An Interview with Dr. Jayant Kashikar, Author of Fitness and You: A Holistic Approach to Well-Being
In a world where fitness is often reduced to appearance and numbers on a scale, Fitness and You: A Holistic Approach to Well-Being offers a refreshing and deeply meaningful perspective. Written by Dr. Jayant Kashikar an orthopaedic surgeon, hybrid athlete, and lifelong fitness practitioner the book explores wellness as a balance of physical strength, mental clarity, emotional peace, and spiritual growth.
In this conversation, Dr. Kashikar opens up about his journey, his beliefs around true fitness, and the deeper purpose behind writing this book. What follows is an honest and inspiring dialogue that reflects the heart of Fitness and You.
Q1. In the current scenario, where mental health is still being made a common practice, how do you compare it with the focus on physical health?
Ans : Mental health and physical health are two sides of the same coin. While society has long prioritized physical fitness, mental well-being is now gaining the attention it deserves. True fitness means nurturing
both body and mind together. My book emphasizes that without a strong mind, physical strength is incomplete. Just like we train our bodies, we must also train our thoughts and emotions. Mental
calmness enhances physical performance. It is time to make mental health as common as physical workouts.
“This sets a powerful foundation for the book. You immediately redefine fitness, making it clear that mental well-being is not optional it’s essential”
Q2. How is physical well-being connected to the spiritual wellness of a person?
Ans: Physical well-being is the foundation of spiritual growth. When the body feels light, strong, and healthy, the mind becomes calmer and more focused. A fit body allows us to connect deeply with our inner self. Spiritual wellness is not about rituals but about feeling balanced within, living with purpose and awareness. Regular movement, breathing practices, and mindful living strengthen that connection. A
healthy body is the doorway to a peaceful soul.
“Your answer beautifully bridges fitness with inner peace, showing that spirituality can be lived through everyday actions, not just beliefs”
Q3. Since this book is also an account of your own journey with healthy living, have you ever faced a lack of motivation? If yes, how do you deal with it?
Ans : Yes, I have faced moments when motivation disappeared. But I learned to rely on discipline, not just feelings. On such days, I remind myself why I started this journey, I remind myself of my “Why.” I take small steps, sometimes just a short walk or deep breathing to restart the flow. Inspiration often returns once the first step is taken. Consistency, not perfection, keeps me going. My book reflects these real, human struggles.
“This honesty is refreshing. Readers will strongly relate to this, especially those who feel guilty about losing motivation”
Q4. How did you get into fitness? Did you have a role model or a book that changed your perspective?
Ans: My fitness journey began with a simple desire to feel better. I was inspired by stories of transformation and people who lived with energy and purpose. I did not have one specific role model but many who taught me small lessons. I explored books, observed athletes, and built my own routine. Gradually, fitness became a way of life, not just a habit. It shaped not only my body but also my mindset.
“It’s inspiring how your journey started simply and organically something that reassures readers that fitness doesn’t need a dramatic beginning”
Q5. There are plenty of misconceptions about cutting down on eating to lose weight, which leads to an unhealthy diet. What are your thoughts on that?
Ans : One of the biggest fitness myths is that eating less equals losing weight. The truth is: healthy weight loss comes from balanced nutrition, not starvation. When we starve, the body becomes weak, and the mind loses focus. My book encourages eating mindfully, nourishing the body with the right foods. Fitness is about energy, not emptiness. Real strength comes from balance, not deprivation.
“This directly challenges a widespread misconception and sends a much-needed message of nourishment over punishment”
Q6. Since you are an athlete as well, what were some of the things that you sacrificed to lead a healthy life?
Ans : Yes, a fit life requires sacrifices, but they are worth it. I let go of late nights, junk food cravings, and negative habits. I prioritized sleep, discipline, and regular movement over temporary pleasures. Social
choices also changed, I chose environments that supported my goals. These sacrifices built a stronger version of me. In the end, it was not loss, but gain.
“Your perspective reframes sacrifice as self-respect, which is a powerful takeaway for readers struggling with lifestyle changes”
Q7. Do you have a target audience for this book? Can a person who is just beginning with fitness or wants to start read your book?
ANS : This book is for everyone, from beginners to fitness enthusiasts. It speaks in simple language and motivates readers to take the first step. Even someone starting from zero can relate and grow with it. It
is not about perfection, but progress. Whether you want to build strength, mental clarity, or balance, this book guides you gently. It’s your personal fitness companion.
“This inclusivity truly reflects the soul of the book it welcomes readers instead of intimidating them”
Q8. Have you ever read a book that changed your perspective on life like your book does? Do you have any book recommendations for our readers?
Ans : Yes, I have read books that made me reflect deeply and grow. “Mindset” by Carol S. Dweck, “Atomic Habits” by James Clear, and “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle profoundly influenced my
outlook on self-growth and discipline. They taught me the importance of consistent effort, mental resilience, and living in the present. Just as these books inspired me, I wish “Fitness and You”
inspires others to take charge of their lives.
“It’s wonderful to see how these influential works shaped your thinking and how you now aim to pass that inspiration forward”
Q9. How did you decide to share your story with the world through your book?
Ans : I believe real stories have the power to touch lives. My journey is not about being perfect, but about becoming better each day. I wanted people to know fitness is possible for everyone. Through this book, I
opened my heart so others feel less alone on their path. Sharing my story is my way of inspiring change. It is about turning struggle into strength.
“This answer captures the emotional core of the book it’s not just instructional, it’s deeply human”
Q10. Now that you have this book out, do you plan on continuing to explore authorship, or was it a one-and-done?
Ans : This is not a one-time journey for me. Writing this book awakened a deeper purpose. I want to keep sharing, inspiring, and growing with my readers. Fitness is a lifelong path, and so is expression. I plan to
write more, on health, motivation, and self-love. This is just the beginning of a meaningful chapter.
“That sense of continuity makes this book feel like the start of a much larger mission, not just a single publication”
This conversation with Dr. Jayant Kashikar reflects exactly what Fitness and You: A Holistic Approach to Well-Being stands for balance, honesty, and purpose. Blending medical knowledge with personal experience, discipline with compassion, and fitness with spirituality, the book serves as a gentle yet powerful guide for anyone seeking lasting wellness.
More than a fitness manual, Fitness and You is an invitation to listen to your inner voice, honor your body, and grow stronger inside and out. Whether you are just beginning or already on the path, this book reminds you that true fitness is not a destination, but a lifelong journey.
