How Azaraiah Kolluri went from courier boy to celebrity fitness trainer is #lifegoals

Fitness is receiving a brand new wave of much-needed attention, thanks to the recent launch of Fit India Movement. It was mere coincidence that about a week before the movement was announced by PM Narendra Modi, another warrior of the cause of both fitness and nutrition had already started on this path to make a difference in his own way.

Azaraiah Kolluri, personal fitness coach, celebrity trainer and Founder of Azzu's Gym, spent a few hours with the children of Rainbow Homes to talk to them about the importance of exercise and eating right. "I wanted to reach out to specific people, mainly children from orphanages and government schools, who need it the most," explains Azaraiah. But why would a celebrity trainer, who has worked with the likes of Ali Rezza of the Bigg Boss Telugu fame, Mayor Bonthu Rammohan Rao, singer Yalamanchili Revanth and more, feel the need to take a step in this direction? "I gained fame, yes, but I was still not 100 per cent happy with my work. I felt my knowledge could be put to more use," he introspects.

Let's stretch: Azaraiah taking the session at Rainbow Homes | (Pic: Azaraiah Kolluri) 

With 84 young girls in the audience, the 29-year-old appraised them about basic exercises which could help with flexibility. Squats, push ups, planks, burpees, jogging and so on were part of the agenda. "The idea was to utilise one's own body weight, sans any equipment, so that the children can carry out these exercises when they are on their own as well," says the trainer who has over 10 years of experience. He emphasised on eating right and eating at the right time. "I even met with the heads of Rainbow Homes to offer them suggestions. Instead of loading up on the pulses, I suggested that more green and leafy vegetables be added to their diet," he explains. 

"People believe in consulting the doctor more than a nutritionist or a trainer. I want to change that," says Azaraiah 

Azaraiah also regaled the young girls with his own story, which is nothing short of inspirational. After losing his father when he was just one, Azaraiah saw his mother struggle through every turmoil. He himself took up several odd jobs like in welding shops, kirana stores, mobile repairing shops, courier services and more. When an interest in physical fitness was sparked, he went about acquiring certifications from American Sports and Fitness Association, International Sports Science Association and many more.

And the recent project he has taken up also holds a special place in the heart of this fitness freak. He is rearing to go and is willing to disseminate his knowledge to those who need it for free. "To face the kind of hardships and pressures these underprivileged children go to, they need to be both physically and mentally fit. The correct diet and fitness can help one cope with," says the youngster from Hyderabad who wants to help them deal with all of life's challenges with a fit body and mind.   

What’s going wrong?
As per Azaraiah, this is what we are doing wrong when it comes to our health:

- Starving oneself and switching one’s diet from Indian to continental in a bid to cut down carbs are wrong diet practices

- There are people who consume one litre of water first thing in the morning. Actually, one shouldn't consume more than 200 ml of water at one go

- Eat your first meal within an hour of getting up

- Eat something every three hours

In a class: Azaraiah talking to children at Rainbow Homes | (Pic: Azaraiah Kolluri)