Madhukar Talwalkar, owner of the iconic Talwalkar gym, recently celebrated his 87th birthday. Here, he shares his mantras on leading a disciplined life that has helped him keep free of disease. And his health and fitness tips for the nation. In his conversation with Shivani Maheshwari.
Introduction
It is a pleasure to meet Mr Talwalkar. No, not because he is the owner of India’s largest chain of gymnasiums and health clubs, but because of his age-defying frame and physique. At 87, his body is remarkably toned and muscular fit enough to challenge a man half his age. As we meet for coffee, he walks with a steady pace, (no walking stick) he sits straight with no slouch or hunch. He smiles generously displaying a fine set of teeth (all original, no dentures). His eyes twinkle (no spectacles) as he watches the young crowd pour into his favourite café. People do not recognise him, as he is not on magazine covers nor is he a poster boy. He may be a billionaire and fitness maharaja, but he prefers to be understated. He talks enthusiastically about his life’s journey, giving ample credit to this father, the struggles and successes and the importance of discipline and positive outlook. Read his trailblazing journey.
Could you tell us a bit about yourself?
My full name is Madhukar Vishnu Talwalkar. My father, Vishnu, was an accomplished athlete, wrestler, gymnast and a Mallakhamb expert in Sangli district, Maharashtra. He started the first gym in 1932, the Ramkrishna Vyayam Mandir or Ramkrishna Physical Cultural Institute. I was hesitant to take on his mantle of body building. Therefore, I became a textile engineer from VJTI and joined Khatau Mills. But after some years, I began getting restless. My mind kept veering to my father’s gym. The thought of exercise and fitness began to interest me. I dreamt of starting my own gym. But as I did not have the money, I joined my father’s gym as instructor.
It was only in 1962, that I was able to set up my own gym. I decided to call it the Talwalkar Gym after our family name. So actually it was my father who established the first gymnasium, not me. He was the pioneer.
As a fitness enthusiast, what are your activities during the day?
I work all day. I sleep for 7 hours. I am constantly thinking of designing, improving and bettering the exercise equipment and facilities in the gym. Since I am an engineer, it is my hobby to look at machines and equipment closely. I am thinking about fitness all the time, not for myself, but how I can get the whole nation to be passionate about health. Since the last three decades, I have been reading books and magazines only on fitness and health. My library has a huge collection of books on exercises. I try and understand the capability of body and mind in building strength and physical fitness. Over the last three decades, exercise and fitness has become my obsession.
What do you do to maintain your health and keep your body in good shape?
I think I exercise adequately and eat properly. I believe in weight training. Most of my exercises consist of weight training. According to me coaching the mind and having a disciplined diet is more important than even exercise. If your body-mind-soul do not work harmoniously, then your health gets affected adversely. You have to be very positive in life. Even in times of crisis or adversity, if you are positive - you can survive. I have got a gym in my house. I exercise for 45 minutes everyday. It is important to change and vary your exercises to break the monotony.
I have no stomach problem, no acidity, no constipation, no diabetes, no blood pressure. No back pain, knee pain. No heart problem. My head never pains. I take no medicines. I don’t have any health problem. Taking my rounds in the gym, exercising and training and talking to my staff is like visiting a temple for me.
As a pioneer of health and fitness in India, what would you say is your biggest contribution?
Talwalkars has played a huge role in building fitness in India. I will give you an example of the extent of our presence on the subconscious. In 1992, I had a chance to meet J R D Tata. He invited me for coffee. I told him I never drink coffee. Then he told me that the Talwalkars have played a prime role in building the fitness of the country. He added that although he had never visited a Talwalkar gym, but he had been hearing the Talwalkar name for years. He said that that he does light exercises at home. And many times, while exercising, the Talwalkar name comes to mind. Like the first name associated with films is Amitabh Bachchan, or with cricket Sachin Tendulkar. Similarly we are the first name in fitness. People may not have never exercised or visited Talwalkar, but they are aware about us. The fitness ethos in the country is built by us.
What are the main nutrients in your diet?
I take a lot of care of my stomach. You have to ask and listen to your body about what is good and what is not good for you. I could have six meals a day or be content be just three. Depends a lot on my body speak.
But by and large, I always have breakfast, lunch and light dinner throughout the year.
- Breakfast - I never miss my breakfast. For breakfast I have two or three eggs. It could be ant boiled egg or omelette or any other preparation. But I take mostly boiled egg. I have some Indian breakfast like poha. Then I have a glass of juice. I take one multivitamin capsule with that. Then for three and half hours I will not touch anything. My wife gets agitated by the strict discipline.
- Lunch - I am a vegetarian. So I take two rotis, paneer, dal, vegetables, little bit of rice, raita. Ever meal I have to have protein. I don’t take anything in between.
- Evening - Again in the evening I take four eggs. This is the easiest protein for digestion. It is the best protein in the world. I don’t take any protein supplements. For the last 20 years, I have been taking about six to eight eggs daily. I concentrate on protein. Carbohydrates I get from rice and chapatti. Vitamins I get from tomatoes, salads and all other vegetables. You should eat with purpose. The food should be well cooked and well arranged.
- Dinner – Soups and salads or something light.
What would you recommend to the new generation, as far as food is concerned?
I would appeal to them to be physically active, play games, and love their body. Life expectancy can increase if you change your food habit, exercise - it may be as little as 20 minutes daily. But it should done with discipline every day.
What would you say is the best exercise to start with?
- For young age up to 16, they should not do heavy exercises, because their bones and joints are still developing. They should play more games.
- After 16/17 they should go to the gym to develop a strong body.
- I would advise that people above the age of 50 should keep small dumbbells at home for strengthening the arms and legs.
Would you have any statistics to indicate how many people visit the gym in India?
You will be surprised to know that only 0.06 per cent Indians go to the gym. Another 0.06 play games, walk and do other exercises. In Bombay, 2 to 3 per cent of people go the gym, 2 to 3 per cent people play games.
What is unique about you as far as fitness is concerned which the younger generation must adopt?
Again I would repeat that I love my body. It is my job, my responsibility to take care of it as long as I live.
What is your dream?
Now, at age 87, I want to be richest person in the fitness industry; richest, in the sense, the best bodied person.
