Balancing Business and Fitness

Baiju Chaliyil's transformation is a tale of dedication and resilience. Going from 200 pounds in 2020 to becoming a marathon runner at 145 pounds, his story inspires many to reconsider their health and fitness strategies. 

Originally from Kerala and residing in Dubai since 2004, Chaliyil's narrative isn't just about shedding pounds but about overcoming obstacles and maintaining balance in the midst of a busy business life.

In 2020, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chaliyil faced several health issues, including back pain, high cholesterol, borderline high blood pressure, and elevated uric acid levels.

A doctor's visit for his back pain revealed a series of concerning test results, which served as a wake-up call for him.

"The test results were very disappointing. That was the trigger point where I decided to change my lifestyle," Chaliyil recalls.

Chaliyil embarked on his fitness journey at home with small exercises, which eventually gave him the confidence to join a gym. He admits that running even a kilometer initially felt like a nightmare.

However, his dedication paid off when he participated in the 2021 New York City Marathon, a 42-kilometer race.

"Running 42 kilometers was something I never imagined I could do. The marathon was a testament to the progress I made," he says.

His transformation wasn't just about losing weight but also about achieving a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

"I started at 200 pounds and now maintain a weight of 145 pounds," Chaliyil notes.

This transformation spanned from age 44 to 48, demonstrating that it's never too late to prioritize fitness.

Chaliyil emphasizes, "You can start your fitness journey at any stage of your life. Age is just a number when you have a goal to reach."

To achieve his weight loss, Baiju made significant changes to his diet and exercise routine.

He adopted a high-protein, moderate-carb diet with plenty of fibers, green vegetables, and lean proteins like chicken.

He also ensured proper hydration by drinking four to six liters of water daily.

His fitness routine includes a morning coffee, a pre-workout meal of oatmeal, and two hours of gym time split between weight training and cardio.

Baiju credits his personal trainer, Javed Sayed, and his wife, Ushina Baiju, for helping him reach his fitness goals.

Reflecting on his fitness philosophy, Chaliyil says, "Your personal health is much more important than anything else.

If you're sacrificing your fitness for business, you're not doing yourself any favors. You must take care of yourself to avoid lifestyle diseases."

Inspired by his own journey, Chaliyil is now committed to motivating others, especially those over 40, to pursue their fitness goals.

He has created a community called "Fit Over 40" on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. This community

Source: khaleejtimes

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