Real-Life Weight Loss Story: Born with cerebral palsy, Ishank Gupta 25, who is now a video editor, was always called the “skinny guy”—not by choice, but by default. Growing up, building muscle or gaining strength seemed like a far-fetched dream. But in 2019, Ishank decided he was done being limited by labels or expectations. He hit the gym, starting with basic exercises that felt more like survival drills than workouts. “Squats and deadlifts used to feel like near-death experiences,” he shares.

The big turning point came in April 2023, when he joined Cult.Fit. That’s when his life take a major turn. The structured workouts, top-tier equipment, and the high-energy environment gave him the push he needed to take things seriously. He wasn’t just working out—he was training with purpose.

“Now I’m building a machine,” he says proudly. “More strength, more confidence—and yeah, a lot more protein happiness too.”

From struggling to lift his own weight to becoming someone who now lifts heavy and feels unstoppable. But how did he ace this transformation? In a conversation with Times Now, he shares all about his journey—From his biggest challenges to his source of motivation.

What Inspired You To Embark On This Journey?

“For me, it was ambition,” Ishank said. He never believed cerebral palsy meant he couldn’t be strong—it just meant he’d have to work harder for it. And he was ready for that challenge.

He always admired bodybuilders, not just for their muscles but for their discipline and focus. One day, instead of just admiring them from a distance, he decided to jump in and try it himself. “Every lift, every drop of sweat brought me closer to who I wanted to become,” he said.

Weight: Before And After Transformation

“When I started, I was 57 kg—your classic lean guy with dreams bigger than my biceps,” he shares. Today, he’s at 68 kg—stronger, fitter, and filled with determination.

“It’s not just about the number,” he adds. “It’s about how I feel. And I feel powerful.”

How Long Did It Take You To Transform Yourself?

Ishank’s transformation took four years, but he never treated it like a race. For him, fitness is a lifestyle, not a deadline. “Every workout, every meal, every rep—it was all part of the journey,” he shares.

The real success, according to him, wasn’t in the weight gain or the muscles but in how he fell in love with the process.

Biggest Challenges Faced Along The Way

“The tough days? Oh, there were many,” he says. There were times when motivation disappeared, when one missed gym session turned into a few. Then there were the stares—people glancing at his legs, unsure why someone like him was in a gym.

At first, it affected him. But soon, he learned to ignore the stares and focus on his goal. “I wasn’t there for them. I was there for me,” he says firmly. Now, the gym feels like home.

How Did You Stay Motivated Throughout Your Weight Loss Journey?

For Ishank, motivation wasn’t always there—but discipline was. “You can’t count on feeling motivated every day. But discipline? That shows up even when you don’t feel like it,” he says.

On tougher days, he turned to Hrithik Roshan’s gym motivation videos. “Watching him push through his own struggles gave me a huge boost,” he shares. “If he can do it, so can I.”

Also, tracking his own progress helped. Every time he lifted heavier or completed a tough workout, he reminded himself how far he’d come.

Diet And Exercise Regimen Followed During Transformation

“I’m not someone who follows a strict diet,” Ishank said. He’s a vegetarian, which makes getting enough protein a bit harder, but he keeps his food clean. No smoking, no alcohol—and that alone made a big difference.

When it comes to workouts, though, he goes all in. He trains hard, keeps breaks short, and his favorite workout style? German Volume Training. “Ten sets of ten reps. It’s intense. You feel like you’ve been through a war—but I love it,” he says.

Did You Encounter Any Setbacks, And If So, How Did You Overcome Them?

Yes, plenty. There were days when he skipped workouts and felt guilty. Sometimes, progress felt slow, and self-doubt crept in. The stares, too, were hard to ignore in the beginning.

But Ishank didn’t let setbacks stop him. If he missed a session, he made the next one count even more. If results were slow, he reminded himself that consistency always beats speed.

And as for the stares? “I let my lifts do the talking,” he smiles. “Now, those same people who used to stare? They come to me for fitness tips.”

What Advice Do You Have For Others Who Are Looking To Embark On A Similar Transformation Journey?

“Start. Just start,” he says. Waiting for the perfect moment or the ideal conditions only delays progress. The gym doesn’t care where you come from—it just rewards effort.

“Stay consistent. Learn from mistakes. And even when you don’t feel like showing up, show up anyway. That’s where the magic happens,” he says.

And most importantly, enjoy the journey. “Once you fall in love with the process, the results will come on their own.”

How Has Your Life Changed Since Achieving Your Weight Loss Goals?

“Everything has changed,” Ishank says. From how he walks to how he feels mentally, the difference is night and day.

He feels more confident, more disciplined, and more focused in every part of life. “The gym is where I transformed, not just physically but mentally too,” he says.

People around him notice the change. Opportunities have opened up, and he carries himself with a sense of pride he didn’t have before. “Earlier, people stared at my legs with sympathy. Now? They stare at my biceps with envy,” he said.

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