No gym needed. Deepika Padukone's trainer shares 3 fitness rules for healthy weight loss

If you’ve ever admired Deepika Padukone’s posture, Alia Bhatt’s core strength, or Katrina Kaif’s sculpted frame, chances are, Yasmin Karachiwala has had something to do with it. One of India’s most sought-after celebrity fitness experts, Karachiwala, completed over 30 years in the fitness industry last year. Marking the milestone, she took to Instagram to share the three biggest lessons she has learned along her journey, which is quite useful for those who is thinking of losing weight.

Known as India’s first BASI-certified Pilates instructor, Yasmin’s post was both reflective and practical. She began her career in the early 1990s when fitness wasn’t yet the social media-driven culture it is today. Over the decades, she’s seen trends come and go, from aerobics and crash diets to functional training and mindful workouts. Through it all, her approach has remained steady: build a strong foundation, celebrate progress, and honour recovery.

1. Foundation is key
Yasmin’s first takeaway is simple yet profound: “Master the basics before jumping into advanced workouts.” She explains that true strength and form come from understanding one’s body and technique. And, most of the exercises can be done at home, you just need a mat. Without a solid foundation, even the fanciest exercise routines can cause injuries or yield poor results. For beginners, that means focusing on posture, breath, and body awareness before attempting complex moves.

2. Celebrate progress, not perfection
In her second insight, Yasmin urges people to shift their mindset from chasing perfection to appreciating progress. “Every step forward counts, no matter how small,” she shared in her post. It’s a reminder that sustainable fitness isn’t about comparison — it’s about consistency. Whether you’re lifting heavier weights or simply showing up for your workout on a bad day, it’s all progress worth celebrating.

3. Recovery matters
Her final rule might surprise those who believe in non-stop hustle. “Rest days aren’t just breaks; they’re essential for progress,” Yasmin noted. She emphasises that muscles grow and repair during rest, not during constant strain. In her training philosophy, recovery includes sleep, stretching, nutrition, and even mental relaxation. Without it, motivation dips and burnout follows.


Over three decades, Yasmin Karachiwala has built more than celebrity bodies; she’s built a legacy of mindful movement and discipline. Her message to anyone beginning their fitness journey is clear: start small, stay consistent, and listen to your body. Because, as she says, fitness isn’t a phase, it’s a lifelong relationship with yourself.