Fit as a Fiddle

An inspired artist, a novel graphic designer, and an enthusiastic fitness instructor, Zoe Modgill is all-encompassing. Armed with a degree in graphic design, a BA in Social and Ethical Advertising from Central St. Martins and The London College of Communication, she is also a qualified instructor for Les Mills Cxworx and body pump.

For Zoe, life is too short for just one passion. From designing and art, Zoe’s adventurous appetite and energy led her to pursue fitness as a parallel career. With the expertise as a qualified instructor and a genuine commitment to a healthy lifestyle, Zoe co-founded Studio 60. We get to know about what ignites her soul when it comes to fitness. Edited excerpts.

Read FHM India in the digital libraryEvery issue, every shoot, on TCG Media.

What was your inspiration behind Studio 60 and how were you able to transition from a health fanatic to an entrepreneur?

I believe in good vibes, hard work, and a true fit and healthy lifestyle. I began my foray into the world of fitness as most of us do; by joining a gym. It wasn’t long until I was addicted. But as I slowly strayed away from the mundane treadmill routine, I came to strongly believe that fitness is not about how many reps you can do or how heavy the weights you lift are. Instead, fitness is about committing to a healthy lifestyle and it can and should be fun for everyone. In 2014, I co-founded Studio 60 with my partner Diya Roopchand Kaul, a fitness studio that celebrates inspiration, energy, good health, and a peaceful mind. With a focus on the ‘Feel Good’ factor, we strive to put aside the chaos of our everyday lives and instead, lose ourselves in a range of customised workout sessions. From personal training to group fitness, from spinning to kickboxing, our studio offers a chance to laugh, joke and have fun, all while getting fit.

You train celebrities as well as regular people, what is your approach while training celebrities in particular? Is it different from your conventional ways?

To be honest, nothing is really different, except that everything is different. Everybody has a different goal, a different body, different weaknesses, and different strengths. The plan to work with each and every client is structured differently – but the process is the same.

What would be your three do’s & don’t’s for someone who’s just beginning their fitness journey?

The don’t would be - don’t be unrealistic, don’t compare yourself to anyone, everyone’s journey is different, and don’t be too hard on yourself. For the do’s, I would recoin do enjoy yourself, do involve your friends and family in the process, and gain as much nutrition knowledge, because health and fitness begin in your kitchen.

Are there any specific food and nutrition requirements that you recommend during training?

Yes, a balanced diet with good amounts of protein, and lots of water.

Confidence in the gym is something that can be harder to come by for people who are new to that kind of exercise. What do you like to say to people who are struggling?

Baby steps. Just a little every day, and it doesn’t have to be in a gym, you can start at home, start paying attention to what you eat and drink, use the outdoor local park, join classes with a friend, be it dance or yoga. Find something you enjoy - you are far more likely to do it often, and that’s the key.

We follow you on social media religiously and it’s evident that you love to try different workouts. So, what is your strategy while training?

I make sure I get in three days to focus on strength training and some mad sweaty cardio sessions two times a week. I love to attend our group classes, so that’s how I get in my endurance and functional work about two times a week. Other times I like to practice skills, like kickboxing, animal flow and fit in some time to just experiment with my body. Stretch and flexibility post workouts. I have one, sometimes two full days of rest.

In the age of digital revolution where everyone posts their opinion online, how can we inculcate body-positivity and curb body-shaming?

It’s a difficult, harsh world out there, and people are not always nice. I think believing in yourself and believing in the hard work you do, is something to keep reminding yourself of. Our bodies are always a work in progress. What we see out there on social media, is the tiniest percentage of the real world. Try to see and be grateful for the bodies we have, what they can do, and look after them with love and respect. Self-love is the best love.

Give us an insight into a day in your life. What do you like to do when you are not sweating it out in the gym?

Have a cup of tea on my sofa, relax with my doggies, and clean my house.

Rapid Fire

• How many pushups can you do in a minute? Nearly 35
• Your go-to move: Burpees with a hint of Animal Flow side kick-throughs
• Your power song: I’m quite the Bollywood fan. I would go with Dil Chori
• Strength or flexibility? Both
• Your favourite cheat meal: Wadas and idlis
• Three essentials in your gym bag: A bag for my sweaty clothes, a new set of gym clothes to replace my sweaty gym clothes and a dry leave-in shampoo for my sweaty hair.
• Your fitness philosophy: Everything takes time, but everything is possible.
• Who is your role model: People inspire me every single day. Be it a client, an Instagram influencer or a friend or family member. My role model would be anyone working hard. I admire hard work.

From the July 2019 issue of FHM India.