LIFTING HERSELF

Malvi Gupta

In today’s edition of ‘We The Women’, we have brought for you about another thriving female in the city who believes in being indulged in many trades and acing all of them. This explains her versatile individuality. Learn more about Malvi Gupta who is an athlete, fashion designer, influencer and model.
Malvi Gupta has worn and flaunted many professional hats. She has been a fashion Designer for many years now. It was in the year 2016, on being encouraged by her family that Malvi decided to get fit and joined a gym.
Today she is known as a Fitness Model, blogger and most significantly a power-lifter. She also boasts to be a Yoga Expert. She is also the only female Team Manager of Powerlifting association affiliated to IPF. You can check out Malvi’s social handles by the name “Malvi & Fitness” both on Instagram and Facebook.
Malvi says, “Fashion designing and fitness both are my passions and I strive to lead in fashion and wellness/ fitness and inspire people to lead a healthy and fit life. As a woman I want woman to realise their worth and take time to care for themselves; be it skin care, mental health care or physical fitness.”
Born to Poonam and Neeraj Gupta, MalvI belongs to a business family dealing in books. Evidently it was not quite obvious for Malvi to get into any profession she has opted.
Malvi points out that in our society women’s selfless nature is resulting in decline in their health.
She says, “I have always seen woman, be it in my own family or in society, giving time to others and fulfilling their responsibilities without giving time to self which eventually results in health problems.”
Malvi shares that there was no athletic experience for her to even wonder to be a powerlifter ever. She expresses, “I was never inclined towards sports and in fact I dreaded it.”
So how did she land in this field?
Well, Malvi shares that while she was in college, she started facing umpteen health issues which was alarming because of her early age. Malvi remembers, “I had to deal with number of difficulties due to my health and so I decided to step into fitness zone and live a healthy life.”
Still, the idea of Powerlifting immerged only after Malvi was well engrossed in gymming. She shares, “While I was weight training, one of my friend motivated me to go for powerlifting. Even I wanted to do something different from the rest and the idea sparked me from within. I took it as a platform to show what I am and what a girl can be.”
Stating her mantra, “I always stay away from negative people as well as keep myself calm and positive towards life,” Malvi stresses upon the importance of distancing yourself from negativity as much as embracing positivity.
She further adds, “All you need is patience. Moreover you need to enjoy what you do as well as the journey towards your goal. Once I started enjoying working out, I started to train myself further.”
Malvi reveals that in spite of inducing a brow raising reaction from many, her family and friends have accepted, supported and encouraged her at every step. Which is why even when she was a novice Powerlifter athlete, she didn’t have any problem in continuing it. She says, “My parents have faith in me and they wanted to see me happy in every way. So I do what I like and they like what I do.”
Talking about the impact of switching to Powerlifting, Malvi states, “I have become more disciplined and positive. People now know me as woman fitness expert/ Powerlifter, which only makes me more enthusiastic about it. Additionally, I feel people are now opening up for their physical well being as I get plenty of queries about fitness very often; this is a progress in itself.”
She further adds, “Personally, I have gained confidence and have become more comfortable on public platform. I have received love and affection from the people.”
Though Malvi has grabbed many awards at State and National level competitions, sharing about her experience of her major accomplishments, Malvi says, “I could never imagine getting titled as National Powerlifter for me participation itself was an achievement.”
Being the one who stood first in her batch of Fashion Designing (2014), Malvi’s other titles and awards make such of her accomplishment seem odd in the lot, which includes likes of Gold Medal for the best lifter in J&K State Powerlifting Championship (Deadlift) 2018; Best lifter Award at Senior National Powerlifting and Deadlift Championship (unequipped) 2018, Lucknow, U.P; Best Lifter in J&K State Powerlifting and Deadlift Championship (unequipped), 2017; Bronze medal at the North India Powerlifting Championship held at Samrala, Punjab, 2017; Overall Champion in J&K State Powerlifting and Deadlift Championship 2017. She has also participated in Senior National Powerlifting and Deadlift Championship held at Allepey, Kerela, 2017.
Here is the most intriguing part of her revelations, her routine. Malve shares, “I get up early in the morning, practice yoga and meditation which are followed by morning rituals, breakfast. After which I hit the gym and complete my training session. Initially it was exhausting but it gradually turned into a lifestyle that I immensely cherish.”
Speaking about her experience being one of the few females in the field, Malvi says, “Earlier many fields were considered to be exclusive for men as they required physical strength. But now woman are active in every athletic zone and powerlifting is one of the sport. It is for the women who are ready to take challenges.”
She also adds, “I am happy that gender biased tendencies are gradually fading away. People are open to venture in rough and adventurous fields. Times are changing as are women! More progressive women means more progressive society.”
According to Malvi, Strong woman have strong mindset and the mindset is yet to be changed. On the same line she says, “I believe that woman should be independent and should never presume of themselves as weaker sex. We, the woman are in competition with no one. We are mentally strong, all we need is little effort to realise our potential and then we can realize our aspirations. We have immense strength which we might not be familiar with.”
Expressing her candid notions of beauty as her professional choice might not be aesthetic for many who know less Malvi says, “ Beauty should not been admired mere externally; inner beauty always reflects on your face. People who value worth in a person would welcome a woman in any form.”
“There are woman athletes all over the world. They are recognised for their talent and achievements not for their beauty. The beauty comes from inner aura. The mindset is changing as parents are now encouraging their daughters to take up any active sports to remain fit and active.”
About her other interests, Malvi says, “I love travelling, listening to music, painting, cooking, designing, extreme adventurous sports.”
On being asked what is next for her, Malvi replies, “I want to turn my passion into profession. I am already providing training to some people. I desire to contribute for uplifting our society. I am also planning for an upcoming event, Fitness Fashion Show.”
Expressing about the women of the state, Malvi says, “Women of J&K are very progressive; all they need is to come out of the shackles of superstitious approaches and mythical mindsets. They can achieve anything they want in any field they pick.”
Malvi’s words to the young females out there are, “Girls, we are the best. Believe in yourself and treat yourself with love, care, forgiveness and encouragements.”