Maitri Boda
03-Jun-2025
There’s no one “right” way to stay fit—there’s only the way that works for you
Inputs by: Maitri Boda, Fitness Enthusiast and Co-Founder of Squat Up
The traditional gym model—think weights, machines, treadmills—still has value, but let’s be honest: it doesn’t work for everyone. And it doesn’t always work forever. As someone who co-founded a fitness space rooted in real, lasting transformation, I’ve seen how people fall in love with movement when it’s fun, functional, and feels more like life than a chore.
Today, fitness is no longer just about lifting heavier or burning more calories. It’s about moving with purpose, staying consistent, and enjoying the journey. That’s why at Squat Up, we’ve built a space that celebrates variety—because no single style suits all, and different seasons of life demand different kinds of training.
1. Pickleball: Movement That Feels Like Play
Pickleball has exploded in popularity for a reason—it’s fun, social, and surprisingly intense. You’re sprinting, lunging, swinging, and strategising all at once, but it doesn’t feel like a workout. For people who hate the gym but still want to stay active, pickleball is an amazing alternative. It builds endurance, improves reflexes, and enhances coordination without the pressure of reps and sets.
At Squat Up, we introduced Mumbai’s first in-gym pickleball courts—and what we’ve seen is incredible. People of all ages are showing up, forming teams, laughing, sweating, and leaving more energised than ever.
2. Yoga: Movement Meets Mindfulness
When life gets chaotic (and let’s face it, it often is), yoga offers a reset button. The beauty of yoga is that it’s adaptable—whether you need a powerful vinyasa flow or a gentle stretch, it meets you where you are. And when practised in the open air, like on our terrace space, it becomes even more restorative.
Yoga isn’t just a “rest day” activity—it builds flexibility, strengthens stabilising muscles, and supports mental well-being. It’s a full-body experience with benefits that last long after the mat is rolled up.
3. MMA: Build Grit, Power & Confidence
For those looking to push limits, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) combines technique with tenacity. It’s not just about learning to defend yourself—it’s about building mental toughness, improving coordination, and conditioning your body in ways traditional strength training often doesn’t touch.
At Squat Up, MMA sessions attract everyone from beginners looking for a challenge to seasoned athletes wanting a dynamic, full-body workout. It’s intense, empowering, and deeply rewarding.
4. Recovery Tools Like Ice Baths: The Real Secret Weapon
We talk so much about training—but recovery is just as essential. Ice baths, once reserved for elite athletes, are now accessible tools that anyone can benefit from. They help reduce muscle soreness, fight fatigue, and even boost mental clarity.
I’ve seen clients emerge from a 10-minute ice bath feeling stronger, both physically and mentally. It teaches resilience and gives your body the time it needs to bounce back—so you can keep showing up for yourself.
5. Functional & Group Training: Strength With a Purpose
Sometimes, traditional gym equipment can feel isolating. That’s where functional training and group workouts come in. Training that mimics everyday movement—like lifting, twisting, and pulling—makes your body more capable and confident in real life. Add the energy of a group setting, and you’ve got motivation, accountability, and a built-in community.
At Squat Up, we see clients thrive when movement feels meaningful. Whether it's a Saturday group HIIT or a core conditioning circuit with friends, the vibe matters.
Fitness doesn’t need to be rigid or repetitive. It needs to be personal, enjoyable, and evolving—just like you. Whether you find your rhythm through pickleball, mindfulness through yoga, grit through MMA, or peace through an ice bath, the goal is the same: to feel stronger in your body and mind.
If you’ve struggled with sticking to a routine, maybe it’s not about your discipline—maybe it’s about the type of movement you’ve been trying to force. Explore, experiment, and above all, enjoy the process. And sometimes, the best workouts are the ones that don’t feel like workouts at all.
Cover Credits: Instagram @sharvari
