

Yes, it is no doubt a very difficult time as in this pandemic almost everyone has suffered. Since gyms are closed as per government guidelines. So I am managing by giving online sessions. Just wishing that this thing ends soon and there is some way out to handle this Covid issue in the future.

8. How do you cope up with Bullying and Online Harassment? 

Well, it’s very simple, I just ignore it. Why should I waste my time on such an unproductive thing? You cannot make everyone happy and think positive for you so it’s better to use your energy in some productive thing which will help you for your mental peace.

Ashley Kaur

Currently Managing Anytime fitness Sector 7 Dwarka Delhi along with my husband Agam Singh Dilawari who owns the gym. Completed my Masters in Business Administration 2015 and got placed in the company the very same month after exams. Gold medalist 2015 MBA batch Mgc collage, Punjabi University Patiala.

Selected for the judging panel in various youth festivals and universities.

Got selected in PNR Infra project Pvt ltd and worked there from 2015 to 2019 in accounts and Hr department. Conducted various fitness sessions in marathons. Now Settled in Delhi since 2021 and looking forward to encouraging more female clients towards fitness and awakening people towards health and how important is to take care of it. 

Interviewed By - Gagan Deep