Puja G Talukdar
On Revolution Of Fitness With Revolve
Puja G Talukdar is an entrepreneur, fitness enthusiast, and former model and actress, known for founding Revolve, a revolutionary fitness studio in Mumbai. Her journey began with winning beauty pageants, which led her to acting and modeling.
Passionate about holistic wellness, Puja established Revolve to offer diverse fitness routines like spin, barre, mat Pilates, and aerial yoga under one roof. She emphasizes community, mental health, and enjoyment in fitness. Committed to spreading joy and wellness, she envisions expanding Revolve across Asia and supports animal welfare through her philanthropic efforts.
Women Fitness India talks about her journey, fitness and wellness, catch her exclusively on our July cover story.
Talk about your pageant story and your journey to winning the title of Miss Universe India.
Oh Wow…It was a magical moment. I had so much determination to get the crown, and it was such an important moment for me…. when I got crowned, I screamed (in my head) YES I DID IT! It was self-acknowledgment that with the right effort and focus, nothing is out of reach.
You know, everyone doesn’t understand just how much goes into preparation and training just to get into the Miss India contest. If I remember correctly, from the more than ten thousand entries from each state, they only picked 30 contestants for the final contest.
After winning Miss India, I had 15 days to be trained to go represent my country in Mexico. Representing your country on a global stage is next-level intimidating….I was aware that everything I said and did, could lead to impressions being formed on my country. So I had to be on the top of my game. I was very proud and honored to have the opportunity, and I honestly, gave it my best shot and 100% of my effort. In retrospect it was the best time of my life and the achievement I am most proud of – I was able to make my mother and my country proud… we rarely come across such opportunities.
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I Joined Equinox Club Where First Time I Did Soul Cycle Class
Talk about your love for furry friends and
investment in angel for animals.
Animals to me are my Ikigai – my reason to live. I feel my purpose is to do the utmost that I can, to help as many animals as I can. Helping animals has given me immense satisfaction,
fulfillment, and joy. With every day, I feel that I want to do more… I hope I can magnify my impact. I’m honored to be supporting angels
for animals in Goa. They are an NGO and an animal clinic where they help all needy animals and feed neuter and spay them.
Charlie Chaplin is known for saying, “He who feeds a hungry animal feeds his soul” – this is so true. I have a family of six dogs and 40 cats around Bandra that I care for.. to feed them and
take care of them when they are hurt, brings me peace. I sleep a happy girl.
What inspired you to venture into the fitness industry and establish
Revolve?
It all started in 2019 when I was studying in New York at The Lee
Strasberg Theater and Acting School I joined Equinox club where first time I did Soul Cycle class and I completely fell in love with the cardio and the fun music it was just so liberating once I got back to India COVID happened and how much I missed my spinning classes I was determined to have my place where I provide people cardio and sense of community where we all fit and happy and the joy of working together just let go and enjoy the revolve and evolve That’s how the name established The evolution of fitness Revolve
How does your passion for fitness influence the ethos of Revolve?
Great question I stay in the city where I struggled to find one place where I get barre, spin, mat pilates and aerial yoga and boxing, sound bath healing yoga, and meditation These are the fitness routines I have personally sworn by and keep my body and mental health at ease, so I thought of combining them into one studio where you don’t have to struggle and find and go to different places Hence my Revolve The Revolution of fitness.
How can one embody the values and mission of Revolve in ones daily life?
By understanding to promise yourself health and happiness and take one hour for yourself and your mental health.
We do not promise anyone weight loss nor do we believe in labeling people fit or unfit We believe in community to be aware its important to take time out for yourself and to just sweat out All your problems and all your mental stress just let go and enjoy your fantastic class and automatically you will glow and be healthy it simple science
What challenges did you face in launching and growing Revolve, and how did she overcome them?
As I mentioned we are very new every day is a challenge and we thrive on it cause what’s the fun if everything is so easy? For
now, we spreading the joy of spin it’s a new concept so it’s taking people to understand the benefits of cardio spinning but
gradually I’m sure we will help people understand how fun and healthy spinning and cardio is for mental health and heart
and overall well being.
Being on the cover of Women Fitness India, How do you use your platform to advocate for these causes, and what message would you like to convey to women who may struggle with self-confidence and body image issues?
It’s an honor and thank you for choosing me. The reason I started my spinning studio, Revolve, is because I believe it can play an important part in building self-confidence and empowerment for individuals. I also believe that Revolve’s approach to fitness, which is a community-based experience, can be a fun and social journey towards a healthier life. This is largely missing in most fitness boutiques in the city, and I’m excited for Revolve to step into this gap.
At Revolve, we are not promising weight-loss – as the primary goal. Revolve is a way of life. Revolve is a fun workout – we’re providing a community experience for a fun workout, a fun journey to a life where fitness is a part of the day-to-day because it’s ingrained in your social life. We hope that our members will love the experience and focus on loving themselves. I meet all the members to start them on their journey. Often people are nervous about starting a fitness journey, and nervous about
judgment – I try to comfort them on this. I’m careful to have trainers who are empathetic and ‘cheer-leaders’ for everyone’s journey. It also helps that the workout experience is unique – it’s spinning, with music you can enjoy and dance to, but in a dark
room, where no one is judging you.
My message to women who may struggle with body issues and self-confidence is to be gentle with yourself – this is not a competition with other people; your only competition is yourself, and the goal is to feel a little better about yourself each day. I have learned with experience that it’s so easy to want what others have – better bodies, more fame… it’s never-ending, and more importantly not fulfilling.
