Weightlifting is a pretty tough job and not everyone can do it. Binita Rai, who is 39 already has been into it for years now and this shows that nothing is impossible. She is an inspiration for many.

 

  1. Can you please write a short introduction of yourself?

I am Binita Rai and I am 39. I have a family of 3 and my husband is a retired Gurkha. My son is 10 and I am blessed with everything I have.

  1. What does weightlifting mean to you?

For me weight-lifting is not just a physical exercise, it is also a mental exercise. It has changed my life both mentally and physically, I must say. 

  1. When did lifting weights turn from a passion to a profession? 

I had a severe lower back issue from my childhood so lifting weight was far from my bucket list. I was a regular visitor at my physiotherapist. At the very beginning my point of going to the gym was to maintain my stretching and physio routine on a regular basis. I started lifting light weights since I was already at the place with a lot of weights around. Slowly I started lifting a good number of weights. By then I was already getting better with my back, this motivated me to lift heavier. By 2018, I was totally normal with my back pain, was in good shape and there were a couple of competitions happening and yes, I definitely wanted to give it a go.

  1. During your journey, who inspired and motivated you the most? 

Definitely, first of all I would say my family. However, my health was the greatest motivator for me because lifting has totally changed my life in an unimaginable way.

  1. How supportive was your family in this endeavour? 

My family is my biggest supporter and they have always been here with me throughout my journey.

  1. What is your greatest achievement to date?

I find all of my titles and awards as my greatest achievements. If I have to be specific, winning Bullsmen, getting an IFBB pro card and getting awarded by World Women Leadership and Congress Award are few greatest achievements.

  1. Did you face any hurdles during the process? What motivated you to go through them?

Definitely, bodybuilding is such a competition where your mind and heart should be 100% ready before you start. There were times which were totally against me and I felt very low. “Binita, you are a fighter not a quitter”, was what came to my mind whenever I questioned myself.

  1. What goes on behind the making of a professional weightlifter? Can you please share with our readers your daily routine? 

Bodybuilding is all about self-discipline, dedication and testing your utmost limits. I follow my diets and workout plans with 0% cheating, giving my 100% all the time. So, I consider myself as a 100% non-cheater bodybuilder. During normal days I give personal training, make diet plans, do my own workouts, spend some family time and I love prepping meals.

  1. How do you take failure? During the worst of times, what is your mantra? 

I take failure as a part of motivation because I learn from it. Failure helps us work harder and be a better version of us. “Do not Quit because you are the master of your fate”, it has always been my mantra at the worst times.

  1. Do you have some fun stories related to your journey?

Oh yes, during my prep my feet got fractured. Since I’m not a quitter, I started going to the gym after 2 days with my plaster on. I still remember the looks I used to get by then.

  1. What do you suggest to people who find it too difficult to get through what they want?

Nothing comes easy in life and there are no shortcuts either. Working hard and being patient is the main key. Sooner or later, eventually your hard work will pay off.

  1. What are some very fewer known facts about you?

 I have a degree in MBA and also worked as a photographer. I was also A VFX Compositor.