Sonali Sarooshi, a dentist by profession, has many irons in the fire. Classical dancing, singing performances set in the pop music mould, teaching, baking and powerlifting. That’s not in any order of importance — for, Sonali’s takes her powerlifting seriously.
She recently won the ‘Strong Woman’ title for 2017 at the fifth Tamil Nadu State Unequipped Bench Press Championship with a total weight of 110 kg.
Sonali got into powerlifting by chance. She and a friend were at a powerlifting competition when the organisers opened up the contest for those in the audience.
“My friend pushed me into participating in the contest and I went on to win it,” she recalls.
Later, she won the ‘Strong Woman of Tamil Nadu 2015’ title at a state-level competition, where she trounced over 30 contestants.
Through powerlifting, she has achieved fitness.
“Some years ago, I was obese and did what everyone does. I ran, I starved myself and lost 10 kilos; most people are not aware of the consequences of such fitness routines. Lifting weights changed my life,” says Sonali, who also teaches at Satyabhama Dental College.
“Fitness,” she says, “is therapy. My workout keeps me sane. It’s not an agenda in my day, but a part of my life. I always strive to be better than myself. The goals never cease.”
This doctor also runs a home bakery called ‘Fit n Delicious’ where she serves sugar-free and gluten-free desserts to customers.
Her diet consists of six meals a day, which are packed with high protein and fats like peanut butter. She takes a lot of green veggies. If the fitness enthusiast cheats, it is always biryani. Her guilty pleasure has to do with carbs, not sugar.
Sonali says, “A basic workout everyday is essential. It should include stretches, cardio and most importantly weights. Many women view weight lifting as masculine, which is untrue.”
She trains at Gold Gym in Adyar.
