Mannat Khanna is a popular fitness model and entrepreneur whose journey from a passionate dancer to a celebrated fitness icon has inspired many. Her dedication to health, fitness, and personal growth has made her a prominent figure in the industry. This interview
delves into Mannat's background, her approach to maintaining peak physical condition, the balance between her professional and personal life, and her advice for aspiring fitness models.
Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got into fitness modeling?
After topping my 12th board exams, I wanted to move out of my city for further education. Unfortunately, things didn’t work out, and I couldn’t move. I was shattered but knew I needed to pick myself up. So, I gave direction to my passion for dance by setting up a dance and
Zumba studio called Oomph. My love for modeling led me to participate in and win Femina Miss India. Gradually, my passion started turning into my profession, and I was constantly traveling for work.
How do you tailor your workouts to ensure you are in peak condition for a photoshoot or competition?
Consistency is the key. Whether it’s for a competition, a shoot, or just a regular day, I tailor my workouts almost the same way. I don’t pressure myself to work out more strenuously for special occasions. This approach helps me stay balanced and avoid burnout.
How do you balance your professional life with personal commitments?
Personal commitments do take a setback at times due to my professional life, but I guess the people around me understand it and support my passion for work. It’s a constant juggling act, but with understanding and support, it becomes manageable.
What advice would you give to aspiring fitness models looking to break into the industry?
In routine, fitness is all fun and exciting, but once it becomes your profession, it can become a trigger for anxiety and stress. To avoid this, take your fitness journey as you would in your daily life. Don’t over-stress about it, or it will no longer be fun but a tiring task. Stay
consistent, enjoy the process, and maintain a healthy balance.
How has social media impacted your career as a fitness model? Do you have any tips for building and maintaining a strong personal brand online?
I have received a lot of support and encouragement from social media. My audience, their comments (good or bad), inspire me to create interesting workout videos. This constant sense of creativity while working out makes it more enjoyable. As far as maintaining a brand
name goes, I would say don’t take too long a break from what your audience enjoys. Keep posting and updating them regularly about your fitness regime and innovations. This keeps them engaged and invested in your journey.
How do you continue to grow and evolve in your career? Are there any future goals or projects you are excited about?
My career is such that to sustain, one must grow and evolve continuously. There is no final level of achievement; with so much competition and talent around, you grow and learn every single day. One moment you may feel you have given your best, and the next moment, you
see someone or something better, pushing you to innovate or learn. Yes, there are a few projects coming up that I am excited about, but I am not allowed to disclose them yet. Just keeping my fingers crossed and hoping all goes well. I will let you all know super soon.
