Milind Soman discusses how participating in Dheeraj’s game can be a life-changing experience.
Here are ten key points summarizing the main aspects of the article:
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Family Fitness Journey: The article discusses the collaborative fitness journey of Milind Soman, his wife Ankita Konwar, and his mother Usha Soman, as they explore their perspectives on health through different life stages.
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Book Release: The trio has co-authored a book entitled Keep Walking, which combines elements of biography and self-help, discussing fitness and health from their unique viewpoints.
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Diverse Perspectives: The book presents three distinct attitudes towards fitness, representing Usha at 84, Milind at 58, and Ankita at 32, illustrating how their backgrounds shape their views on health.
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Usha’s Insights: Usha shares experiences from a time when exercise was less common, reflecting on how local food and family activities contributed to their fitness in her upbringing.
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Milind’s Athletic Background: Milind discusses his journey from being a national swimmer to becoming a supermodel and fitness figure, emphasizing the importance of staying active without strict dietary restrictions.
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Ankita’s Resilience: Ankita narrates her challenges and how exercise has played a crucial role in maintaining her mental health, highlighting its prioritization amidst life’s demands.
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Practical Fitness Tips: The book offers practical advice, including the emotional significance of exercise and recommendations for finding personal motivation to stay active.
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Empowerment Through Exercise: Milind emphasizes that exercise should not be an intimidating concept but rather a pathway to an active lifestyle, encouraging readers to participate in endurance events like marathons.
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Holistic Approach: The family’s outlook on fitness encompasses both physical and mental well-being, with suggestions on achieving balance and mobility as one ages.
- Availability: The book is accessible through various retail channels, making it easy for readers to engage with their fitness philosophy and find inspiration in their stories.
Embracing Fitness Across Generations: The Journey of Milind Soman, Usha, and Ankita
This spring, fitness icon Milind Soman and his wife, Ankita Konwar, embarked on an inspiring journey across Europe, emphasizing the importance of wellness in their lives. Now back in Lower Parel, Mumbai, they engaged in a deep conversation with Milind’s mother, Usha Soman, an 84-year-old retired biochemistry lecturer, via video call. Their interaction showcases a unique threefold perspective on fitness, explored in their book, Keep Walking, co-authored with celebrated writer Rupa Pai.
Milind, at 58, reflects on the essence of their book, which delves into health perceptions across different age groups—Usha at 84, Milind at 58, and Ankita at 32. Each offers a distinct viewpoint shaped by their experiences and the times they grew up in. Milind has been a public figure for decades, with a storied career as a supermodel, actor, and fitness advocate. In stark contrast, Ankita’s wellness philosophy is rooted in her formative years spent in the serene landscapes of Northeast India, while Usha embodies a time when physical exercise was not mainstream.
The narrative begins by addressing profound questions about age, health, and the true meaning of fitness for individuals from different generations. Usha’s life story anchors the book, detailing her childhood during India’s early independence and the nurturing environment shaped by her doctor father’s values. Growing up with five siblings, Usha recalls how her family emphasized education and physical activity. “Fresh, local food was a staple of our lives,” she reminisces, noting that the culture of togetherness kept them active.
Usha reveals that after retiring, she found her fitness routine through walking and trekking, transitioning from childhood games to dedicated exercise regimens, including push-ups and rope skipping. This transformation underscores a lifelong commitment to health, showing that age does not diminish the desire for vitality.
In his youth, Milind enjoyed prominence as a national-level swimmer, likely becoming a household name with his appearance in the music video for “Made in India.” His passion for swimming allowed him to maintain a consistent weight throughout his life. Interestingly, Milind shares that despite adopting a more relaxed lifestyle that included drinking and smoking, he remained physically resilient. A turning point came in 2004 when he rediscovered his athleticism upon learning about a marathon in Mumbai. This rekindled his passion for fitness, leading him back to a life rooted in movement and endurance.
Ankita’s journey tells a different, yet equally significant, story. She rode her bicycle for miles from her boarding school beside the Subansiri River in Assam, a practice rooted in overcoming childhood challenges. Following a personal hardship, Ankita turned to exercise to regain her mental well-being, emphasizing the need for self-care amid life’s competing demands. "You have to prioritize fitness," she asserts, sharing insights on balancing a hectic life with personal health goals.
Milind echoes her sentiment, stressing that motivation springs from a deep emotional connection to the activity. “You find it in your head,” he advises, emphasizing that exercise should resonate personally for sustained commitment. He even engages in gentle exercises while in bed to awaken his body’s energy.
Their shared beliefs on fitness extend beyond personal experiences. Milind also champions initiatives like the Pinkathon, aimed at raising awareness about women’s health and breast cancer. He regularly runs barefoot, often choosing clean roads for his routines, and he prefers to steer clear of dirty pavements, highlighting the necessity of a conducive environment for exercising.
A unique aspect of Keep Walking is its structured format, concluding each chapter with actionable insights reflecting their collective fitness philosophies. Milind prioritizes hip mobility as a crucial aspect of aging, while Ankita emphasizes the significance of physical transitions amid cognitive noise. Usha asserts that striking a balance is vital for longevity. Ultimately, Milind captures the essence of their shared journey: “Exercise can be intimidating. To achieve health, one must remain active.” He remarks on the transformative potential of endurance sports, encouraging everyone to experience a marathon at least once in their lives.
Keep Walking serves not only as a memoir but also as a self-help guide for readers seeking clarity in their health journeys. The book is available both online and in stores, inviting readers of all ages to reflect on their paths to fitness and overall well-being.
In a world where fitness and lifestyle choices are increasingly intertwined, the Soman family’s journey inspires readers to embrace a holistic view of health, drawing on the wisdom of different generations to guide their own paths.
