I AM ALFA because I will always finish what I start. I believe in hard work and perseverance to achieve my goals.
Photography: ALI SOHRAB
Venue: Olympians Gym
I was born in a small village in the state of Punjab, India. I married at the age of 17, and came to Canada at 19. I faced many challenges as a new immigrant, including becoming proficient in the English language. Nonetheless, I finished my high school diploma, and was looking forward to attend university for my post-secondary education. However, multiple family responsibilities cut those dreams short. Instead, I worked multiple jobs and countless hours to provide for my family. Looking back, I can say I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. Because, today I have been married for 26 years and am the proud mother of three beautiful children; Shanya (21), Sahil (19), and Eeshvir (8).
Without my struggles in life I wouldn’t be the person I am today. Fortunately, I have been a successful business owner for the last 12 years, running my laser aesthetics company. The real estate industry is where I plan to make my next mark.
I AM ALFA because I will always finish what I start. I believe in hard work and perseverance to achieve my goals. I live life with commitment and dedication, and I am always optimistic and I love wholeheartedly.
What are the most rewarding things that fitness has brought you? Fitness has brought me health, energy and lifelong friends. Fitness has also helped me maintain my confidence throughout the years as it consistently makes me feel good and empowered as a woman.
When was the most ALFA moment in your life and why? It was when women my age and younger have told me that I have inspired and empowered them with their own fitness journeys. Becoming a fitness role model, especially in this point of my life, was my Alfa moment.
How has COVID-19 impacted your daily life? Along with everyone, my daily life has been altered due to this impacts of COVID-19. Personally, in terms of my fitness routine, I had to step outside of my comfort zone (my gym), and venture into at-home workouts. Although I missed my gym family when I could no longer go to my gym, working out at home was a good challenge for me.
If you could choose any positive thing about isolation, what would it be? It would be about being able to spend quality time with my family. It was almost like going back in time when everyone wasn’t so busy. My family and I spent a lot of time maintaining our well-being by doing meditation together. During the first months, the nice weather allowed us all to go on family walks together. Another thing was spending time in the kitchen cooking with the help of my kids. That helped with passing time for sure.
I also believe after what happened people will be more aware of the freedom and luxuries we are so lucky to have in this country. I feel that everyone will be a lot more careful and cautious post-lockdown. I’m sure people will be extra grateful for their health and well-being.
Please share up to five things people don’t know about you?
I am a perfectionist. Whatever I do I give it my 100%.
I may not look like it, but I am very strong. I love unconditionally. I am a Bollywood Fanatic. I am a great cook.
Please name up to five ALFA people you know. Sandy Dosanjh Karen Hundal Anju Dhindsa Shanya Dhindsa Jaspal Dhaliwal (My Mom)
What would be the ultimate tips you could share with everyone about health and fitness? When I started taking my health and fitness seriously I noticed that I was having a hard time reaching my goals. One thing I can highly recommend to anyone having trouble getting started, is to invest into yourself. My investment was hiring a personal trainer which helped increase my confidence in the gym and in my everyday life. Doing this helped my body, mind, and diet. I was a vegetarian and my diet was mostly Indian food. Even though Indian food can be healthy, it is definitely carb heavy. I was really trying to pick the healthiest choices but I found it difficult to get enough protein.
Even though lots of people out there are able to become body builders with a vegetarian diet, being a mom, and a full-time business owner I found myself taking a quick meal over a healthy meal quite often. My friend and fitness guru Sandy suggested that I try to add some eggs and fish to my diet. I started to add a bit more protein each day and saw changes happening. I became a pescatarian with added protein shakes to the diet. I was able to reach my goal and gain a substantial amount of muscle in a short duration of time. Of course, there are many tried and true guidelines to becoming fit. However, fitness plans that may promise you your desired results may not be right for you. Make sure you find a plan that works the best for you and your lifestyle.
Favourite quote: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” - Mahatma Gandhi
Where people can find you?
Instagram: @pavandhindsa
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