A more sustainable and fulfilling journey is self-growth but with an effort to grow. This is a path to being happier with yourself, to just loving yourself and looking ahead. I want our clients to be more confident in their skin… that feels beautiful and we hope Revolve can be part of that journey.
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What Is A Spin Class? Types and Benefits, Explained By An Instructor.
Our in-house Spin Instructor Sufiyan takes you through everything you need to know.
What Is A Spin Class?
A spin class, also known as a spinning class, involves joining a group
of people, jumping on a stationary bike, and cycling indoors.
Spinning is an excellent way for many people to exercise together
at their own pace and intensity.
The instructor will run through a profile that might simulate riding a
bike up a mountain or even cycling in a peloton on flatlands. They
will run through different intensity levels and use many different
cadences to challenge you and keep the workout dynamic
How Long Is A Spin Class?
Spin classes can last anywhere from 20 minutes all the way up to 90 minutes. In modern
times, you don’t even have to go to a spin studio to train, but bikes such as the Peloton
mean you can do it from your own home.
What Is A Spin Class Bike?
Spinning and indoor cycling are done on what is called a spin bike.
Each spin bike will have a flywheel on the front or rear, a unique set of spin handlebars,
typically bullhorn style, and a resistance adjustment dial. It will offer a huge amount of
adjustment on the seat and handlebars to suit various riders.
Spin bikes come in two different types. You have fiction, which creates resistance on the
flywheel with a brake pad, and frictionless, which uses magnets to create resistance for the
rider.
Spin Bike Or Exercise Bike
Understanding the difference between a spinning bike and an exercise bike is
important. A spinning bike is more aggressive with a slim saddle, a large
flywheel, and clip-on pedals, but most importantly, it gives you the ability to
stand while you are riding.
An exercise bike is found in a gym and is only used for sitting down. It generally
has a wide, comfortable saddle, a small flywheel, and an upright riding
position. Trying to stand on an exercise bike will be very uncomfortable.
Different Types Of Spinning Classes
When it comes to spinning and indoor cycling, many classes often run in a
studio. Here are all the classes I came across in my years as a participant and
instructor.
Classic Spin Class
A classic spin class has a mix of all the elements of cycling. You have sprints, climbs,
intervals, sitting, standing, and rest periods to keep you enjoying every moment on the
bike. The beauty of a session like this is you never know what’s coming next unless the
instructor tells you.
Interval Spin Class
An interval class is typically a lot of high-paced work mixed with rest. It could be two
minutes of maximum effort followed by two minutes of rest, repeated again and again.
You also have high-intensity interval training, which is a short session with lots of hard
effort and very little rest.
Endurance Spin Class
An endurance spin class is where the intensity of the class will typically be moderate
throughout and will stay consistent. This could be a warm-up, 50 minutes at moderate
intensity, and a cool-down.
Dynamic Spin Class
A dynamic spinning class is when you’re not just cycling but moving around the bike a little
more. You might find yourself hovering over the seat, bouncing up and down on the
handlebars, or even pedaling backward. It is commonly taught but not always
recommended by instructors.
Other Types Of Spin Classes
There are many other types of classes, such as recovery classes, beginner classes, power
classes with power meter bikes, and I have even seen no seat classes, which is ridiculous.
7 Key Benefits Of Spinning
#1: Fitness Improvement
Spinning classes come with a lot of great benefits. Here’s why we highly recommend getting
yourself one to give it a try.
If you want to improve your cardiovascular health, then a spin class is not only a great cardio
workout but also helps you build muscular strength and endurance. You can make a big
difference to your fitness for not much time required on the bike.
You’ll get a great full-body workout, particularly on the glutes, hamstrings, and quads.
#2: High-Calorie Burn
Is spin class good for losing weight?
The next point to mention is calorie burn. Spinning can burn anywhere from 300 to 800 calories an
hour, and for some people, that’s over a third of your daily allowance. If you have a weight loss
goal, the bike could be the key to success.
#3: Low-Impact And Recovery
Spinning is not only a great way to stay in shape but also is a very low-impact form of exercise. This
means you are not digging into your knees as if you were running and generally have short
recovery, meaning you can train more regularly.
#4: It Suits All Abilities
Do you need to be an experienced cyclist to try spinning?
When it comes to spinning, you each have your own bike and control your own resistance. You
could be a beginner and be cycling next to a professional cyclist and still be getting a similar
experience.
Spin is accessible for all fitness goals and fitness levels.
#5: It’s Fun
Going to a spin class is a lot of fun. The music is
pumping, the instructors are giving you
direction, and you’re in a group of people
pushing toward the same goal. It’s an exciting
feeling with all the endorphins flowing through
your body.
#6: It’s Social
Another great benefit of spinning is that it’s
very social. If you go to a class, you are thrown
into a situation where you can speak to many
other spinners, and that’s a great way to build
friendships with like-minded people.
Top Tips For Your First Spin Session
Your first spin class can be exciting but very nerve-racking at the same time.
Here are some top first time tips from a long-time spinner and an instructor.
Here’s What To Take
I recommend when going to a spin class to take:
- Water
- Towel
- Fitness Clothing
- Good Supportive Shoes
- A Good Hard Working Attitude
A Final Note
Is a spin class a good workout?
100%! Spin classes are a great way to stay in
shape and a lot of fun.
As a participant and instructor, I highly recommend trying a few to see what you
think and if it’s the exercise for you. The benefits are amazing, and you will make
some great new friends.
For more check out our IG page for a lot more fun and information –
https://www.instagram.com/revolve.india/