Speaking to She Lit, martial arts champion and fitness enthusiast Payal Gandhi shared her insights on the importance of fitness and self-defense in daily life.
Meet Payal Gandhi, former martial arts champion and now an accountant by profession, Payal recently spoke with She Lit about why fitness and self-defense are crucial for girls.
Martial Arts in Life
“I started martial arts as a self-defense tool because I never wanted to depend on anyone for my safety. But over time, I pursued it as a career and truly enjoyed that phase of my life. However, sustaining dreams isn’t always easy, and financial stability became a challenge. That’s when I decided to shift to an accounting career. Fortunately, my parents supported me in following my passion for as long as I wanted.”
She also emphasized the need for government support in India to create a more encouraging environment for sports, making it easier for athletes to sustain their careers.
Fitness for Girls
In our society, many myths exist regarding fitness for girls. One of the most common misconceptions is that weightlifting makes women “manly.” Payal debunked this, explaining that scientifically, it’s not possible since it’s all about hormones.
“Fitness, including weightlifting, is beneficial for overall physical and mental health. Issues like irregular periods and general weakness can often be improved or even cured with regular exercise,” she added.
Gender Challenges and Safety
While gender discrimination in sports is gradually decreasing, financial support remains a major challenge for female athletes.
Regarding safety, Payal believes that it depends on the person and the situation. Not every place is unsafe, and rather than living in fear, she encourages parents to support their daughters in sports and fitness.
Message for Girls
“Fitness is essential—not just for girls, but for everyone. Even if you’re busy, try to dedicate at least 15-20 minutes a day to yourself. It will bring a positive change in your life—improving not just your physique but also your mindset and overall lifestyle. Don’t set big targets initially; just focus on becoming stronger, one step at a time.”
Payal Gandhi
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